Abstract: A helical screw air compressor unit has a rotary capacity control valve, a compressor inlet throttling valve, and a pressure relief valve for venting the compressor discharge conduit. A control circuit senses pressure in the compressed air supply system downstream of the compressor and operates the capacity control valve, inlet throttling valve, and pressure relief valve in a predetermined sequence to provide an improved power consumption characteristic for variable demand compressor applications. The control circuit includes a hydraulic control valve and an actuator for operating the rotary capacity control valve to regulate compressor throughput to maintain a predetermined pressure without overpressuring the supply system during operation at conditions of reduced demand for compressed air.

Abstract: In a two-stage liquid injected helical screw gas compressor a bypass line with a check valve is provided between compressor stages for delivering compressed gas from the first stage directly to the compressed gas receiver and liquid reservoir. Bypass of gas to the reservoir at startup assures pressurization of the reservoir and early flow of liquid to the first and second stage compression chambers. As the working pressure in the second stage discharge line increases above first stage discharge pressure, the check valve closes and all flow from the first stage is conducted through the second stage compression chamber.

Abstract: A helical screw air compressor unit has a rotary capacity control valve, a compressor inlet throttling valve, and a pressure relief valve for venting the compressor discharge conduit. A control circuit senses pressure in the compressed air supply system downstream of the compressor and operates the capacity control valve, inlet throttling valve, and pressure relief valve in a predetermined sequence to provide an improved power consumption characteristic for variable demand compressor applications. The control circuit includes a hydraulic control valve and an actuator for operating the rotary capacity control valve to regulate compressor throughput to maintain a predetermined pressure without overpressuring the supply system during operation at conditions of reduced demand for compressed air.