Operating Manual

Customer Letter/ Warranty

Dear Customer, Thank you for purchasing a Blower Engineering product. You are strongly recommended to take the following preliminary actions:

  • The instructions given in this manual must be strictly followed prior to positioning and operating the machine.
  • The maintenance operations are to be carried out exactly as described in this manual.
  • Safety regulations are to be complied with completely.
  • The operators and the personnel in charge must be well acquainted with these instructions, which must be available to them whenever required.
  • The use of the machine must be only as described in the operating manual.

The model number of the blower and pertinent serial number are to be quoted any time additional information is requested. The serial number is applied on the nameplate fixed to the machine.

Warranty

We warrant that this product will be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of 18 months from date of shipment. Within the warranty period, we shall repair or replace, F.O.B. our plant, such products that are determined by us to be defective.

This warranty will not apply to any product that has been subjected to misuse, negligence or accident or misapplied or improperly installed. This warranty will not apply to any product which has been disassembled, repaired or otherwise altered by any persons not authorized by our Service Department.

Errors and omissions excepted. Information to change on a moments notice.

1.1 Scope

This manual applies to Rotary Blowers of the TL Series from size 10 to size 900, both in horizontal (H) and vertical (V) versions.

1.2 Operating principle

TL Series Blowers are positive displacement blowers comprising two conjugate shaped Tri-Lobe rotors which rotate inside a “figure 8” shaped body. The incoming gas is trapped in the space that forms between the body (figure 1a, 1b) and discharged via the outlet (figure 1c, 1d). The operating pressure is generated by the resistance met by the gas exiting the unit. The capacity is proportional to the speed of rotation and is almost constant when the operating pressure varies.

manual

Fig. 1

1.3 Construction

The TL Series Blower is engineered for the smoothest possible flow of air, resulting inlower pulsation and noise.

The body is closed at both ends by end plates in which the housings for the seals and bearings are located. The rotors are synchronized by a pair of timing gears having helical, hardened and ground teeth. The shafts have labyrinth seals; gas leaks are collected in special air spaces in the covers and are discharged into the atmosphere. Two sumps are mounted on the covers which act as oil sumps for splash lubrication of the bearings and the synchronizing gears. The gears are secured on the shafts through conical coupling under oil pressure.

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Fig. 2

Number Description
1 Body
2 Rotor
3 Rotor
4 End Plates
5 Gears
6 Labyrinth Seals

2.1 Gas conveyed

The blower can be used to convey inert gases such as air, nitrogen or other gases which are compatible with the lubricating oil and with the materials used in the construction of the blower.

WARNING: The blower cannot be used to convey gases which are explosive, toxic or in any way dangerous.

NOTE: To convey special gases consult Blower Engineering.

2.2 Working conditions

2.2.1 Speed of rotation

The maximum speed of rotation is shown in Table I. The minimum speed of rotation depends on the maximum allowed differential temperature.

2.2.2 Pressure

The inlet pressure ranges from 3 psig (20.7 kPa) to 15 psig (103.4 kPa). The maximum differential pressure is shown in Table I, and depends on the size of the blower. The maximum compression ratio for all sizes of blowers is 2.

2.2.3 Temperature

The inlet temperature of the gas ranges from -13ºF (-25ºC) to 122ºF (50ºC). The maximum differential temperature allowed is shown in Table I, and depends on the size of the blower. The maximum temperature of the gas allowed at the discharge is 266ºF (130ºC).

Table I: Operation Limits
TL Arrangement Delta T
Size Vertical Horiz. psig “Hg ºF ºC
TL10 4800 4800 13 13 190 105
TL20 4800 4800 13 13 190 105
TL30 4800 4800 15 15 200 110
TL40 4800 4800 15 15 200 110
TL41 4800 4800 11 12 165 90
TL50 4800 3000 15 15 200 110
TL60 4800 3000 15 15 200 110
TL61 4800 3000 11 12 165 90
TL70 3800 2200 15 15 200 110
TL80 3800 2200 15 15 200 110
TL81 3800 2200 11 12 165 90
TL90 3000 1900 15 15 200 110
TL100 3000 1900 15 15 200 110
TL101 3000 1900 10 12 150 83
TL110 2400 1500 15 15 200 110
TL120 2400 1500 12 13 180 100
TL900 1800 1125 12 13 180 100

2.3 Capacity adjustment

Capacity can only be adjusted in one of the two following ways:

  • Varying the speed of rotation. This can be achieved via belt drives or by varying the electric motor supply voltage frequency or with a double polarity motor.
  • Bleeding off of excess capacity via a regulating valve on the outlet Do not use the safety valve for this purpose because it will suffer excessive wear. Do not re-circulate the excess gas into the blower inlet without cooling because it could cause excessive heating.

WARNING: Do not adjust the gas capacity by using throttle valves placed on the inlet or outlet piping.

3.1 Handling

To hoist the blower, use a cable as shown in fig. 3

WARNING: Do not use the holes in the flanges to lift the blower.

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Fig. 3

3.2 Storage

Keep the blower in a dry cool closed environment. Do not remove the protective coverings placed over the blower openings. Renew the preservation every 6 months, or more frequently if the climate is damp.

3.2.1 Bearing storage

Half fill the sumps with anti-rust oil. Manually rotate the blower shaft. Dispose of the used oil in accordance with local regulations.

3.2.2 Preservation of the compression chamber

Remove the protective coverings from the blower openings. Apply a thin film of anti-rust oil to the internal surfaces of the body to the covers and to the rotor surfaces.

WARNING: Use anti-rust and foam inhibiting oil with fire point over 392ºF (200ºC) only.

Table II: Anti-rust oil
Shiny External Parts Rust Ban 343 EXXON
Compression Chamber Rust Ban 343 EXXON

4.1 On-site positioning of blower

The blower has to be set horizontally on a level surface and attached using bolts which secure the feet or the outlet flange. Place shims under feet of blower to prevent overstressing of the housing

Changing the inlet/outlet arrangement

To move from the arrangement with inlet and outlet on a vertical axis to that with inlet and outlet on a horizontal axis and vice versa, exchange the oil levels by changing the position of the plugs in accordance with fig. 4.

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Fig. 4

Letter Description
A Left Foot
B Right Foot
C Oil fill plug
D Oil drain plug
E Oil level sight glass

4.3 Coupling

4.3.1 Direct coupling

Slide the half couplings onto the shaft of the blower and of the motor using suitable tools.

WARNING: Do not use a hammer to slide on the half couplings.

Secure the half couplings with security dowels which will push on the keys.

  • Place the blower at the distance from the motor indicated by coupling manufacturer.
  • Align the shafts of the blower and of the motor and, where necessary insert shims under the feet of the motor and/or blower.
  • Check the alignment by using calipers or gauges as per coupling manufacturer’s specifications.

4.3.2 Belt drive coupling

Use suitable equipment to mount the sheaves onto the blower and motor shafts. The minimum blower sheave diameters are shown in Table IV.

WARNING: Do not use a hammer to mount the sheaves.

Mount the drive belts. Belt tension is produced by using the motor thrust screws in accordance with the values shown in Table V. During this phase, the alignment of the sheaves must be checked using a scale resting against the sheaves as shown in figure 5.

WARNING: Excessive belt tension could damage the blower and the motor.

Secure the feet of the motor

Table IV: Minimum sheave diameter [inches / mm]
Letter Differential Pressure [psig / kPa]
3 207 5 345 6 414 7 483 8 552 10 689 12 827 13 896 15 1034
TL10 3.20 80 3.20 80 3.15 80 3.20 80 3.20 80 3.20 80 3.20 80 3.20 80 X X
TL20 3.20 80 3.20 80 3.15 80 3.20 80 3.20 80 3.20 80 3.20 80 3.20 80 3.20 80
TL30 4.00 100 4.00 100 4.00 100 4.00 100 4.00 100 4.40 112 4.40 112 4.40 112 4.40 112
TL40 4.00 100 4.00 100 4.00 100 4.00 100 4.40 112 4.40 112 4.40 112 4.40 112 4.40 112
TL41 4.00 100 4.00 100 4.00 100 4.40 112 4.40 112 4.40 112 4.40 112 X X X X
TL50 4.70 118 4.70 118 470 118 5.20 132 5.20 132 5.50 140 5.50 140 5.50 140 5.50 140
TL60 5.20 132 5.20 132 5.20 132 5.20 132 5.50 140 5.50 140 5.50 140 5.50 140 5.50 140
TL61 5.20 132 5.20 132 5.50 140 5.50 140 5.90 150 5.90 150 5.90 150 X X X X
TL70 5.50 140 5.50 140 5.90 150 5.90 150 6.30 160 6.30 160 6.30 160 6.30 160 6.30 160
TL80 5.50 140 5.50 140 5.90 150 6.30 160 6.30 160 6.30 160 6.30 160 6.30 160 6.30 160
TL81 6.00 160 6.00 160 6.70 170 6.70 170 7.10 180 7.10 180 7.10 180 X X X X
TL90 7.90 200 7.90 200 7.90 200 7.90 200 7.90 200 9.00 225 9.00 225 9.90 250 9.90 250
TL100 7.90 200 7.90 200 7.90 200 7.90 200 9.00 225 9.00 225 9.90 250 9.90 250 10.90 275
TL101 7.90 200 7.90 200 7.90 200 7.90 200 9.00 225 9.00 225 X X X X X X
TL110 7.90 200 7.90 200 7.90 200 9.00 225 9.30 236 9.90 250 9.90 250 9.90 250 11.80 300
TL120 7.90 200 7.90 200 9.00 225 9.30 236 9.90 250 9.90 250 11.80 300 X X X X
TL900 9.30 236 9.30 236 9.30 236 9.90 250 11.80 300 13.80 350 13.80 350 X X X X

Check pressure rating for all blowers

Table V: Recommended deflection force per belt
V-Belt Cross Section Small Sheave Diameter Range Small Sheave RPM Range Speed Ratio Range Recommended Deflection Force
Minimum Maximum
inches mm lbs kg lbs kg
3VX 2.20 56 1200 - 3600 2.00 to 4.00 2.8 1.27 4.1 1.86
2.35 - 2.50 60 - 64 1200 - 3600 3.2 1.45 4.7 2.13
2.65 - 2.80 67 - 71 1200 - 3600 3.5 1.59 5.1 2.31
3.00 - 3.15 76 - 81 1200 - 3600 3.8 1.72 5.5 2.49
3.35 - 3.65 85 - 93 1200 - 3600 4.1 1.86 6.0 2.72
4.12 - 5.00 105 - 127 900 - 3600 4.8 2.18 7.1 3.22
5.30 - 6.90 135 - 175 900 - 3600 5.8 2.63 8.6 3.90
5VX 4.40 - 4.65 112 - 118 1200 - 3600 2.00 to 4.00 9.0 4.08 13 5.90
4.90 - 5.50 124 - 140 1200 - 3600 10 4.54 15 6.80
5.90 - 6.70 150 - 170 1200 - 3600 11 4.99 17 7.71
7.10 - 8.00 180 - 203 600 - 1800 13 5.90 19 8.62
8.50 - 10.90 216 - 277 600 - 1800 14 6.35 20 9.07
11.80 - 16.00 300 - 406 400 - 1200 15 6.80 23 10.43
5V 7.10 - 8.00
8.50 - 10.90
11.80 - 16.00 		180 - 203
216 - 277
300 - 406 		600 - 1800
600 - 1800
400 - 1200 		2.00 to 4.00 11
13
14 		4.99
5.90
6.35 		16
18
21 		7.26
8.16
9.53
8V 12.50 - 17.00
18.00 - 24.00 		318 - 432
457 - 610 		600 - 1200
400 - 900 		2.00 to 4.00 28
32 		12.70
14.51 		41
48 		18.60
21.77

* If replacing 3V or 5V belts with the same belt length and same number of belts in 3VX or 5VX cross section, belt tension does not need to be increased.

NOTE: New drives designed with 3VX or 5VX belts should be tensioned at the respective deflection force value shown in above table.

Simplified V-Belt Tensioning Method

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Fig. 5

Step 1– Determine the force required to deflect one belt 1/64" per inch (1/64th cm per centimeter) of span length.

Step 2– Measure the span length of your drive. Compare this deflection force with the range given in Table V.

If it is less than the minimum recommended force, the belts should be re-tensioned.

If it is more than the maximum recommended force, the drive is tighter than it needs to be.

4.4 Direction of rotation – air flow direction

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Fig. 6

WARNING: Do not use the blower with a direction of rotation or a flow direction which differs from that shown in figure 6.

4.5 System piping

The diameters of the system piping must never be smaller than the diameters of the blower openings. If the diameters are different, use a taper connector. The system piping should be properly aligned and supported to prevent placing stress on the blower. Provide flexible joints. The pipes must be thoroughly cleaned before connection. The gaskets must not interfere with the gas system.

WARNING: Remove the protective covers from the blower openings before connecting the pipes.

4.5.1 Inlet pipe

  • Connect a silencer directly to the inlet of the blower.
  • Thoroughly clean.
  • If necessary install a dirt filter for the first 100 working hours.
  • Install a pressure gauge to check the dirt filter.
  • Support the pipe.

4.5.2 Outlet pipe

  • Connect a silencer directly to the outlet of the blower.
  • Support the piping at the point nearest to the flexible coupling.
  • Insulate the pipes so as to avoid heating the environment and as a precaution to accidental contact.

4.6 Check valve

To stop the counter-rotation of the blower when it stops while loaded, install a check valve on the discharge, when acting under pressure, or on the inlet when acting under vacuum conditions.

4.7 Safety valve

To limit the maximum operating pressure of the blower use a safety valve on the discharge, when acting under pressure, or on the inlet when acting under vacuum conditions.

WARNING: Install the safety valves as close as possible to the inlet/outlet at the blower, without placing shut-off valves in-between.

4.8 Electrical connection

Use only authorized specialists to set up the electrical system, working in compliance with regulations applying to the place of installation and in accordance with the requirements of the local body supplying electrical energy. Check on the motor plate:

  • Voltage
  • Frequency
  • Number of phases
  • Absorbed current

Connect the cables as shown in the diagram accompanying the terminal box of the motor. If the diagram has not been supplied, request it from the motor manufacturer. Use electrical cables of suitable size, depending on the nominal current of the electrical motor. Keep the electric cables away from heat sources and/or pointed edges. The motor must be protected by means of an automatic switch set at the value of the rated current shown on the plate. For the safety of personnel, the system must be protected by a suitable grounding device.

WARNING: Blower service must be carried out only after disconnecting the electric supply.

5.1 Preliminary controls

If the blower has been in storage for more than 6 months, check its state of preservation.

  • Check the coupling or the sheave alignment
  • Check the belt tension.
  • Check that the blower shaft rotates freely manually.
  • Check that the safety protection devices have been correctly installed and secured.
  • Fill the blower with oil as described in paragraph 6.1.1.

5.2 Start up

5.2.1 First start-up

WARNING: During this operation personnel are in direct contact with the blower, and for this reason noise protection must be worn.

  • Open the shut-off valve.
  • Check that the safety valve has been set at the operating value.
  • Check the rotation by ‘jogging’ the motor.

WARNING: Do not rotate the blower in the wrong direction for more than a few revolutions.

  • Start the blower
  • Increase the operating pressure gradually until the rated value is reached.
  • After about 10 to 20 minutes check that there are no oil leakages and strange noises or vibrations. If such problems are found, stop the blower immediately.

5.2.2 Normal start-ups

With direct start-up the motor starts even with the maximum discharge counter-pressure. With star-delta start-up, on the other hand, or with the starter; the counter-pressure must be zero.

5.3 Operating checks

5.3.1 Daily checks

With the blower running, check:

  • Outlet temperatures.
  • Discharge pressure (when functioning under pressure).
  • Suction pressure (when functioning in vacuum conditions).
  • Absorbed power.

5.3.2 Check after first 50 hours

With the blower shut down, check:

  • The oil level.
  • Oil leaks.
  • Auxiliary circuit leaks.
  • Belt tension.

5.3.3 Check every 500 hours

With the blower shut down, check:

  • The oil level.
  • Oil viscosity and condition.
  • Belt wear.
  • Flexible coupling inserts.
  • Auxiliary circuits.

5.4 Stopping the blower

  • If possible, remove the counter-pressure
  • Stop electric supply.

The blower can also be stopped in the presence of the counter-pressure but, because of the high current absorption of the electric motor; problems with the electric circuit could result.

WARNING: Check that the deceleration of the blower is even and without vibrations.

6.1 Preventive maintenance

6.1.1 Oil change

The first oil change should be performed after 100 working hours. Further oil changes are performed every 2000 working hours. Oil should be checked regularly and oil changes made more frequently if lubricant becomes contaminated due to adverse conditions.

The type of oil is shown in paragraph 10.

WARNING: Dispose of the used oil in accordance with the local regulations.

WARNING: Regardless, stick to the half way mark on the oil level sight glass.

Blower Size Oil quantity: Vertical (qts/ L) Oil quantity: Horizontal (qts / L)
1 2 Total 1 2 Total
TL10-20 0.33 0.31 0.71 0.67 1.04 0.98 0.22 0.21 0.44 0.41 0.66 0.62
TL30-40-41 0.6 0.56 1.11 1.05 1.7 1.61 0.4 0.38 0.76 0.72 1.16 1.1
TL50-60-61 0.85 0.8 1.75 1.65 2.6 2.45 0.57 0.54 1.1 1.04 1.67 1.58
TL70-80-81 1.67 1.58 3.3 3.11 4.97 4.69 1.11 1.50 2.11 2.0 3.22 3.05
TL90-100-101 3.2 3.0 5.8 5.5 9.0 8.5 1.8 1.7 3.44 3.25 5.24 4.95
TL110-120 4.23 4.0 9.0 8.5 13.23 12.5 2.64 2.5 5.3 5.0 7.94 7.5
TL900 9.5 9.0 19.0 18.0 28.5 27.0 6.34 6 10.6 10.0 16.94 16.0
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Fig. 7

7.0 Troubleshooting

Cause Remedies
7.1 Inlet pressure different from the design value
Inlet piping is clogged
Rotation speed is not the same as design RPM 		Check piping and remove obstruction
Check rotation speed and reset to design RPM
7.2 Outlet pressure different from the rated value
Outlet piping is clogged
Rotation speed is not the design RPM 		Check piping and remove obstruction
Check rotation speed and reset to design RPM
7.3 Outlet temperature different from the rated value (stop the blower immediately)
Inlet temperature different from design value
Compression ratio is not the same as the design conditions
Rotors are worn 		Check inlet temperature and reset to rated value
Check inlet and outlet pressures and reset to rated values
Measure clearances of rotors
7.4 Power absorbed different from the rated value
Differential pressure different from rated value
Speed of rotation is not the same as rated value
Incorrect electrical connection
Rotors making contact 		Check the inlet and outlet pressure and reset to rated value
Check the speed of rotation and reset to rated value
Check electrical system
Stop blower immediately (see paragraph 7.3)
7.5 Loss of oil
Drive shaft seal is worn
Oil drain and level plugs gaskets are worn
Oil level sight glasses are broken 		 Replace the drive shaft seal
Replace the gaskets
Replace sight glasses, fill with oil
7.6 High oil temperature
Oil level too high
Oil too viscous
High differential pressure
Oil produces foam 		Reset correct oil level (see paragraph 6.1.1)
Use less viscous oil
See paragraph 7.2
Change the type of oil
7.7 Unusual noises and/or vibrations (stop the blower immediately)
Differential pressure exceeds rated value
Discharge temperature exceeds rated value
Rotors making contact
Scale on internal parts
Bearings are worn
Intake of foreign particles 		Check inlet and outlet pressures and reset to rated values
see paragraph 7.3
Stop blower immediately, measure gear and rotor clearances
Thoroughly clean the rotors and compression chamber
Measure bearing clearances and, if necessary, replace them
Remove foreign particles, clean the inside of the blower

8.1 Blower disassembly

Disassembly of the blower within the warranty period results in the cancellation of the warranty.

Disassembly repair work and reassembly of the blower must be carried out only by skilled personnel and with the aid of suitable equipment and the relevant manual. This manual contains only the instructions for preventative maintenance. For any references to components see attached sections.

NOTE: The warranty does not cover damages caused by operations carried out incorrectly during disassembly and/or reassembly of the blower.

WARNING: Before starting disassembly of the blower, make sure that the power has been disconnected. Follow the instructions in paragraph 9.2.

Disassemble the drive components (sheave or coupling), following the manufacturer's instructions if there are locking devices or by means of an extractor if attached directly onto the shaft.

WARNING: Do not hammer the shaft, coupling or sheave.

Personnel who may come into contact with the blower must observe the most elementary safety rules in order to minimize the possibility of suffering physical injury With this in mind, all personnel who work in or pass through the area where the blower is functioning must be instructed in the safety rules to follow and must be warned through the use of danger notices.

9.1 Blower in operation

  • Do not touch the external surfaces of the blower because they could reach temperatures higher than 285ºF (141ºC) and therefore cause burns.
  • Do not hold objects or insert limbs into the blower openings because the moving rotors could cause serious physical injury.
  • Provide suitable protection devices for the coupling and/or drive belts.
  • If the blower is operating disconnected from system piping, place a screen in front of the inlet and keep away from the blower outlet flow.
  • Do not open the oil plugs.
  • Do not turn off the safety systems which are provided.
  • Do not stand too close to the safety valve discharge.
  • Avoid prolonged exposure to the noise produced by the blower, if suitable protection is not worn. The sound pressure near the blower could be greater than 85 dB (A)

9.2 Before any blower service

    Stop the blower by disconnecting the electrical supply.

  • Disconnect the electrical supply cables.
  • Bring the unit to atmospheric pressure.

WARNING: The gas contained in the blower may be hot, toxic and irritant.

9.3 During blower service

  • Check that all operations described in Paragraph 9.2 have been completed.
  • Use adequate equipment and procedures to disconnect and handle the system piping.
  • Use adequate equipment to disassemble the blower components.
  • Use adequate equipment and procedures to hoist the blower and its main parts. The weight could exceed 66 lbs (30 kg).

10.1 Oil type

Oil Type ISO Class Acc. To
Mineral oil for general use C, CL, CLP DIN 51517
Mineral oil for hydrostatic and hydrodynamic circuits H, HL DIN 51524
Mineral oil for internal combustion engines HD
Synthetic oil

10.2 Oil viscosity

ISO Class USE
ISO - VG 150 oil temperature up to 176ºF (80ºC) compression ratio up to 1.7 gas discharge temperature up to 230ºF (110ºC) ambient temperature up to 95ºF (35ºC)
ISO -VG 220 oil temperature up to 230ºF (110ºC) compression ratio higher than 1.7 gas discharge temperature up to 230ºF (110ºC) ambient temperature higher than 95ºF (35ºC) installation in soundproof enclosure

10.3 Recommended oils

Make Type ISO VG - 150 Pour point ISO VG - 220 Pour point
°F °C °F °C
Exxon Nuto 150 0 -18 220 0 -18
Mobil D.T.E. Extra Heavy 16 -9 BB 20 -7
Pennzoil Pennzbell R + O 150 15 -9 R + O 220 15 -9
Shell Tellus C 150 0 -18 C 220 5 -15
Texaco Regal R + O 150 12 -11 R + O 220 12 -11
Mobil Synthetic SHC629 -49 -45 SHC630 -49 -45

10.4 Minimum working temperature

Check that the pour point of the oil is less than the minimum temperature that can be reached in the ambient If this is not the case, select an oil with a lower viscosity (a g.: ISO VG-100), or use an oil specially made for low temperatures according to recommendations of oil producers.