41012.13.

51

CENTAC
Routine Maintenance and Troubleshooting

C.C.N. : 80445935
REV. : A
DATE : MARCH 2012
41012.13.51

Ingersoll Rand Company

Date of Issue: March 2012
41012.13.51

CENTAC₃ Routine Maintenance & Troubleshooting Guide

INGERSOLL-RAND₃ Air Compressors
ROUTINE START/STOP

WARNING
The unit must not be operated unless the coupling guard is in place. Failure to observe this
warning could result in personal injury to operating personnel.

CAUTION
Never attempt to restart until the compressor has completely come to rest.

Prior to starting, the operator should become familiar with the operation of the main driver.
Refer to the driver manufacturer’s instructions in the Operation Manual. The operator should
also be familiar with all the accessory and optional equipment contained on the unit.

Personnel who are unfamiliar with the compressor package should not start, operate, or
tamper with the equipment. Only fully trained personnel should be allowed to start and operate
this compressor. The following procedure is a guideline for the fully trained operator.

Starting

1. Turn on the cooling fluid to the oil cooler(s), air cooler(s), and any optional heat exchanger.
Vent the air coolers if not continuously vented.
2. Open the valve in the instrument air line to the control panel.
3. Check the seal air pressure gauge. The seal air pressure must be between 7-8 PSIG. Adjust
the seal air regulator if necessary.
4. Check the main driver and compressor oil level.
5. Turn on the electrical power to the control panel. The prelube pump should start.
6. Check the oil pressure to the compressor casing. This should be 20 PSIG (nominal).
7. Check the oil temperature. This should be 95₃ F (nominal).
8. Check to see that the inlet valve is closed and the bypass valve is open.
9. Open the isolation block valve in the discharge air line.
10. Drain residual condensate from the compressor casing by opening each condensate
trap bypass valve.
11. Drain any condensate from the air inlet piping drip leg.
12. Check the discharge pressure set point. Adjust if necessary.
13. Press the start button on the control panel.
a. Oil pressure should increase to 25-30 PSIG at 110-115₃ F.
b. The prelube pump should automatically shut off.
c. If the compressor was started in “unload” mode, it will continue to operate in this
mode until another control mode is selected.
d. If the compressor was started in an operating mode other than “unload”, the
discharge pressure will increase to the discharge pressure setpoint after the starting
time has expired.
14. Observe the oil pressure to the unit. If pressure is not within the recommended operating
range, adjust the oil pressure-sensing valve at the sump return.
15. Observe vibration levels. If excessive vibration levels exist, the unit will automatically shut
down.

Ingersoll Rand Company

Date of Issue: March 2012
41012.13.51

16. Observe the supply oil temperature to the compressor casing. The oil temperature should be
between 105-115₃ F with a water supply temperature of 95₃F or less.
17. Observe the air cooler water flow rates. Generally water flow should maintain a 25₃F water
temperature rise across the cooler. At this setting, the air temperature leaving the cooler,
with a full load, should be no more than 20₃F of the inlet water temperature.

The Centac Compressor is automatic in operation and contains the following minimum
protective devices:
M Low oil pressure shutdown.
M Oil temperature (high and low) shutdown.
M High air temperature shutdown.
M High pinion shaft vibration shutdown.
M Surge alarm.

Refer to the electrical and pneumatic schematics, and Controls section of the Operation Manual
for any additional protective devices.

Stopping

Refer to the main driver manufacturer’s instruction manual for any special instructions
when stopping the main driver.

Simply pushing the “Compressor Stop” pushbutton will stop any Centac compressor. Refer to the
electrical schematic and the Controls section for stopping units with special options.

Unload the compressor before it is shut down. This is the recommended method to allow the
operating temperature to stabilize.

The prelube oil pump will start immediately when the compressor shuts down. The prelube
pump should be permitted to operate 20 to 30 minutes after the compressor has stopped. Then
the power to the control panel may be turned off, stopping the prelube pump. Some units may
have optional equipment that automatically stops the prelube pump. Refer to the electrical
schematic and the Controls section for details on the operation of the optional equipment. Post
shutdown lubrication is required to allow internal heat to be carried away by the circulating oil.

Cooling fluid should also be permitted to flow about 20 to 30 minutes after the compressor has
stopped. Some units may have optional equipment, which automatically stops the flow. This
procedure is recommended to allow for controlled cool down of the compressor.

On turbine units, use precaution against overspeed. A sudden reduction in load on a turbine
could, under certain conditions, cause a quick increase in speed to which the governor may not
respond promptly. Governor “hang-up” can be caused by long periods of running at a fixed
speed, which may allow contaminants in the steam to form deposits and buildup around normally
movable parts, causing them to stick or bind.

To insure that the governor is fully operative, prior to unloading the Centac compressor, it is
advisable to vary the pressure controller seting while observing the motion of the governor
linkage and steam valve stem. Free movement of these items is an indication of normal
governor performance.

Ingersoll Rand Company

Date of Issue: March 2012
41012.13.51

MAINTENANCE

Maintenance Schedule

Then Centac compressor does not require constant attendance. However, a few items should be
checked periodically. Scheduled preventive maintenance and inspection is essential for continued
optimum performance and long service life of the compressor. The following are general
requirements and schedules for inspection and preventive maintenance. Since unusual service
conditions and environment affect equipment reliability, these items and schedules should be
adjusted in time and content as necessary to suit your specific requirements.

Daily and Each Start-Up

1. Check and record instrument air pressure.

2. Check the compressor reservoir oil level.
3. Check and record the oil temperature to the compressor.
4. Check and record the compressor oil supply pressure.
5. Check the main driver oil level. (Does not apply to a driver with anti-friction bearings.) Refer
to driver manufacturer’s instructions contained in the Operation Manual.
6. Check the vibration level on each stage of the compressor.
7. Check and record all interstage pressures (if available).
8. Check and record all interstage temperatures.
9. Check and record the inlet air temperature.
10. Inspect for tubing/fitting leakage.
11. Check and record the air cooler water temperature, both to and from the coolers.
12. Check and blow down the condensate traps.
13. Check and record the inlet air filter differential pressure.
14. Check to make sure the air coolers are continuously venting. Vent valves are located on top
of the casing.
15. Drain the condensate from the inlet air line drip leg. Do not open the valve with the
compressor operating.
16. Drain the condensate from the discharge header drip leg.
17. Drain the condensate from the bypass air line drip leg.
18. Drain the drip legs on any other horizontal run of air piping.
19. Check for oil leaks. Correct as necessary.
20. Inspect for gasket/O-ring leakage.
21. Check for water leaks. Correct as necessary.
22. Open the control air line drip leg valve to remove any moisture that may have collected.
23. Check the instrument air line filter. Drain any moisture, which may have collected.
24. Check and record the oil filter differential pressure. Replace the filter element as necessary.

Quarterly Maintenance

1. Inspect instrument air filter.

M Drain and clean the filter.
M Replace the element.
2. Drain control air drip leg.
3. Inspect condensate traps.
M Remove and clean. Replace parts as necessary.
M Replace trap if necessary.
4. Grease motor bearings.
M Use correct type and amount of grease.

Ingersoll Rand Company

Date of Issue: March 2012
41012.13.51

M Use hand-pump grease gun only.

M Bearings should be greased with the motor stopped.
6. Visually inspect the inlet air filter.
M Clean element.
M Replace element as necessary.
M Inspect seams of the filter for cracks for potential bypassing. Seal seams as needed.
7. Change oil mist arrestor element.
M Add oil to U-tube.
M Clean element housing.
M Inspect old element for over-crushing. Add restricting nuts to prevent over-crushing.
M Eliminate lock washer under wing nut, if installed.
M Replace seal washer under wing nut.
M Check to insure the element cover is making good contact with the element. The cover
should fit squarely on the housing.
8. Inspect the Mist Eliminator element and replace as needed. Mist Eliminator elements are a
long life item and should not require routine replacement.
9. Inspect control panel.
M Watch for: loose wiring, wrong line filter, damaged line filter, and adequate arc
suppressors.
M Clean panel fan filters and panel.
M Disconnect and tie back all unused wires from terminal strips.
M Check the vibration transmitter wires to make sure they run directly to
the microcontroller terminal strips.

Semiannual Maintenance

1. Lubricate the main driver coupling. Dry-type coupling components must be inspected.
2. Change oil filter.
3. Hydrotest the air coolers.
4. Follow the quarterly schedule.
5. Change the driver bearing lubrication on sleeve bearing units without force feed lubrication.
6. Obtain an oil sample and have it analyzed.
7. Check the control system per the procedure found in the Controls section of the
Operation Manual.
8. Check the inlet and bypass valve calibration.

Annual Maintenance

1. Inspect the main driver per the manufacturer’s instructions found in the Operation Manual.
2. Visually inspect the coupling. Align and lubricate as required. Replace any components that
have excessive wear.
3. Manually rotate bullgear to feel for roughness on models with bullgear anti-friction bearings.
4. Inspect and clean the oil reservoir suction screens.
5. Visually inspect the oil coolers tubes. Clean the water side of the oil cooler if necessary.
6. Visually inspect the zinc anodes (pencils) in the oil cooler. Replace if necessary.
7. Visually inspect the inlet throttle valve.
8. Visually inspect the bypass valve.
9. Visually inspect the discharge check valve.
10. Sample and/or change the oil.

Ingersoll Rand Company

Date of Issue: March 2012
41012.13.51

CAUTION
Servicing of the internal parts is not recommended without the presence of an Ingersoll-Rand
service supervisor. For technical assistance, please call your local Ingersoll-Rand representative.

WARNING
Develop and use a “Red Tag” procedure or similar system whereby maintenance personnel
can lock off the power switch during maintenance.

Replacement coolers, rotor assemblies, bearing, and seals are available in a variety of options:
M Exchange for factory trade-ins.
M Return the part for refurbishing.
M Return damaged parts for scrap and obtain credit toward new parts.
M Factory warranty program on all exchange parts.
M Rapid cooler cleaning and hydrotesting.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Symptom Possible Cause Corrective Action

Fail to start Failure to clear shutdown or Correct shutdown or interlock

interlock devices. condition that is indicated by
panel light

No primary power to starter. Check voltage to starter.

Check fuses.

No control panel power to Check voltage to panel/starter.

compressor control panel or Check control transformer.
starter.

Loose or corroded connection Check connections. Clean,

or defective power cables. tighten and replace as
necessary.

Defective motor starter or Troubleshoot starter

starting circuit. per manufacturer’s
recommendation.

Ineffective Prelube Pump Improper adjustment of Adjust relief valve for correct
prelube pump relief valve. pressure.

Pump not running. Troubleshoot pump starter.

Check for proper voltage.

Defective motor. Repair or replace motor.

Defective pump. Repair or replace pump.

No seal air. (Seal air interlock Establish seal air.

is optional feature.)

Ingersoll Rand Company

Date of Issue: March 2012
41012.13.51

Symptom Possible Cause Corrective Action

High Oil Temperature Low or no water flow to oil Establish correct water flow.
cooler.

Higher water temperature Take necessary steps to lower

than realized. the water supply temperature.

Improper temperature device Calibrate instrument.

setting.

Dirty or plugged oil cooler on Clean cooler tubes. Provide

water side. water strainers as necessary.

Low Oil Pressure Improper adjustment of Adjust system pressure relief

system pressure relief valve. valve for correct oil pressure.

Leaking or pinched oil line. Repair or replace oil line.

Dirty oil filter. Replace with clean filter.

Defective main oil pump. Repair or replace main oil

pump.

High Air Temperature Low or no water flow to air Establish correct water flow.
cooler.

Higher water temperature Take necessary steps to lower

than realized. the water supply temperature.

Improper temperature device Calibrate device.

setting.

Dirty or plugged air cooler on Clean water passages in

water side. cooler. Provide water
strainers as necessary.
Contact Ingersoll-Rand service
representative.

Low Seal Air Pressure Low instrument air pressure. See “Low Instrument Air
Pressure below.

Improper adjustment of seal Adjust regulator to obtain

air pressure regulator. correct seal air pressure.

Excessive bleed off valve Reduce seal air bleed off.

adjustment (if supplied).

Worn Seals. Replace seals. Consult

Ingersoll-Rand service
representative.

Ingersoll Rand Company

Date of Issue: March 2012
41012.13.51

Symptom Possible Cause Corrective Action

Low Instrument or Valve No supply pressure, pinched Establish instrument air supply
Operating Air Pressure or leaking air lines. pressure. Repair or replace air
lines.

Improper adjustment of air Adjust regulator to obtain

regulator. correct instrument air
pressure.

High Vibration Low oil temperature. Allow warm-up period for oil.

Driver to compressor Check and correct alignment

misalignment. (dowel motor feet after
alignment).

Worn coupling or spacer. Lubricate. Replace coupling

and/or spacer.

Rotor assembly unbalance due Contact Ingersoll-Rand service

to foreign matter build up. representative. Cleaning and
balance check required.

Rotor assembly unbalance due Contact Ingersoll-Rand service

to damaged components. representative. Repair or
replacement and balance
check required.

Induced vibration from driver. Balance motor rotor.

Fail to Load Mode selector switch in Turn selector switch to

UNLOAD position. Modulate or Auto-Dual
operating mode.

Low set point on pressure Adjust controller to desired

controller. operating pressure.

Bypass valve not closed or Correct improper operation of

inlet valve not open. the inlet or bypass valve.

Low System Air Compressor not loaded. See “Fail to Load” above.

Dirty inlet filter. Change filter elements.

Low surge. See “Continual Surging”

below.

Greater demand than realized. Repair ALL air leaks. Turn off
unnecessary demands.

Ingersoll Rand Company

Date of Issue: March 2012
41012.13.51

Symptom Possible Cause Corrective Action

Continual Surge (Pumping) Discharge block valve closed. Open block valve.

Dirty inlet filter. Change filter elements.

Improper adjustment of Adjust throttle limit.

throttle limit (LLR, CLL, TL).

High interstage air Establish correct water flow to

temperature. air coolers.

Higher water temperature Reduce the cooling water

than realized. temperature.

Worn or fouled aerodynamic Contact Ingersoll-Rand service

parts. representative.

Excessive Power Consumption Lower ambient temperature Reduce compressor load.

than realized. Consult Ingersoll-Rand
representative.

Low primary voltage. Consult power company.

Check power source.

Reduction in motor efficiency. Consult motor manufacturer.

Excessive load. Reduce load.

High Drive Motor Amperage Low primary voltage. Restore voltage to

specification.

High load. Reduce load.

Ingersoll Rand Company

Date of Issue: March 2012
41012.13.51

GENUINE PARTS & SERVICE

A substitute is not a replacement

Our commitment to you is unparalleled. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, Ingersoll-
Rand is ready. When you need results, Ingersoll-Rand produces.
Call (800) 247-8640.

Ingersoll-Rand is committed to serving you. If you require information, service, or parts, we are
strategically located to serve your needs. When you need support for your Centac compressor,
contact your local Ingersoll-Rand representative or call the factory direct.

INGERSOLL-RAND
Centac Aftermarket Services:

M Lubricants
M Performance Enhancements
M Control system Upgrades
M Microprocessor Controls
M ASC/ASM System Controller
M Pure Air Chemical Filters
M Cooler Cleaning and Repair Services
M Rotor Cleaning, Balancing, and Repair Services
M Remanufactured Centac Compressors
M Centrifugal Diagnostic Services CDS
M Centac Customer Training Schools

Ingersoll Rand Company

Date of Issue: March 2012