The function of this valve is to stop the supply of oil immediately running through the system after stopping the Air Compressor. Hence Oil is not accumulated in Air End during the next starting.
This remains open when the Compressor is running both under load and unloading conditions.
During Unloading Condition, opens slightly to supply sufficient Oil to Air End. (As there is no air pressure developed during unload condition, there was no heat generation and no extra cooling effect required)
As the name denotes this is used for the safety of the compressor and the manpower working nearby unit.
The Safety Valves are adjusted to 10% higher than the Maximum Unloading Pressure (Check from nameplate or Purchase Order).
This can adjust by tightening the Pressure Transformer. Tightening the pressure transformer inwards will increase the blow-off pressure setting and vice-versa (keep all Delivery Valves open).
Start closing the Delivery Valves until Safety Valves start Blowing. Note the Air pressure at which the Safety valves Blow, replace the cap, and lock it.
Minimum Pressure Valve (MPV)
It is of extreme importance that Air Pressure is developed in the Air Receiver instantly as the compressor started.
Since this Air Pressure Circulates the Lubricating Oil to the Compressor unit through the Oil Cooler, Filters, Strainers, etc.
Here MPV plays an important role and holds the required pressure.
The function of MPV is to maintain an Air Pressure of 4 Kg/cm² in the Air-Oil Receiver. This pressure must be maintained at load or unload conditions.
This is fitted with Oil Line between Receiver and Oil Cooler.
When Oil Temperature is less than 80-degree centigrade, Oil Cooler is By-Passed.
At this condition, Oil flows directly from the Receiver to Oil Filter.
A Thermostat is fitted in this to sense the temperature of the oil. One Ball Valve is also fitted with Oil Line near By-Pass Valve.
If this is closed, Oil will always pass through Oil Cooler. If the Thermostat fails to function, the problem can be temporarily solved by closing the Ball Valve.
This Valve opens when the Air at the Discharge Port of the Air End is more than the Receiver Pressure.
This Remains closed during Unloading Condition when Receiver Pressure is more than Pressure at Discharge Port.
Scavenging air is absorbed through Intake Valves during Unloading Condition to make up for Air Venting out through Unloader Body.
A mixture of Oil and Scavenging Air is passed through this during Unloading conditions.
The further recommended reading is Knowing More About Valves and Valves Selection Handbook