Why an air booster - 3D Instruments, LP

1 Sierra PrecisionElectric Air BoosterMaintenance and Operating Manual Sierra PrecisionTable of Contents Page #Introduction .. 1 General Information Features .. 2 Available Models .. 3 Options .. 4 Specifications .. 5 Typical Installations .. 6 Operating & Maintenance ProceduresOperating Procedures .. 8 Maintenance Procedures ..10 Piston Seal Replacement Procedure .. 11 Filter Element Replacement Procedure .. 13 Replacement Parts9000-00 Model ..159000-A2 Model .. 1712000 Models .. Contact FactoryRemote Option Models .. Contact FactoryMiscellaneous Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).. 19 Troubleshooting .. 21 Warranty .. 23 1 IntroductionWhat is an air booster ?An air booster , sometimes referred to as an air amp, is a device that boosts airpressure from a low-pressure inlet air source to a high-pressure outlet destination. Why use an air booster ?

2 The fire fighting and rescue industries are shifting to smaller SCBAs to reduce theoverall weight of equipment carried by firefighters and rescue workers. Consequently: Smaller SCBA cylinders require higher pressure to maintain the same air usage timeand the existing in-house compressors may not be able to fill high-pressure SCBAs. Replacement high-pressure, high-flow air compressors are costly and air storagefacilities often require costly modifications to accommodate new compressors. Cascade systems cannot completely fill SCBA cylinders when the top cascadecylinder falls below 4500 psi. An air booster ensures complete fills to 4500 to use a Sierra Precision Electric Air booster ?RESCUE VEHICLES To maximize the use of breathing air in storage cylinders resulting in an increase inthe number of complete SCBA fills per storage cylinder. To reduce fill times by eliminating the need to cascade air storage cylinders.

3 Whenused with a booster , all air storage cylinders can be fully opened and do not requirecascading. To eliminate the possibility of contaminated air at fire incidents when used inconjunction with an air storage system versus the use of mobile STATIONS To enhance the capability of existing low-pressure compressors. For example, if afire department has a 3000 psi compressor and switches to 4500 psi air packs, anair booster is less costly than purchasing a new compressor. To extend the service life of existing compressors by operating at lower compressors at lower pressures extends compressor To avoid restrictions imposed by government regulations on the use of high-pressure compressors at hazardous material manufacturing locations. Using acascade system in conjunction with a booster , and replenishing the air supply from alocal fire department or welding supply shop, maximizes the use of air from thecascade system and minimizes the costs of stored air and government compliance.

4 Sierra Precision2 FeaturesThe Sierra Precision Electric Air booster has many unique features that make it ahigh performance, dependable yet cost-effective solution for high-pressure air Sierra Precision Electric Air booster allows SCBA cylinders to be filled efficientlyand safely, whether at a fire incident or in the fire any contaminants in the inlet and outlet air the chance of adding contaminants to air valuable stored air by allowing stored air to beused for filling cylinders and not for operating the Cools air before filling cylinders thereby minimizing pressuredrop. The airflow created by the fan prevents the motor andpump from smooth running operation. The unit is free standingand therefore does not need to be secured to supportingstructures. Please note: To ensure safety in transit, boltingdown is recommended for mobile relief cylinders from being over steelcheck back flow while filling SCBA cylinder(s).

5 The SierraPrecision proprietary design provides reliable, long-lifeperformance and durability. Compact the booster to be mounted with ease on rescuevehicles, fire apparatus or in the shop. The compact sizedoes not take up valuable workspace and the unit to operate without additional panels orsupport equipment. All that is needed is an electric outletand an inlet air source. 3 Available Models---------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- --9000-00 4500 psiSingle Pressure9000-00R4500 psi Single PressureRemote Start/Stop9000-A22216 psi / 4500 psi Dual PressureAuto Start9000-A2R2216 psi / 4500 psi Dual PressureAuto Start Remote Start/Stop12000-006000 psi Single Pressure12000-00R6000 psi Single PressureRemote Start/Stop12000-A24500 psi / 6000 psiDual PressureAuto Start12000-A2R4500 psi / 6000 psiDual PressureAuto StartRemote Start/Stop------------------------------ ---------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- ------9000-00 ModelThe 9000-00 is the standard model and is designed to fill cylinders to onepressure setting.

6 Pressure settings are pre-set at the factory and adjustment inthe field, when necessary, is simple and straightforward. When filling cylinders,the unit pumps until the desired, pre-set air pressure is met and then shuts offautomatically. This eliminates any guesswork in determining when the cylinder isfull. Typical settings are 2216 psi or 4500 ModelThe 9000-A2 model maintains the same proven performance as the 9000-00model with the added features of two pressure settings and auto starting. Changing between filling pressures only involves the turn of a valve handle. Forexample, after filling a cylinder, the operator conveniently turns a knob one-halfturn to fill a cylinder of a different pressure. No tools are needed and bothsettings are pre-set at the factory. This eliminates the guesswork involved infilling the different pressure-rated bottles and there is also no fear of overfillsbecause both circuits have vent to atmosphere safety relief valves.

7 Whether inthe field or at the station, alternating between 2216 & 4500 psi cylinders is more information regarding the Auto Start feature, please see Auto Start inthe Options section (next page). Sierra Precision4 Available Models(continued)12000 ModelsThe 12000-00, which is designed to fill cylinders to 6000 psi, enables fire stationswith 5000 psi compressors to recharge 6000 psi cascade storage tanks. The12000-A2 model allows the user to recharge storage bottles AND also fill SCBA cylinders. Typical settings for the A2 are 4500 psi and 6000 psi and switchingbetween pressure settings only requires the turn of a valve handle. OptionsAuto StartWhy is the Auto Start option important? It can save time and energy. The Auto Start option saves time and energy because its special circuitryautomatically starts the unit and this effectively allows the operator to remain inone place.

8 For example, a remote fill station, with the auto-start option, allowsthe operator to remain at the fill station without having to move back and forthbetween the booster and the station. A shutoff valve on the manifold regulatesairflow to the cylinder(s). Upon re-opening the valve, the booster circuitry sensesthe low-pressure status and sends a signal to the start switch. The boosterthen starts and pumps until the pre-set pressure is reached. The operator thencloses the valve to the manifold, replaces the full cylinder(s) with empty ones,and repeats the Start/StopWhy is the Remote Start/Stop option important? It can help conserve vehicles do not always have fill stations that are conveniently locatednear the booster . Since the Remote Start/Stop option allows the operator to startand stop the booster and to monitor fills at the control panel of the fill station, thebooster is not limited to where it can be installed.

9 This frees up valuable, easyaccess cargo space for other critical fire fighting ApplicationsThe Sierra Precision Electric Air booster can be adapted for a variety ofapplications including argon, helium, nitrox (scuba) and oxygen. Contact SierraPrecision for more information regarding any special applications. long x 19 wide x hp110 or 220 voltSingle or three phaseThermal overload automatic shutoff manual Non-lubricatedContaminant freePiston seals (10,000 psi rating @ 700 F)Twin piston (hard chrome)Over pressure safety reliefStainless steel check valvesDrive bearingsV-belt power transmission Inlet 0 to 6000 psi Outlet 0 to 8000 cooled heat exchanger inspection of seals, filters and drive belt Sierra Precision6 Typical Installations 7 Photo courtesy ofCamdenton Fire DepartmentPhoto courtesy ofRancho Cucamonga Fire District Sierra Precision8 Operating Procedures1.

10 Verify that all connections have been properly Verify that the cylinder has been placed in an appropriate fill Verify that the automatic shutoff is set no greater than the maximum pressure ofthe cylinder. **WARNING**Pressure switch settings are pre-set at the factory and should not requireany adjustment. Improper adjustment of pressure switches could result inphysical injury. Please contact the factory in cases where pressure switchsettings do not meet fill station Close both valves on the booster Slowly open valve on the cascade system or storage tank to full Slowly open cylinder valve to full Open the outlet valve on the air booster panel to full If the air in the cascade bottles or compressor storage tank is higherthan the cylinder being filled, it will free flow through the booster The booster has stopped free flowing when the pressure indicated onboth booster gauges becomes equal and no sound is Turn the booster on with the starter switch on the booster Monitor the filling of the cylinder by the indicated pressure on the outlet gauge.