Tank mounted rotary compressor

A rotary compressor having a drive motor and a single pressure vessel, wherein the pressure vessel acts both as a gas oil separator and as a compressed gas storage tank. The compressor employs a control for valves in order to close off the supply of oil and gas from entering the compressor prior to cessation of the compressor's rotation.

The present invention relates to improvements in rotary compressor systems. 
Rotary compressor systems include screw compressors utilising intermeshing 
rotors, vane and scroll type compressors. 
Conveniently, rotary compressor systems comprise a compressor unit, a drive 
motor drivingly coupled to the compressor unit to drive same, a separator 
vessel defining a volume containing a supply of lubricating liquid 
(hereinafter called "oil") and arranged to receive a mixture of compressed 
gas and liquid from the compressor unit, a filter element through which 
compressed gas flows to a clean compressed gas storage tank, an oil filter 
and oil cooling device through which oil passes in a return line from the 
separator vessel to an inlet region of the compressor unit, and 
appropriate piping and valving linking the system together. Various 
improvements have been proposed to such systems to improve performance, 
limit componentry to decrease manufacturing costs and to decrease package 
sizes, however, such systems still remain relatively complex with package 
sizes larger than equivalent reciprocating compressor systems, 
particularly in smaller capacity machines. 
Such systems have also always had competing design interests. For example, 
to reduce package sizes, it is desirable to, reduce the physical size of 
the larger volume components such as the separator vessel and the gas 
storage tank. However, to improve capability of the machine to work longer 
between service periods to replace the oil, it is desirable for the 
separator vessel to be as large as possible so that the volume of oil used 
in the system can also be as large as possible. Moreover, with systems 
using minimum pressure valves (mpv) to maintain a minimum pressure in the 
separator so as to allow oil circulation back to the compressor unit by 
pressure differential, it is generally desirable to keep the separator 
volume below a certain level so as to prevent too much of a delay at start 
up before the minimum pressure is achieved so that lubricating oil can be 
returned to the compressor unit. The problem is exacerbated by the oil 
desirably entering the compressor unit at a pressure greater than 
atmospheric pressure (say 2.5 atmospheres) so as not to obstruct suction 
volumes of air through the compressor unit. Thus, the minimum pressure 
level needs to be above this level (say 3.5 atmospheres) to create the 
necessary pressure differential. Thus, if the separator volume is too 
large the screw rotors may seize before lubricating oil starts to flow. 
Opposed to this, it is also desirable to have a separator vessel volume as 
large as possible so that it can cope with oil foaming (which occurs 
during certain stages of system operation) without having the foaming oil 
flowing into bulk contact with the final filter element. The tendency has, 
however, been to design compressor systems with ever decreasing sized 
separator vessel volumes sometimes with attempts to solve the 
aforementioned oil volume and foaming problems by other techniques. It 
still remains, however, a desirable attribute that the separator vessel be 
as large as possible to allow use of increased oil volumes. 
There is a still further problem with many rotary compressor systems in 
that they commonly employ a pressure lowering valve to lower the pressure 
in the separator vessel down to the minimum pressure level so as to reduce 
the compression ratio of the compressor during unloaded operation or when 
it is stopped. Some systems also operate under loaded and unloaded 
conditions cyclically and if, each time, it is operated unloaded, the 
pressure lowering valve dumps pressure from the separator vessel, then 
this amounts to a significant efficiency loss from the system. The 
operational mode of some systems is on a stop/start cycle basis and again 
when the system is stopped, pressure is each time dumped from the 
separator vessel resulting in a significant lack of efficiency. This of 
course also emphasises the problems discussed above with systems using 
pressure lowering valves. 
The objective of the present invention is to provide a rotary compressor 
system, particularly for use in machinery of smaller capacity, which will 
reduce the complexity and size of the system package without sacrificing 
system performance characteristics. 
Accordingly, the present invention provides a rotary compressor system 
characterized by a pressure vessel acting as both a separator vessel and a 
compressed gas storage tank whereby compressed gas is supplied to an end 
user directly from said pressure vessel. Preferably said pressure vessel 
is relatively increased in size so that the pressure vessel also acts as 
an oil cooler. Conveniently, cooling fan means may be provided to pass 
cooling or ventilating air over said pressure vessel to increase cooling 
capacity. 
It will of course be appreciated that by using only one pressure vessel for 
both the separator and the storage tank functions, the overall package 
volume is significantly decreased. Moreover, while still decreasing the 
overall package volume, it is possible to use a "single" pressure vessel 
of substantially larger volume so that relatively increased volumes of oil 
can be used in the system. This also decreases the need for oil cooling 
capacity so that the oil can be adequately cooled while in the pressure 
vessel without the need of using a separate oil cooler. Again, the ability 
of omitting a separate oil cooler allows the overall package volume to be 
decreased and simplifies the assembly of the system. 
In accordance with a further aspect of this invention, there is provided a 
compressor system comprising a rotary compressor unit arranged to deliver 
a mixture of compressed gas and oil entrained therein into a pressure 
vessel, a drive motor coupled to said compressor unit to drive said unit, 
a filter element through which compressed gas passes from said pressure 
vessel to an end user without passing through a separate gas storage tank, 
oil return means for returning oil from said pressure vessel to the 
compressor unit, and means for preventing moisture build up in said 
pressure vessel. 
A problem exists when a single pressure vessel is used in replacement of 
prior art arrangements employing both a separator vessel and a gas storage 
tank. This problem is the possible condensation of moisture in the oil as 
oil cools in the pressure vessel rather than in a separate oil cooler as 
in prior art systems. This situation is of course exacerbated in systems 
which are operated infrequently whereby the oil is allowed to cool to a 
significant extent. Condensation build up in the pressure vessel will turn 
the oil into a form of mayonnaise which will make the system unworkable. 
To solve this problem the present invention provides means for preventing 
moisture build up in the pressure vessel. This may be achieved in a first 
preferred embodiment by moisture removing means to remove moisture from 
gas flowing to the inlet zone of said compressor unit. In a second 
preferred embodiment, the means for preventing moisture build up in the 
pressure vessel may comprise means for removing moisture from the oil in 
the pressure vessel itself. 
The difficulty with moisture in air being compressed is that the moisture 
condenses at high pressures and mixes with oil to form a consistency like 
mayonnaise. Furthermore, in small capacity compressor systems, compressed 
air consumption is usually variable so that heat rejection rates are 
difficult to control and prevention of moisture condensation is therefore 
also difficult to achieve. This is particularly difficult where the 
pressure vessel also acts as a cooler since the walls of the vessel are 
always cold. Moreover, in many industries, dry compressed air is required 
by the end user and in consequence it is becoming increasingly more common 
for dryers to be provided down stream of the compressor system so that the 
compressed gas can be dried. Thus, in one preferred aspect, the present 
invention aims at providing a moisture removing means (dryer or the like) 
on the suction side of the compressor unit thereby removing moisture 
before compression. While the use of dryers do involve the use of some 
energy thereby lowering efficiencies somewhat, they are clearly not a 
penalty in any industry already using dryers on the discharge side of the 
compressor unit. Moreover the energy savings, by not having to blow down 
the separator vessel, are believed likely to outweigh any inefficiency 
involved in the use of a dryer on the suction side of the compressor unit. 
In an alternative arrangement, in some systems, it may be possible for the 
means for preventing moisture build up to be means to control the 
temperature of the pressure vessel during system operation so that it will 
run at a relatively hot temperature and that the temperature will be built 
up rapidly at start up so that any condensed moisture is driven off in the 
compressed gas discharge. 
Operating characteristics of the system are as follows. When the compressor 
unit stops (control systems for all small capacity machines is 
stop/start), a non return valve at the compressor inlet closes so that air 
and oil cannot escape from the system. As a result, air and oil cannot 
escape from the system so that less power is consumed during operation. 
A still further problem exists when a single pressure vessel is used in 
replacement of prior art arrangements employing both a separator vessel 
and a gas storage tank. This problem is that the compressor unit must 
start against full pressure in the pressure vessel which is not the case 
with conventional systems using a separator vessel and a gas storage tank. 
With such conventional systems, the separator vessel is blown down to 
atmosphere before restarting the system but this cannot be done when a 
single large pressure vessel is used because too much compressed gas would 
be lost. Screw compressor units have a fixed compression ratio so that the 
output pressure is a fixed multiple of the inlet pressure. For example, if 
the compression ratio is eight and if the compressor unit is restarted 
with say 6 bar inlet pressure (communicated from the pressure vessel), 
then the discharge pressure is 48 bars. It is possible with direct drive 
between the motor and the compressor unit as is conventional in the prior 
art, that the aforementioned problem will cause the motor to stall thereby 
preventing restarting of the system. If stalling does not in fact occur, 
then at the very least, costly measures of handling the momentary high 
pressures would be required. The present invention, in a preferred aspect 
also aims at providing a system which will solve the aforementioned 
difficulty. 
In accordance with this aspect, the present invention aims to provide a 
compressor system which is capable of solving the aforementioned problem 
while using a single pressure vessel. Accordingly, the present invention 
also provides a rotary compressor system comprising a compressor unit 
arranged to deliver a mixture of compressed gas and oil entrained therein 
into a pressure vessel, a drive motor coupled to said screw compressor 
unit to drive said unit, and regulator means enabling said motor to be 
started from a stopped condition with pressure of said pressure vessel in 
an inlet region of said compressor unit. Conveniently, in the preferred 
embodiment, the regulator means comprises a slip clutch coupling the motor 
to said compressor unit. 
In a second preferred embodiment, the regulator means may comprise means to 
control power supplied to the motor whereby the motor slowly builds up to 
speed when restarted. In this case the motor may be directly coupled to 
the compressor unit. The embodiment using a clutch means coupling is 
designed so as to allow slip in the drive coupling so that gradual loading 
of the compressor unit occurs as it speeds up. The clutch device may be a 
centrifugal type clutch but any other similar device could also be used. 
Internal leakage in the compressor unit prevents build up of excessive 
pressure as the inlet is evacuated at low speed. The clutch device also 
limits maximum input torque thereby protecting the compressor unit. The 
clutch device, at least in direct coupled machines (i.e. no belt or gear 
transmission), replaces the coupling. Further, the peak start up amps 
drawn by the motor is reduced. 
In accordance with a still further aspect of the present invention, a 
system of the aforementioned type is proposed utilising a single pressure 
vessel without any requirement of limiting the size of the pressure vessel 
so that a pressure differential can be quickly established to create oil 
return flow to the compressor unit. According to this aspect, the present 
invention proposes a rotary compressor system comprising a compressor unit 
arranged to deliver a mixture of compressed gas and oil entrained therein 
into a pressure vessel, a drive motor coupled to said compressor unit to 
drive said unit, a minimum pressure valve arranged to maintain a minimum 
pressure in said pressure vessel during normal system operation, oil 
return means for returning oil from said pressure vessel to a zone of the 
screw compressor unit having a first predetermined pressure during normal 
compressor system operation, valve means through which gas to be 
compressed flows to said compressor unit, said valve means being 
configured to establish a second predetermined pressure at said zone after 
start up of the compressor unit while still permitting gas flow into the 
compressor unit, said second predetermined pressure being less than said 
first predetermined pressure. Conveniently, a partial vacuum pressure is 
established at the inlet to the compressor unit whereby a pressure of up 
to (but preferably slightly less than) one atmosphere is established at 
said zone where oil is reintroduced into the compressor unit whereby, 
after start up, any increased pressure in the pressure vessel causes a 
pressure differential to create liquid flow from the pressure vessel to 
said zone. Thus, it is not necessary to build the pressure in the vessel 
to a level above the minimum set by the minimum pressure valve before 
liquid flow to the compressor unit begins. Conveniently, once the minimum 
pressure level set by the minimum pressure valve is achieved in the 
pressure vessel, the valve means is adapted to open completely whereby the 
pressure at said zone is the first predetermined pressure. 
In the aforementioned embodiments, the pressure within the pressure vessel 
is retained in the compressor unit and acts on the seals and valves 
associated with the compressor unit. While this is not an insurmountable 
problem, it would be preferable that this did not occur. 
A preferred objective therefore of the present invention is to also provide 
an arrangement in compressor systems of the aforementioned kind and a 
method of operating such systems which will avoid the prospect of pressure 
being dumped cyclically from the system while at the same time avoiding 
high pressure conditions within the compressor unit and making starting of 
the compressor unit easier. 
According to this aspect, the present invention provides a compressor 
system comprising a rotary compressor unit with rotary compression means, 
a motor driving said compressor unit, a pressure vessel receiving 
pressurised gas and oil discharged from a discharge end of said compressor 
unit with oil being returned from said vessel to an inlet region of said 
compressor unit, said system being characterized by first valve means 
controlling gas flow into the compressor unit, second valve means 
controlling flow of oil to the inlet region of the compressor unit from 
said pressure vessel, third valve means controlling gas/oil discharge from 
said compressor unit to flow to said vessel, and control means arranged to 
control operation of first and second valve means and said motor whereby, 
in use, said first and second valve means are closed prior to cessation of 
rotation of said rotary compression means. The rotary compression means 
should complete at least one and preferably several revolutions after the 
first and second valve means are closed so as to cause a vacuum in the 
inlet region of the compressor unit and so as most of the oil in the rotor 
region is discharged therefrom. Conveniently, the discharge volume (i.e. 
the gas containing volume of the compressor unit upstream of the 
non-return valve means and downstream of the discharge point of 
intermeshing rotors) is selected relative to the intake volume of the 
compressor unit (i.e. the gas containing volume downstream of the first 
valve means) so as to ensure an equilibrium pressure within the compressor 
unit when the valve means are closed, that is, sufficiently low as to not 
inhibit restarting of the compressor unit. Conveniently the equilibrium 
pressure is about one atmosphere but may be up to 2.5 to 3.0 atmospheres. 
In accordance with the present invention, the rotary compressor unit may be 
a screw compressor with intermeshing rotors forming the rotary compression 
means or may be any other rotary compressor including vane and scroll 
compressors. 
Ensuring rotation of the rotary compression means after closure of the 
valve means might be achieved by any one of a number of possible means. 
One means may be by simply selecting the inherent inertia of the rotary 
compression means and the rotating components of the motor such that when 
operation of the motor is discontinued, the inertia ensures sufficient 
numbers of revolutions prior to stopping to achieve the desired vacuum 
conditions in the inlet region and the displacement of liquid from the 
region of the rotary compression means. If the inherent inertia of the 
rotary compression means and rotating components of the motor is 
insufficient, then the system may include additional inertia such as a 
flywheel or the like to ensure rotation of the rotary compression means 
for a sufficient period following closure of the valve means. In another 
possible configuration, the control means may be arranged so as to close 
the valve means first and allow the motor to operate for a small but 
definite period after closure of the valve means. 
At start up of a system of the aforementioned kind, where it is intended to 
use differential pressure between the pressure vessel and the compressor 
unit for recirculating liquid to the compressor unit, it is necessary to 
build up pressure slowly to the minimum pressure level. To achieve this, 
the first valve means is retained initially closed and a small capacity 
gas line with a flow restrictor and valve means (preferably a non-return 
valve) directs gas flow downstream of the first valve means so that gas is 
slowly drawn into the inlet region of the compressor unit. Once the 
minimum pressure is achieved, the first valve means is opened and normal 
operation follows. Moreover, if the equilibrium pressure is in fact a 
vacuum pressure in the compressor unit when the motor is stopped, then the 
gas bleed line may effectively deliver gas into this compressor unit to 
form an equilibrium pressure of one atmosphere. 
According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a 
method of operating a compressor system of the type comprising a 
compressor unit with rotary compression means, a motor driving said rotary 
compression means, a pressure vessel receiving pressurised gas and oil 
from a discharge end of said compressor unit with oil being returned from 
said vessel to an inlet region of said compressor unit, said method being 
characterized by closing first valve means controlling gas flow into the 
compressor unit and second valve means controlling oil flow back to the 
compressor unit, by a predetermined time prior to cessation of rotation of 
said rotary compression means so as to create vacuum conditions in the 
inlet region of said compressor unit and to displace oil from said rotors 
upon stopping of the motor. 
By the arrangements and method discussed above, when it is desired during 
normal operation or general shut down of the system, to stop operation of 
the compressor unit, the system permits normal pressures (i.e. one 
atmosphere or a pressure not greatly exceeding one atmosphere) to be 
maintained within the compressor unit thereby ensuring ease of restarting 
while at the same time pressure levels in the pressure vessel are 
maintained so that no losses occur that would affect efficiency levels.

With reference to FIG. 1, a compressor system 10 is schematically 
illustrated comprising a screw compressor unit 11 driven by a motor 12 
through a direct transmission which may include a centrifugal clutch 
device 13. The compressor unit 11 and motor 12 are conveniently mounted on 
a pressure vessel 14 so that compressed gas and entrained liquid is 
discharged via line 15 directly into the vessel 14. A pool 16 of oil is 
maintained in the bottom of the vessel 14 and is returned therefrom by 
line 17 via an oil filter 18 to an inlet region of the compressor unit 11. 
Compressed gas with some oil droplets retained are discharged from the 
system direct to an end user via line 19 and a final filter 20. The filter 
element 20 may be mounted to the tank 14 with an arrangement for returning 
oil collected in the filter element into the inlet region of the 
compressor unit 11. Alternatively, the filter element 20 might be mounted 
separately from the tank 14. Conveniently, the valving includes a 
non-return valve 23 which will allow air flow into the compressor unit 
during operation but prevents compressed air and oil flow in the reverse 
direction if the oil compressor unit 11 stops. The valving 22 also may 
include a solenoid valve 40 controlling gas inflow through line 41 into 
the inlet zone of the compression unit 11. The solenoid valve 40 is 
actuated in response to signals from pressure sensing means PS1 and PS2 
adapted to sense pressure within the pressure vessel 14 as explained 
hereinafter. Finally, a dryer 24 may be provided in the air flow passage 
25 into the compressor unit 11. 
In normal operation, the suction air passes via line 25 to the compressor 
inlet region, passing through the non-return valve 23. Oil is injected and 
the air is compressed. The mixture of compressed air and oil is piped via 
line 15 to the pressure vessel 14 where most of the oil settles by gravity 
to the pool 16 in the bottom of the vessel 14. The compressed gas (with 
small amounts of entrained oil droplets) leaves the vessel 12 via line 19 
and is further cleaned by the fine oil filter 20 before being discharged 
directly to an end user. The oil volume in the system can be quite large 
and has therefore a high thermal inertia. It will constantly cool by 
conduction with the walls of the vessel 14. If desired, the vessel 
underside may be fitted with a fan 26 to increase air flow levels over the 
belly of the vessel 14. At start up of the compressor unit with the inlet 
valve closed, if the pressure in the vessel 14 is greater than a first 
predetermined (PS1) level defined by a minimum pressure valve (mpv) (for 
example 3.5 atmospheres) but less than an upper level (PS2) (say 7 
atmospheres) then the motor starts and the compressor inlet opens. This is 
essentially normal operation. If the pressure is greater than the upper 
level (PS2), then the compressor will not start if the pressure is less 
than (PS1) the inlet valve is closed but the solenoid valve 40 opens. Flow 
through this valve is restricted so that suction pressure is reduced to a 
partial vacuum in the compressor inlet so that pressure differential 
allows oil flow along line 17 to the compressor unit 11. When pressure in 
the vessel 14 gets above (PS1) then the solenoid valve 40 closes and the 
inlet opens so that normal air flow to the compressor unit is established. 
The solenoid valve 40 is a normally closed valve and thereby line 41 is 
closed until valve 40 is opened as aforesaid. 
FIGS. 2a and 2b illustrate arrangements similar to FIG. 1 but where the 
dryer 24 in the air inlet flow is omitted and moisture is removed from the 
pressure vessel 14 by a moisture removal means 35. In the case of FIG. 2a, 
the means 35 comprises a line 27 removing oil from the pool 16, a 
regenerative heat exchanger 28, a hot oil sump 29, a heating device 30 and 
a pump P. The heating device 30 is provided so that the oil in the sump 29 
is sufficiently hot to evaporate moisture 31 out of the oil. The pump P 
returns oil from the sump 29 via line 32 back into the pressure vessel 14. 
In doing so, it passes through the regenerative heat exchanger 28 to heat 
the oil leaving the pool 16 via line 27. In the embodiment of FIG. 2b, the 
means 35 comprises line 27, a coalescent type moisture/oil separator 33, 
and pump P. The separator 33 removes moisture from the oil and the oil is 
returned via line 32 and pump P to the pressure vessel 14. In both cases, 
the flow rate of oil and the capacity of the pump P need only be 
relatively small so that upon operation, moisture is continuously removed. 
The embodiments shown in FIGS. 1, 2a and 2b are relatively wasteful of 
floor space and to this extent, it might be desirable to arrange the 
pressure vessel 14 in an upright or vertical configuration as shown in 
FIG. 3. In this embodiment, items of a similar nature have been given the 
same reference numerals as in the earlier described embodiments. In this 
proposed embodiment the screw compressor unit 11 is at least partially 
mounted within the pressure vessel 14 and the discharge pipe 15 therefrom 
discharges compressed gas and oil directly into the vessel 14. It should 
of course be appreciated that it would be possible to mount the compressor 
unit 11 through the upright wall of the vessel 14 with its axis horizontal 
or equally with the vessel 14 in a horizontal configuration, the 
compressor unit could be mounted horizontally extending through an end 
wall of the vessel 14 or vertically extending through a top horizontal 
wall section of the vessel 14. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the motor 12 
is directly coupled to the compressor unit 11 and a regulator 34 is 
provided to control the motor 12 on start up as indicated earlier in this 
specification. Such an arrangement could also be used in the embodiments 
of FIGS. 1, 2a and 2b if desired. 
In this embodiment a dryer device 24 may be used (similar to FIG. 1) or 
alternatively, one of the moisture removal arrangements 35 disclosed with 
reference to FIGS. 2a and 2b might be used instead of the dryer 24. As the 
wall of the pressure vessel 14 can become quite hot during operation, it 
is desirable to shield same and this may be done by placing a concentric 
shield or wall 36 around same. The shield wall 36 also defines an annular 
passage 37 through which cooling air might pass to improve cooling effect. 
In some compressor systems, it might be desired to use simply the heat of 
the pressure vessel 14 to prevent moisture condensing therein. In such 
systems, it would be necessary to ensure the system heats up quickly on 
start up and is maintained relatively hot when in operation. Thus, for 
example, it may be appropriate to provide a control system to prevent 
operation of the fan 26 on start up so that the system heats up quickly 
and runs for a predetermined period in a hot condition. Thereafter, the 
fan can be operated as needed to keep temperature of the vessel 14 within 
predetermined limits. 
Referring now to FIG. 4 of the drawings, the system 10 comprises a 
compressor unit 11 with intermeshing rotors 42 driven by a motor 12. The 
motor 12 is conveniently directly coupled to the compressor unit 11. 
Alternatively, a belt drive coupling may be useful in some circumstances 
as the pulleys of the belt drive may be used to add inertia into the 
rotating components as discussed in the following. The compressor unit 11 
has an air intake region 44 with first valve means 45 interposed between 
the region 44 and an air intake filter 60. The first valve means 45 may be 
a two position solenoid valve which is normally closed but opened when air 
flow is desired. Any other form of valve capable of effecting a similar 
operation may also be utilised. Further, a line 46 with a restriction 47 
also permits air to flow into the inlet region 44 via a non-return valve 
48. The compressor unit 11 also has a discharge region 49 through which a 
compressed air and liquid mixture leaving the rotors 42 is discharged. 
Flow through the discharge region 49 is controlled by valve means 50 which 
is arranged as close as possible to the compressor unit 11 so as to limit 
the volume of the discharge region 49. The valve means 50 may be a 
non-return valve (swing check or ball type) or may be a solenoid operated 
or equivalent type valve. In the latter case, operation of the valve would 
be controlled by the control system 51. A pressure vessel 14 is provided 
to receive the mixture of compressed gas and liquid leaving the compressor 
unit 11 via line 15. The liquid/compressed gas mixture undergoes a primary 
separation in the vessel 14 so as to maintain liquid 16 in the base of the 
vessel 14. 
A liquid return line 17 is provided leading from the pool of liquid 16 in 
the vessel 14 through a liquid oil filter 18 and second valve means 52 
eventually being delivered to the rotors 42 within the compressor unit 11. 
Again the valve means 52 may be a two position normally closed solenoid 
valve but any other suitable valve means could be used. Liquid flow along 
line 17 depends upon a pressure differential existing between the vessel 
14 and the introduction point to the compressor unit 11. If the 
arrangement is in accordance with FIGS. 1 to 3 then a cooling of the 
liquid returning to the compressor unit may not be necessary. A liquid 
cooler 53 may, however, also be employed as required. The compressed gas 
after having most of the liquid removed from it within the vessel 14 is 
then passed, via line 19 to a minimum pressure valve (mpv) and final 
filter element 20. After leaving the final filter element 20, the clean 
compressed gas might be delivered directly to an end user or to a gas 
storage tank 54 in a conventional system. 
Finally, the control system 51 is provided controlling operation of the 
first valve means 45, the second valve means 52, and the motor 12. The 
control system, if required may also control operation of the valves 50 
and 48. The arrangement is such as to ensure the valve means 45 and 52 are 
closed prior to the rotors 42 ceasing to rotate. The rotors 42 should 
complete at least one and preferably several revolutions after the valves 
45 and 52 are closed. This may be achieved by stopping the motor 12 a 
predetermined period of time after the valve means are closed. 
Alternatively, the system may utilise inherent inertia to ensure the 
rotors 42 continue to operate for a period of time after the motor is 
stopped. If necessary, extra inertia such as a flywheel 55 might be 
utilised. 
It is also possible, to vary the volume of the intake region 44 relative to 
the discharge region 49 so as to ensure the equilibrium pressure within 
the compressor unit (when stopped) does not exceed a predetermined level 
that would inhibit restarting of the system. Preferably this equilibrium 
pressure is about one atmosphere and preferably does not exceed 2.5 to 3.0 
atmospheres. 
Reference will now be made to FIG. 5 of the annexed drawings. Like features 
to the integers described above with reference to FIG. 4 have been given 
the same reference numerals. FIG. 5 represents a system for use with 
larger powered motors and therefore capacity. Smaller horsepower motors 
may be started by direct on-line connection to a power supply, however, it 
is common practice for larger motors to be started using a star-delta 
starting means. In such systems the compressor unit 11 is started under 
"star" regime (low motor torque). The first valve means 45 is closed 
causing vacuum conditions in the compressor inlet region 44. To prevent 
pressure build up in the small discharge volume 49 (which would have the 
effect of increasing motor torque requirements), a two position (normally 
closed) solenoid valve 56 is opened (via a control signal from the control 
51) and vents the discharge zone 49 to a vessel 57. The vessel 57 is 
connected via line 58 to the inlet region 44 of the compressor unit. Line 
58 may connect with line 46 upstream of the restrictor 47 or downstream of 
the restrictor 47 or valve 48 as illustrated in dotted lines 59. The valve 
48 is shown as a non-return valve, however, it could also be formed as a 
solenoid valve or other form of valve controlled by the control device 51. 
The vessel 57 may be quite small or if the volume of piping is sufficient, 
may be eliminated altogether. When the motor 12 switches to "delta" (high 
torque), the solenoid valve 56 closes and the inlet or first valve means 
45 opens. It may be possible for the start sequence to occur without the 
oil stop valve (second valve means 52) opened in which case there would be 
no need for the vessel 57. If this is not possible, then the valve means 
52 opens when the motor is operating in start regime and the vessel 57 
also collects liquid. The vessel 57 drains liquid back to the compressor 
inlet over the first minutes of running. If desired, the vessel 57 may be 
integrally formed with the inlet region and inlet filter. 
It will of course be appreciated that the annexed drawings are schematic 
and do not represent any particular configuration or assembly of the 
various components. Any known arrangement of component parts could equally 
be employed with the performance of the present invention.