3
2 Mode of operation
As a rule, the MAXIMATOR compressors operate according to the pressure
intensifier principle: large surface area with a low pressure (air piston(3))
small
surface area with a high pressure (HP piston(2)). A continual flow is attained by
continuous pulsation. This pulsation is achieved by an impulse-controlled 4/2-way
valve (servo-valve(4)). The servo-valve alternately impinges the top and bottom side
of the air pistons. The servo-valve is selected via two 2/2-way valves (pilot valves(7))
that are mechanically by the air piston in its end positions. The pilot valves ventilate
and vent the actuation chamber of the servo-valve. The drive air provides the
restoring force for the servo-valve. In the actuation chamber the servo-valve has a
larger effective surface area than in the control chamber that is permanently
impinged with compressed air. The HP piston generates the volume flow by means of
check valves (suction valve, delivery valve(1)). The HP section of the compressors
consists of two stages. The first stage has a low pressure ratio and conveys directly
into the second stage with a high pressure ratio. These two stages allow for the
generation of a high operating pressure with sufficient compressor capacity, even
with a low admission pressure. The initial pressure depends on the adjusted drive
pressure. The below formula:
A
L
B
P
i
i
P
i
P
*
*
1
2
2
+
=
is used to calculate the static final pressure. Upon reaching the final pressure the
compressor stops and ceases to consume air. Only a pressure drop at the high-
pressure side or a pressure increase at the drive side occasion the compressor to re-
start.
where:
P
B
:
Operating pressure
PL :
Drive pressure
PA :
Admission pressure
i :
Pressure ratio
Summary of Contents for DLE 5
Page 6: ...6 ...