Van Air Systems D12-D36 - Manual (Page 9)

PAGE 9
SECTION 5 TROUBLESHOOTING
1. DECREASED PERFORMANCE - High desiccant usage.
High inlet air temperatures.
Check the aftercooler performance. Make sure that the
aftercooler was properly sized and installed. Check the aftercooler
operation manual for further details.
If an aftercooler was not installed, one may be required.
Check the compressor capacity or air usage vs. the dryer rating.
Was a different compressor installed?
High ambient temperatures.
Check the location of the dryer for changes in ambient tempera-
tures.
Was the dryer moved to a different location?
Was a piece of equipment or piping installed near the dryer that
caused an increase in ambient temperatures? Relocate the dryer
or equipment if possible. If relocation is not possible, correct the
ambient temperature.
Dryer overloaded.
Check the flow through the dryer. Check the flow at peak usage
periods. Have the flow requirements of the system increased?
Was the dryer properly sized for the actual operating conditions?
Check the capacity of the dryer for the system conditions. If the
system requirements exceed the dryer's capability, a larger dryer
must be installed.
Desiccant bed below required level.
Check the desiccant bed level. The level should be checked at
least once a month. The usage of desiccant will vary with the
operating conditions and the type of desicccant being used. The
dryer will require more desiccant during the warmer months of the
year.
Desiccant quantities and filling procedures are outlined in Section
4.4 of this manual.
2. LIQUID DOWNSTREAM OF THE DRYER.
Improper draining. The dryer may be flooded.
The dryer must be drained at least once for every 8 hours of
operation.
Check the drain valve(s) and piping for clogs. Repair or replace
faulty valves. If the piping is clogged, it must be cleared.
If the dryer is installed outdoors where ambient temperatures fall
below freezing, the drain line and valve(s) may freeze. If ambient
temperatures fall below freezing, the drain line can be wrapped
with heat tracing and/or insulation to prevent freezing.
If maintaining the required draining schedule is a problem, an
automatic ball type drain valve should be installed. Reference
Section 2.2-F in this manual for installation instructions.
IMPORTANT: Never install a float type or solenoid type drain valve
on this dryer.
Bypass valve open or faulty.
Check the dryer bypass valve. It might be faulty or open allowing
untreated air to enter the air system.
Low or no desiccant in the dryer.
Check the dryer deissiccant bed level. Reference Section 4.4 for
filling quantities and procedures.
3. DECREASED PERFORMANCE - low desiccant usage.
The desiccant bed may be contaminated.
The dryer will tolerate normal amounts of compressor lubricant. If
the compressor manufacturer's recommended lubrication rate is
exceeded, the desiccant bed can become contaminated with
compressor lubricants.
Periodically check the desiccant bed. If the tablets are discolored
(deep yellow or brown), the bed may be contaminated.
If the bed has become contaminated, it can be flushed with an
adequate supply of water. Depending upon the severity of
contamination, it might be necessary to completely flush the entire
bed from the dryer and replace it with new desiccant.
Check the compressor for proper operation. The compressor
might be worn or over lubricated. Check the compressor
operator's manual and correct.
Check the atmospheric air near the compressor air intake. Heavy
concentrations of acid fumes or smoke and dust will cause
contamination if they are drawn into the air system. Check or
install a filter on the compressor intake.
If it is not possible to reduce the amount of lubricants in the air
system, a separator and/or coalescing filter should be installed
before the dryer.
If the above check list does not remedy the problem, consult your local VAN AIR distributor or call
the VAN AIR factory in Lake City, Pennsylvania PHONE (814) 774-2631 or FAX (814) 774-
3482.