When is an FDNY permit required for a compressor? - AnswerIf it is used to compress
any nonflammable, corrosive or oxidizing gas including air to a pressure exceeding 100
psi. Includes a fair or festival.
/.When is a permit not required? Who issues this permit? - AnswerOutdoor air
compressing. Bureau of fire prevention.
/.Different types of air compressors - AnswerReciprocating, centrifugal, rotary, and
scroll. Most common is reciprocating. Difference is the way in which they compress the
air.
/.How can air compressors be powered? - AnswerElectric motor (most common),
internal combustion engines, or steam turbines.
/.Flammable gases - AnswerHeavier than air and falls to the floor and spreads outward.
Easily ignited by sparks and high temps. If inside compressor can cause explosion.
/.How far must air compressor be from ground to avoid flammable gases? Where? -
Answer5 feet on a shelf or bench or on top of the air receiver tank.
/.How does the air compressor operate? - AnswerMotor activates drive belts then belts
serve power to moving parts of unit.
/.What happens in the compression chamber? - AnswerThere is a piston in a cylinder.
The piston moves up and down and when it moves down it draws in air through intake
valve. Intake valve closes when it is up and prevents air from escaping the cylinder
which compresses the air.
/.What does the discharge valve do? - AnswerOpens when pressure reaches a certain
level and is spring loaded. When it opens the compressed air is released into air
receiver sometimes called air tank.
/.Difference between single and multi stage compressors? - AnswerMulti stage have
levels of pressure separated by an intercooler that cools the air as it travels.
/.Unloading valve safety component - AnswerAllows air to escape from compression
chamber when there is a strain on the motor usually when first started. Usually operates
automatically but some old ones need to be manual and you should use instruction
manual.
/.Check valve safety component - AnswerEnsures air does not flow out when unloading
valve activates. Prevents backflow of air to the compressor head.