
______________________________SULLIVAN-PALATEK
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SECTION 3 - DESCRIPTION OF COMPONENTS
3.1 INTRODUCTION
SULLIVAN-PALATEK Plant Air Compressors are electric motor driven, single-stage
rotary screw type, and continuous-duty compressor. They are designed and constructed
to offer the greatest value and lowest life cycle cost of operation. The compressor
package includes: a direct-connected electric motor-driven compressor, air
intake/capacity control system, air-cooled cooling system (including a standard air-
cooled aftercooler), discharge system, instrument panel and electrical system. They are
available base mounted, with or without enclosures. These machines are intended for
indoor installation, or protected outdoor operation in moderate climates.
3.2 COMPRESSOR UNIT
All SULLIVAN-PALATEK compressors feature direct-connected, single-stage, positive
displacement, and flood-lubricated rotary screw compressor units with heavy-duty long-
life rolling element bearings. The lubricoolant fluid is injected directly into the
compressor unit and mixes with the air as the rotors compress it. The lubricoolant
lubricates the rotors, bearings and shaft seal, cools the compressor by absorbing much
of the heat of compression and acts to block slippage of compressed air through the
compressor’s internal clearances.
3.3 MOTOR
The electric motor used to power each SULLIVAN-PALATEK UD Series 125/250
horsepower compressor is a NEMA standard three phase 60 Hertz AC induction type,
ODP motor, fitted with a C-face register at the compressor drive end to assure proper
coupling alignment at all times. The main compressor motor is connectable for 230 or
460 volts. The 125/250 horsepower machines utilize a separate TEFC fan motor.
Contact the sales representative for any other requirements, such as TEFC or premium
efficiency main drive motor. It is recommended that these compressors be equipped
with either Y-D starting or a solid state soft start to limit in-rush current, rather than an
across the line starter.
3.4 INTAKE/CONTROL SYSTEM
The intake/control system consists of: an air filter, connecting rubber elbow, a
combination compressor inlet valve/reverse-flow check valve, control signal regulator
valve, blowdown valve, and control pressure transducer. (See Intake Control
Schematic.) The air filter is a multi-stage dry-type with a high efficiency
cleanable/replaceable cellulose element. The element should be cleaned periodically,
depending upon the amount of particles in the air, and replaced annually, of if a high
delta-p fault is shown. If remote air intake is desired, consult the factory for a special
intake option.
The intake valve controls the capacity or air delivery of the compressor in direct
response to the plant air system demand via a varying signal from the control regulator
valve, or an unload control signal. During periods of very low or zero air usage the inlet
valve is held shut by an air signal from the blowdown valve. This air signal
simultaneously reduces the pressure in the oil separation tank, allowing the compressor
to run unloaded with a minimum of power consumption. Upon shutdown the intake valve
checks shut to eliminate blowback.