1. The air compressor itself is dangerous
1.1 Since air has oxidizing properties, especially at higher pressures, and the conveying system has a higher flow rate, the dangers of the system include not only the danger of oxidation (heat), but also the danger of high-speed wear and friction. Since the cylinder, gas receiver, and air delivery (exhaust) pipeline of the compressor may explode due to overtemperature and overpressure, the mechanical temperature of each component of the compressor should be controlled within the allowable range.
1.2 Mixing of atomized lubricating oil or its decomposition products with compressed air may cause an explosion.
1.3 The compressor oil seal and lubrication system or the air inlet gas do not meet the requirements, allowing a large amount of oil, hydrocarbons, etc. to enter and deposit in low-lying parts of the system, such as flanges, valves, bellows, variable diameters, etc., under the action of high-pressure gas , gradually become atomized, oxidized, coked, carbonized, and decomposed, becoming potential conditions for explosion.
1.4 Humid air, irregular cleaning of the system, and alternating hot and cold operations may cause rust on the inner wall of the pipe, which will peel off under the action of high-speed gas and become a source of ignition.
1.5 Instability and surge conditions during the air compression process can cause a sudden increase in medium temperature. This is due to the local adiabatic compression of the fluid (air) in the system under sudden action.
1.6 During repair and installation work, flammable liquids such as wipes, kerosene, and gasoline fall into the cylinder, air receiver, and air duct, which may cause an explosion when the air compressor is started.
1.7 The mechanical strength of the pressure-bearing part of the compression system does not meet the standards.
1.8 The compressed air pressure exceeds the specification.
All of the above situations may lead to air compressor failure or air compressor explosion accidents.
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2. Risks of human injury caused by air compressors
2.1 The risks of harm to the human body caused by air compressors mainly include:
2.1.1 The air compressor head, oil cylinder, etc. are very hot and can easily burn people;
2.1.2 The high pressure in the air compressor gas tank may cause injury to personnel;
2.1.3 Sudden startup of the air compressor during maintenance may easily cause injuries to equipment and personnel.
In fact, the above risks to the human body all come from the characteristics of the equipment and can be avoided as long as you strictly abide by the work regulations.
2.2 There are also risks arising from misuse and lack of vigilance in the use of compressed air. For example, it is never a good idea to use compressed air to blow away dirt from your clothes or from your workplace.
2.3 Although many people know that using compressed air to clean debris or clothing can cause harm, it is still used inappropriately due to old bad habits and the easy availability of compressed air in the workplace. However, it must be remembered that using compressed air to clean objects, machines, workbenches, clothes and other things is dangerous and strong air currents or small particles in the compressed air can cause personal injury.
2.4 The compressed air pressure used by compressed air tools in the workplace is approximately 0.6 to 0.8 MPa, which is equivalent to 3 to 4 times the pressure of a fully inflated car tire. Therefore, although compressed air is a useful energy source, it can easily cause serious injuries and disasters if it is not used correctly or for the wrong purpose.
3. Air compressor explosions can cause fires
3.1 Impact damage
3.1.1 Relying on pressure, compressed air can wash away small particles of ash, but these ash can get into the eyes or scratch the skin. The possible extent of damage depends on the size, weight, shape, composition and speed of these blown particles.
3.1.2 Compressed air itself is a source of serious hazards. In extreme cases, compressed air can enter the bloodstream through skin wounds or open tissue in the body. In medicine, air bubbles in the bloodstream are like thrombus, forming a dangerous blockage of blood flow. Depending on their size, duration and location, blood clots in arteries can cause coma, paralysis or death.
3.1.3 At 40psi (about 2.7 standard air pressure) pressure, the eardrum can be blown out or cause brain damage from 4 inches (about 10cm) away from the ear. Under a pressure of as little as 12 psi (about 0.82 standard air pressure), the eyeball can be blown out of the eye socket. Compressed air can even be blown through clothing into the belly button, causing the intestines to burst. Blow straight into your mouth, compressed air can burst your lungs.
3.2 Explosion damage
Compressed gas has energy, and if it breaks, it will leak quickly, which may cause a gas explosion. When compressing a hose, the sudden rise of high-pressure air in the hose will cause the hose to bounce, causing injuries to the eyes and face of the operator.
4. Compressed air safety management requirements
4.1 Before use: Before using compressed air to operate, the operator should be prepared for the operation and obtain approval from the person in charge of the operation or the designated person. The person in charge of the operation or the designated person shall supervise and inspect the preparation work according to the actual situation.
4.2 Work site inspection: If compressed air is used in a hazardous area, a portable combustible air detector should be used to detect the combustible air concentration at the site before starting the operation. Operation is only allowed when the combustible air concentration value is lower than 10% of the lower explosion limit.
4.3 Personnel protection inspection: Before using compressed air for work, workers should wear protective equipment, such as goggles, etc.
4.4 Risk control principles:
4.4.1 Never joke about compressed air, it can be fatal;
4.4.2 Never use compressed air to clean clothing, hair and body;
4.4.3 Never point the trachea directly at anyone, and always make sure that people around you are not exposed to high-pressure airflow. When the trachea is free, point it downward toward the soles of your feet;
4.4.4 Wear appropriate protective equipment and be sure to wear protective glasses when using compressed air. Remember, ordinary work clothing is not enough protection against high-pressure air.
4.5 Precautions for use
4.5.1 Check whether the hose and joint are correctly connected before use;
4.5.2 Check the trachea frequently and repair or replace it immediately if any damage is found;
4.5.3 Do not place hoses in places that may cause tripping injuries;
4.5.4 If you need to cross a passage, hang the trachea at a high place or ensure that it is adequately guarded;
4.5.5 Air compressor system components must be inspected regularly.
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5. Air compressor and auxiliary equipment
5.1 The gas storage tank contained in the air compressor is a pressure vessel, and the compressed air pipeline is a pressure pipeline. They are both special equipment and need to be managed according to the special equipment.
5.1.1 There is a risk of leakage in pressure vessels and pressure pipelines;
5.1.2 The inner wall of pressure vessels and pressure pipelines may be corroded and thinned, and there are internal and external corrosion hazards.
5.1.3 The pressure vessel and pressure pipeline are subject to erosion and wear. The flow rate of the air medium is large and the erosion is serious. The air medium is hard and the particle size is large and the erosion is serious.
5.1.4 Pressure vessels and pressure pipelines are in danger of cracking, resulting in brittle failure of the pipelines.
5.1.5 The failure of safety protection devices of pressure vessels and pressure pipelines threatens safe operation.
5.2 Safety accessories on pressure vessels and pressure pipelines: safety valves, emergency shut-off valves.
5.2.1 The set pressure of the safety valve is generally not greater than the design pressure of the pressure vessel.
5.2.2 Valves on pressure vessels and pressure pipelines should operate smoothly, loading and unloading should be slow, and the load should be kept relatively stable during operation.
5.2.3 Maintenance of pressure vessels and pressure pipelines: maintain an intact anti-corrosion layer, eliminate corrosion factors, eliminate leakage and leakage of containers, and always keep the containers in good condition; strengthen the maintenance of the containers during outage; always keep the containers in good condition. Mint condition.
