B 62800 ---1 GB 1091/PRa 1 ( 17)

COMPRESSOR AND AIR CIRCUIT

COMMANDO 300
Operation and maintenance

CONTENTS
1. Compressor unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 2
1.1 Technical data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.2 Oil recommendation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.3 Compressor unit main components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.4 Compressing principle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2. Components of compressor circuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.1 Description of components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
3. Operating principle of compressor circuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3.2 Compressor air circulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3.3 Compressor oil circulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3.4 Compressor regulating system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
4. Control instruments of the compressor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
4.1 Air circuit control instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
4.2 Compressor oil circuit control instruments . . . . . . . . . . . 13
5. Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
6. Air circuit diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
6.1 Air circuit diagram and components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
6.2 Dust collector cleaning impulse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
2 ( 17) B 62800 ---1 GB 1091/PRa

1. COMPRESSOR UNIT

1.1. TECHNICAL DATA

Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oil---cooled, single stage screw
compressor with asymmetric rotors
Slide control.
Max. ambient temperature . . . . . up to 50_C
Compressor oil capacities
--- total capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 litres
(receiver + hoses and coolers)
Outlet air thermal switch . . . . . . . 118_C
Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,5 m3/min
Max. output pressure . . . . . . . . . 9 bar
Bearings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Roller bearings
Screw diameter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 mm

1.2. OIL RECOMMENDATION

The oil recommendations are based on the ambient temperature. The
flashing point must be above 180_C / 356_F. For arctic conditions
(below ---30_C /---22_F) synthetic oils are recommended. Right
viscosity automatic transmission oils can also be used.

SAE Ambient temperature

classification C -- 40 -- 30 -- 20 -- 10 0 +10 +20 +30 +40 +50 +60
F -- 40 -- 22 -- 4 +14 +32 +50 +68 +86 +104 +122 +140
Synt. 5W/20
SAE 5W/20
SAE 20W/20
SAE 10W/30

Recommended temperature range

Temporarily allowed temperature range

 B 62800 ---1 GB 1091/PRa 3 ( 17)

COMPRESSOR AND AIR CIRCUIT

COMMANDO 300
Operation and maintenance

1.3. COMPRESSOR UNIT MAIN COMPONENTS

The Tamrock compressor includes the following main components:

1 2 5

1. Housing
7
2. Screw rotor
3. Slide rotor
4. Inlet cover
5. Outlet cover
6. Shaft seal
7. Bearing housing cover
6

Fig. 1.
4 3

1.4. COMPRESSING PRINCIPLE

Together with the housing the two meshing rotors form the
compression chamber. The rotating rotors take air into the housing
through the inlet port as the grooves of the rotors pass the inlet port.
As the rotors turn, the meshing point closes the passage to the inlet
port, and the air is trapped in a chamber.
With the progress of the rotation the volume of the chamber between
the two rotors becomes smaller, and the pressure increases.
When the desired pressure, the operationally most economical
pressure, is reached the compressed air flows through the outlet port
into the oil/air receiver.

Fig. 2.
4 ( 17) B 62800 ---1 GB 1091/PRa

4.1
4
4.2

3
6 5
5.2

5.1
15.1

12 14 9
10 15

8
13.1 2

11
13

Fig. 3. Compressor circuit diagram

Components are shown under normal operating conditions, when

compressed air is being produced.
 B 62800 ---1 GB 1091/PRa 5 ( 17)

COMPRESSOR AND AIR CIRCUIT

COMMANDO 300
Operation and maintenance

2. COMPONENTS OF COMPRESSOR
CIRCUIT

2.1. DESCRIPTION OF COMPONENTS

1. Compressor air filter

Air is taken in through the air cleaner and the filter element where
impurities are removed.
2. Compressor air filter service indicator
The filter element must be changed always when the service
indicator shows red. When you are checking the service indicator
the compressor must be producing pressurized air. The indicator
is located beside the air container, behind the battery locker wall.
3. Screw compressor
The filtered intake air is compressed by the rotating rotors. The oil
in the rotor housing cools the air, and simultaneously seals the
clearances between the rotors and the housing, and lubricates the
unit.
4. Intake valve
Suction opens the inlet valve when the compressor is started. The
intake valve also acts as a compressor underload valve by
restricting the intake flow whenever air consumption is less than the
compressor output. When the rotors are stopped the valve acts as
a non---return valve preventing the oil in the rotor chamber from
entering into the intake duct.
5. Pressure regulator
The pressure regulator controls the inlet valve in accordance with
air consumption, maintaining the desired pressure. By adjusting
the spring (5.2) the compressor output pressure can be regulated
between 3...9 bar. Normally, the pressure is set to 7 bar.
6. Blow---down valve
The blow---down valve automatically releases the pressure from
the oil/air receiver when the compressor is stopped. When the
pressure is released, air flows out past the ball valve and out
through the compressor’s air filter.
7. Oil/air receiver
The unit serves the purpose of an air and oil receiver including an
oil separator.
6 ( 17) B 62800 ---1 GB 1091/PRa

8. Oil separator
The oil separator separates the oil mixed with the pressurized air.
9. Minimum pressure valve
The valve keeps at least 3 bar pressure in the tank while the
compressor is running to ensure the oil circulation.
10. Safety relief valve
The valve restricts the maximum pressure in the receiver to 11,7
bar.
11. Thermostat
Cool oil flows through thermostat direct to the return oil filter. When
the oil temperature rises the thermostat closes and directs the oil to
the cooler.
12. Oil cooler
Including radiator cells for compressor oil circulation and hycraulic
oil.
13. Oil filter
The oil filter is a full---flow in---line unit with a built---in by---pass
valve. The by---pass valve (13.1) opens when the pressure
difference over the unit exceeds 3,5 bar.
14. Orifice plate (1 mm)
The orifice plate controls the oil flow to the inlet side of the
compressor coming from the oil separator.
15. Temperature gauge
The gauge indicates the temperature of the compressor output air.
The sensor (15.1) is located under the compressor unit.
 B 62800 ---1 GB 1091/PRa 7 ( 17)

COMPRESSOR AND AIR CIRCUIT

COMMANDO 300
Operation and maintenance

3. OPERATING PRINCIPLE OF
COMPRESSOR CIRCUIT

3.1. GENERAL
Figure 3 shows the components of the compressor circuit in a situation
where the compressor produces pressurized air.
The built---in compressor unit (3) produces the pressurized air used by
the drilling rig. The air flows from the compressor into the oil/air
receiver. (7), where the oil is separated from the air.
According to the air consumption, the pressure regulator (5) adjusts
the inlet valve (4) that regulates the inlet port. The temperature gauge
(15) indicates the output air temperature.

3.2. COMPRESSOR AIR CIRCULATION

The air flows through the air filter (1) into the compressor (3). The inlet
and non---return valve (4) on top of the compressor opens when the
compressor starts. The inlet valve (4) is controlled by the pressure from
the pressure regulator (5).
After compression the oil/air mixture is led into the oil/air receiver (7)
where the oil is separated. As soon as the air pressure in the receiver
exceeds the opening pressure of the minimum pressure valve (9), the
clean, oil---free air starts to flow out to be used for air flushing and other
pneumatic devices.

3.3. COMPRESSOR OIL CIRCULATION

While the compressor is running the minimum pressure valve (9) keeps
at least 3 bar pressure in the oil/air receiver. This pressure forces the oil
from the receiver into the oil circuit. The oil circulation is based on the
pressure difference between the receiver and the inlet side of the
compressor.
After the compressor is started the cool oil passes straight through the
thermostat (11) to the return oil filter. When the oil temperature rises, the
bimetal spring in the thermostat stiffens and forces the oil pass through
the cooler to the return oil filter. After 45_C all the oil flows through the
cooler.
8 ( 17) B 62800 ---1 GB 1091/PRa

From the oil cooler the oil flows to the return filter (13). The filter has a
built---in by---pass valve (13.1) which lets the oil flow past the filter if the
filter is plugged or if the oil is too thick while it is not yet in operating
temperature. The opening pressure of the by---pass valve is 3,5 bar.

From the filter the oil flows into the lubricating ducts at the inlet side of
the compressor (3). At the beginning of the single phase compression,
oil is injected onto the rotors to cool down the air and to seal the
clearances. Oil flows also through the other ducts to lubricate the
bearings and the shaft seal.

After compression, the pressurized oil/air mixture flows from the screw
compressor into the spiral duct of the oil/air receiver (7) where most of
the oil is separated from the air to the bottom of the receiver. The rest of
the oil mixed with the air is separated when the air flows through the oil
separator element (8). The oil from the bottom of the separator
chamber is forced through the pipe to the inlet side of the compressor
unit. The pipe includes an orifice plate (14) (on top of the oil/air receiver)
which must be cleaned regularly.

3.4. COMPRESSOR REGULATING SYSTEM

Before starting

The compressor is stopped and there is no pressure in the receiver.

The pressure regulator (5) and the blow---down valve (6) are closed.
Also the inlet valve (4) is closed.

6 5

14
 B 62800 ---1 GB 1091/PRa 9 ( 17)

COMPRESSOR AND AIR CIRCUIT

COMMANDO 300
Operation and maintenance

Starting
When the compressor is started the screws generate suction that
opens the spring---loaded (4.2) inlet valve. The compressor starts
producing pressurized air.

4
4.2
7

Production
The inlet valve is fully open, and pressure in the oil/air receiver starts
rising. When pressure reaches 3 bar the minimum pressure valve (9) of
the receiver opens. The pressure regulator (5) is used to adjust desired
output pressure. Normally, the operation is adjusted so that the inlet
valve starts closing at 6 bar, and is fully closed at 7 bar. The inlet valve
will operate steplessly between 6...7 bar.

7
10 ( 17) B 62800 ---1 GB 1091/PRa

Output control
When the consumption of pressurized air is less than the compressor
output, the pressure in the receiver starts rising. When the pressure
reaches the set value, the diaphragm (5.1) of the pressure regulator
starts rising, compressing the spring (5.2). The diaphragm opens a
passage for the pressurized air to enter below the inlet valve piston
(4.1), moving the valve towards the closed position.
5.2
5.1

4.1

Idling
When no pressurized air is consumed and the pressure in the receiver
has reached the maximum set value, the intake valve (4) will be
completely closed.

4
 B 62800 ---1 GB 1091/PRa 11 ( 17)

COMPRESSOR AND AIR CIRCUIT

COMMANDO 300
Operation and maintenance

Stopping
When the compressor (3) is stopped, the pressure rises in the
compressor unit and closes the inlet valve (4) preventing air and oil
entering to the intake duct. The pressure in the compressor affects the
cone of the blow---down valve (6), and pushes the ball valve open. The
pressure in the receiver is released into the atmosphere. The inlet valve
(4) and the blow---down valve cone (6.1) will keep up the pressure in the
compressor unit until the receiver is pressureless.

6.1 6

3
12 ( 17) B 62800 ---1 GB 1091/PRa

4. CONTROL INSTRUMENTS OF THE

COMPRESSOR

4.1. AIR CIRCUIT CONTROL INSTRUMENTS

15

H5
S16 H10
0

S11 S15
0
0
1
P1

S12 S2 S10.1

OFF ON
H

START
S1
H1 H2 H3 H4

22
Fig. 4.

15. Compressor temperature gauge (under front control panel)

22. Compressor temperature warning light (on the control panel)
 B 62800 ---1 GB 1091/PRa 13 ( 17)

COMPRESSOR AND AIR CIRCUIT

COMMANDO 300
Operation and maintenance

1. Compressor output air thermal switch

The compressor output air temperature gauge (15) indicates the
output air temperature. The gauge includes a built---in thermal limit
switch that stops the diesel engine, and puts on the warning light
(22) and the hazard light (in the cabin or in the control panel), if the
output air temperature exceeds 118_C.
2. Air filter service indicator
The air filter element must be replaced whenever the service
indicator (2) shows red. The filter element must, however, be
cleaned at least every 250 operating hours, and replaced after
every 500 diesel hours.

4.2. COMPRESSOR OIL CIRCUIT CONTROL INSTRUMENTS

1. Thermostat
The thermostat (11) controls the amount of oil flow through the oil
cooler.
Oil temperature below 45_C thermostat fully or partly open
above 45_C thermostat fully closed
14 ( 17) B 62800 ---1 GB 1091/PRa

5. TROUBLESHOOTING

COMPRESSOR OVERHEATS
Oil level too low.
D Check oil level and fill up if necessary. Avoid overfilling (1/3 of the
sight glass height is sufficient).
Faulty thermostat (11).
(Oil circulation through the cooler partly or completely obstructed.)
D Check operation and condition of the thermostat (11).
Dirty oil cooler (12).
D Clean the oil cooler.
Plugged oil filter (13).
(Poor oil circulation --- poor cooling efficiency)
D Replace the filter element (13). Also check the air filter (1.1) and
inlet duct for leaks.
Low output pressure.
(Low pressure --- poor oil circulation)
D Raise the pressure by adjusting the pressure regulator (5).
Low pressure may also be caused by excessive air consumption.
Oil viscosity too high (oil too thick).
(Poor oil circulation --- poor cooling efficiency)
D Check oil grade. Refer to oil recommendations.
Air in oil cooler.
(Poor circulation)
D Bleed oil cooler, and change oil type if foaming occurs.

OIL CONSUMPTION TOO HIGH

Plugged return line.
(Too much oil in the separator chamber --- oil mixes with output air)
D Clean orifice plate (14) 4 1 mm located on top of the oil/air receiver.
Faulty oil separator element (8) or O---ring (8.1).
D Check oil separator element (8) and O---ring (8.1).
Oil level too high.
D Check oil level, and tap out oil if necessary.
 B 62800 ---1 GB 1091/PRa 15 ( 17)

COMPRESSOR AND AIR CIRCUIT

COMMANDO 300
Operation and maintenance

Foaming oil.
D Check oil grade. Refer to oil recommendation. Check oil level.

INSUFFICIENT AIR OUTPUT

Incorrectly adjusted or faulty pressure regulator (5).
D Adjust regulator for higher pressure. Check regulator operation
and condition.
Leaking blow---down valve (6).
D Clean blow---down valve.
Plugged breather hole of intake valve connecting nipple.
(Pressure under intake valve piston not released)
D Clean breather hole of intake valve connecting nipple.
Leaking air circuit.
(For example, a broken hose allows air to escape)
Faulty dust collector solenoid valve.
D Turn OFF the dust collector ON/OFF switch. The solenoid valve will
be closed. Loosen the hose coming from the air/oil receiver to the
dust collector while flushing is on. If air comes out through the hose
connection the solenoid valve is faulty.

PRESSURE TOO HIGH

Leaking inlet valve (4) piston seal, or faulty inlet valve.
(Inlet valve not closing properly)
D If air escapes through the breather hole above the piston while the
compressor is running the piston seals must be replaced.
Incorrectly adjusted or jammed pressure regulator (5).
D Adjust pressure regulator for lower pressure. Check regulator
operation.
Unusual compressor noise when starting
(too much oil in oil/air container).
D Check oil level (1/3 of the sight glass height is sufficient).
16 ( 17) B 62800 ---1 GB 1091/PRa

6. PNEUMATIC CIRCUIT DIAGRAM

6.1. AIR CIRCUIT DIAGRAM AND COMPONENTS
The Commando 300 crawler rig is equipped with a built---in
compressor that produces pressurized air for the following purposes:
--- drill hole flushing
--- cleaning impulses for dust collector
--- closing of dust collector exhaust port
10
17

7
14

21
4 3 15 18
16 20

19
Fig. 5.
 B 62800 ---1 GB 1091/PRa 17 ( 17)

COMPRESSOR AND AIR CIRCUIT

COMMANDO 300
Operation and maintenance

No. Part Location

3. Compressor unit Rear end of diesel engine

4. Intake valve Top of compressor unit
5. Pressure regulator Beside compressor unit
6. Blow---down valve Beside compressor unit
7. Oil/air receiver Beside diesel engine
10. Safety relief valve Oil/air receiver side wall
14. Orifice plate Top of oil/air receiver
15. Compressor temperature gauge Under front control panel
16. Air output connection and valve
17. Flushing valve Beside control panel
18. Closing cylinder Inside dust collector
19. Solenoid valve At dust collector
20. Dust collector filters Inside dust collector
21. Rock drill On feed

6.2. DUST COLLECTOR CLEANING IMPULSE

When the flushing valve (17) is closed, pressure also drops at closing
cylinder (18), which then closes the dust collector exhaust opening. A
timer relay controls the magnetic valve (19), whereby output air from
the oil/air container (7) is led to the inside of the filter elements (20).