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Needing some help here to diagnose what might be the issue for frequent running of an air compressor for our dry sprinkler system.
Our dry system compressor runs every 5 minutes for about 15 seconds. The air gauges on the system never shows any change but the gauge on the compressor tank shows a loss of 15 pounds of air pressure on a 60 psi tank. The compressor goes on when the tank gauge reaches 42 pounds and pumps up to 56 pounds; the compressor stays on for 15 seconds then kicks off. Any advice? Are the gauges reading normally? Where should I start here? Thanks in advance. Sent in anonymously for discussion. Click Title to View | Submit Your Question | Subscribe
12 Comments
Glenn Berger
6/19/2023 08:13:58 am
There is a very small leak in the system. Most likely at the check valve. Not much help, I know.
Taj
6/20/2023 07:08:35 pm
Agreed. This is is one of the most common issues found in the field for compressor running frequently for a leak from the compressor to the trim. If Snoop does not find an air leak in the trim line, the air regulator on the air maintenance device, etc. There is likely a leak on the check valve (restricted orifice type check) following your air maintenance device. 6/19/2023 08:18:37 am
I would make sure the tank on your compressor isn't full of water. There's a drain cock on the bottom side of the tank and usually when they run that way, it's full of water. If it's not that, then you may have a pressure switch going bad. 6/19/2023 08:24:09 am
I agree with the other comments as well, it could be a small leak near the valve.
Matt Virtue
6/19/2023 08:18:38 am
There is a leak in the trim from the compressor to the system. Maybe in the air maintenance device. Use soapy water to find the leak
David Kendrick
6/19/2023 08:24:22 am
Before the leak(s) is found and repaired I would time the interval between start and stop on the air compressor.
Dan Wilder
6/19/2023 08:31:12 am
You can get some super bubble (or just Dawn soap) and check the joints on all the air side piping at the riser.
gary lagnese
6/19/2023 08:31:40 am
You have a leak in you compressor to system piping. The dry pipe system is holding air. from your air compressor pressure switch to the dry system air inlet check valve there is a leak.
Pete H
6/19/2023 08:43:19 am
To echo everyone else: It sounds like a leak. You could try a run with foamy soapy water or if you have infinite budget, Sonavu has a neat "Advanced Airborne Inspection with Ultrasound" that does some neat leak detection on a dry system.
Joe F
6/19/2023 10:24:59 am
As the above mentioned double check any possible leak on the Dry Valve Trim with soapy water. Do you have an air maintenance device? If so they have a very small orifice. The system could be loosing air, and once the tank pressure is low enough the compressor starts and fills the tank to the shut off pressure, then the system slowly drains the tank again, and again. Try opening up your bypass valve and monitor to see if the system itself is loosing pressure. Don't keep the bypass open to fix the cyclying problem. The air maintenance device is installed to restrict the CFM of air. Good luck!
Jesse
6/19/2023 03:08:28 pm
Agree with the above comments. You have a small leak somewhere.
Brian Gerdwagen
6/21/2023 02:49:26 am
Use a Fluke ii900 series camera. I have used one before, and while expensive, even to rent, it saves so much time and pinpoints the exact point of every leak in the system. Leave a Reply. |
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