Monitoring systems for compressors: diagnostics

To protect the industrial compressors, it is necessary to have adequate regulation systems but, above all, advanced monitoring systems that are able to verify and prevent downtimes that can affect production. Before going into this topic, it is important to know how the different information of our compressors, such as pressures and temperatures, is measured. 

Resistance thermometers are usually used to measure temperatures of compressors, since resistance increases when heat rises. The measurement of compressor temperatures is therefore summarized in the variation of the resistance which is converted into a 4 – 20 mA signal. Another way to measure the temperature is through thermistors, semiconductors that can be used as temperature controllers and that are mainly used for electric motors. 

With regards to the pressure of compressors, detectors such as diaphragms are used. When the diaphragms are exposed to pressure, they receive a low pressure that is then amplified to the appropriate level of regulation; in this case we talk about resistor diaphragms. In addition to them, there are also piezoelectric diaphragms that are based on crystals where the charges that are proportional to the pressure exerted by the surface are concentrated. 

Compressor monitoring systems 

Each monitoring system must be in line with the type of compressor. Therefore, there is no default equipment able to fit every industrial compression system.  In fact, if we have systems composed of small piston compressors, the monitoring system has the task of disconnecting the motor in the event of an overload through a single device. If, on the other hand, we are dealing with very large screw compressors, for example, the necessary devices will be more than one: not only the motor cutoff device but also the devices for temperature and pressure control. 

In the most advanced monitoring systems, the compressors can be managed through a control panel that allows us to act by remote on temperature, pressure and status as soon as a warning signal is sent from the machines. A monitoring system of this type allows us to intervene promptly before the compressor stops working and goes into lockout.  Being able to use a remote-control panel gives us the possibility to create an advantage in terms of performance and efficiency. 

Riem Italy designs and uses advanced monitoring equipment capable of carrying out accurate and timely diagnostics. Our control panels for industrial compressors adopt innovative and safe technologies that place us in a high-level position in the technical assistance of this sector.