Different safety features on an air compressor are

Relief valve:
Fitted after every stage to release excess pressure developed inside it. The setting of the lifting
pressure increases after every ascending stage. Normally fitted between 1st stage and intercooler
and 2nd stage aftercooler.
Bursting disc:

A bursting disc is a copper disc provided at the air cooler of the compressor. It is a safety disc
which bursts when the pressure exceeds over the pre-determined value due to leaky air tubes of
the cooler (intercooler or aftercooler).
Fusible plug:
Generally located on the discharge side of the compressor, it fuses if the air temperature is higher
than the operational temperature. The fusible plug is made up of material which melts at high
temperature.
Lube Oil low pressure alarm and trip:
If the lube oil pressure goes lower than the normal, the alarm is sounded followed by a cut out
trip signal to avoid damage to bearings and crank shaft.
Water high temperature trip:
If the intercoolers are choked or the flow of water is less, then the air compressor will get over
heated. To avoid this situation high water temperature trip is activated which cut offs the
compressor.
Water no-flow trip:
If the attached pump is not working or the flow of water inside the intercooler is not enough to
cool the compressor then moving part inside the compressor will get seized due to overheating. A
no flow trip is provided which continuously monitor the flow of water and trips the compressor
when there is none.
Motor Overload trip:
If the current taken by motor during running or starting is very high then there is a possibility of
damage to the motor. An overload trip is thus fitted to avoid such situation.
Maintenance
A compressor requires a proper planned routine maintenance for safe and efficient operation and
to avoid breakdown maintenance. Routine for maintenance depends on the manufacturers
advice given in the manual. The following are the maintenance checks that should be carried out
after the mentioned running hours.
@ 250hrs:

1) Clean air filter.

2) Check un-loader operation.
3) If belt is provided for driving cooling water pump, check its tightness.
@ 500hrs:
1) Change lube oil and clean sump.
2) Clean lube oil filter.
3) Check and renew suction and discharge valves with overhauled one.
@ 1000 hrs:
1) Crankcase inspection, main and big end bearing inspection.
2) Relief valve overhauling.
@ 4000 hrs:

1) Piston and big end bearing overhauling, piston ring renewal.

2) Intercooler cleaning.
3) Motor overhauling.
Running hour may differ from maker to maker. The above description is a rough idea for a
general maintenance of marine air compressor.
Without the supply of air, a ship will soon be termed as a dead ship. It is very important for a
marine engineer to understand the importance of the compressor; hence its the responsibility of
the engineer onboard to maintain the compressor, the air receiver and the air pipe line and the
overall system in the proper condition.