A-35 Certificate of Fitness

A FDNY permit is required when for Air compressor.

If a compressor is used to compress any nonflammable, corrosive or oxidizing gas, including air to a pressure exceeding 100 psi.

When is a permit not required fir air compressors?

Outdoor air compressing (other than a fair or festival) is not required a FDNY permit.

Who issues the permits.

There permits are issued by the bureau of Fire Prevention.

What is an air compressor?

It takes the air in a room and forces it into a container under pressure. The more air forced into the container the greater the air pressure that builds up inside. The compressed air can be discharged from the container at a controlled rate.

What is an air compressor used for?

It is used to power a variety of tools and machinery. For example, compressed air is used to power pneumatic wrenches and lifts in automobile service stations. Compressed air is also used for heavy machinery and paint spray booths industrial plants.

What are the different types of air compressors.

The different types include the reciprocating, centrifugal, rotary and solar compressors. The only real difference between these compressors is the way in which they compress air.

What is the most commonly used air compressor?

The reciprocating air compressor.

What is another name for air compressors?

Air pumps.

What are the different ways to power air compressors?

They can be powered by electric motors, internal combustion engines or steam turbines.

What is the most common power source for air compressors?

An electric motor.

Why is an air compressor considered dangerous?

Flammable gases are usually heavier than air and fall to the floor before spreading outward. The flammable gases are easily ignited by sparks and high temperatures. They may be ignited by the heat generated by the air compressor. If the flammable gases are ignited inside the compressor it will cause an explosion l.

What are the steps taken to make sure no flammable gases are drawn into the air compressor?

By raising the air compressor at least 5 feet above ground level. The raised air compressor is less likely to ignite the flammable gases.

How to meet the height requirement?

It can be done in several ways; for example, the compressor may be place on a shelf or a bench. Or the air receiver tank may be turned and stood on end. Then the air compressor is bolted to the top of the air receiver l.

How is an air compressor driven?

The entire unit is driven by an electric motor. This motor then activated a series of drive belts. The belts on the air compressor serve to power the moving parts of the unit. The belts are very similar to the belts that drive the power steering and alternator in a automobile.

Where the air gets compressed in an air compressor?

The air is compressed in a compression chamber. The compression chamber consists of a piston inside a cylinder.

How is air drawn into the cylinder?

The air is drawn in through an intake valve. The intake valve automatically opens when the piston moves downward.

When does the piston changes direction?

When the piston reaches the bottom for the cylinder it changes direction.

What stops the air form escaping?

As the piston moves upward the intake valve is automatically closed. The closed intake valve prevents the air from escaping the cylinder.

What compresses the air in an air compressor?

The upward stroke of the piston compresses the air. When air pressure reaches a certain level, it forces open a discharge valve.

What type of discharge valve is an air compressor?

The discharge valve is a spring loaded valve.

What is an air receiver?

The compressed air in an air compressor is released into the air receiver, also called an air tank. The compressed air is taken from the air receiver when it is needed to supply the tools or machinery.

What is an single stage air compressor?

Ordinarily an air compressor with one cylinder and one piston is called a single stage air compressor. However there are air compressors with multiple pistons and cylinders that are single stage. This is because each cylinder discharges directly into the air receiver.

What is a multi-stage compressor?

Air compressors with more than one piston and cylinder are called multi-stage. Each cylinder will increase the pressure of the air by taking air from the discharge side of of the previous cylinder and increasing the pressure to a new level. Once it reaches the last cylinder the air is discharged into the receiver.

What is the function of an intercooler?

When air is compressed it becomes heated. An intercooler cools the air as it travels between the compression stages.

What system is used when there is a need for air under very high pressure?

The system used is where multiple air compressors are connected. The air is drawn into the first compressor and then forced into the second compressor, the second compressor then forces the compressed air into the next compressor. This occurs until the air has passed through all of the connected compressors. Each time the air passes through a compressor the pressure is increased. And the air is finally forced into a container.

What is an unloading valve and different types?

It allows the air to escape from the compression chamber when there is a strain on the electrical motor. In most air compressors the unloading a valve operates automatically, however in older compressors, it may need to be manually operated.

What else activate the unloading valve?

When the compressor stops after reaching cut out pressure, it commonly also activated the unloading valve.

What is a check valve and it's function ?

It ensures that compressed air does not flow out when the unloading valve activates. A check valve prevents the back-flow of air from the tank to the compressor head.

Where is an air compressor tank check valve installed and why?

It must be installed between the air compressor head air line and the unloading valve air line. If this was not accomplished air would escape as soon as the the air compressor stopped and the unloading valve opened.

What is the function of a pressure gauge in a compression unit?

A pressure gauge is installed as part of the compression unit to indicate the pressure inside the air receiver.

Why is the pressure reading on the pressure gauge important?

The pressure inside the air receiver must never exceed the manufacturer's recommendations. If the pressure is greater than the recommended level it may cause an explosion.

What controls the pressure in the air receiver?

It is controlled by the pressure switch. Simply turn the switch in the desired direct to adjust the pressure.

What are pressure relief valves?

These valves allow air to escape from the system when the pressure is too great. The valves operate automatically and can be operated manually by pulling in the ring attached to the pressure relief valves.

What is the function of the air filter on a air intake valve?

The filter prevents dust from being drawn into the compression cylinder. If dust enters the compressor it may result in a fire inside the cylinder.

What is a filter a moisture separator assembly (FMSA)

It is installed between the air compressor and the air receiver. It removes the moisture and dust from the compressed air before in enters the air receiver.

What is a drain cock?

It is used to drain the water and dirt from FMSA.