High-Performance Air Skid (HPA-75-ENC) — Installation & Startup – South-Tek Systems

Applies to: High-Performance Air Skid (HPA-75-ENC)

🛑 Qualified Personnel Only: All electrical inspection, wiring, and installation work must be performed by a licensed and certified electrician in full compliance with applicable federal, state, and local codes. Mechanical installation must be performed by trained personnel who have read and understood the operator manual.

Receiving Inspection

Before installation, inspect the HPA-75-ENC thoroughly upon delivery. Report any damage or discrepancies to South-Tek Systems immediately and retain all packaging for freight claims. Confirm the following prior to moving the unit to its installation location.

Check	Action
Shipping damage	Inspect canopy, piping, and components for impact damage from transit
Compressor nameplate	Verify model, working pressure, and serial number match the order
Motor nameplate	Confirm motor voltage and phase match available site power (460V / 3Ph / 60Hz)
Oil level	Verify crankcase oil is present and at the correct level — below the red line on the sight glass
Intake filter	Confirm intake filter element is installed on the booster compressor

Site Requirements

Location

Installation location has a direct impact on system performance and service life. Select a site that meets all of the following conditions before positioning the unit.

Requirement	Specification
Ambient temperature	32°F – 122°F (0°C – 50°C)
Floor condition	Flat, level, and capable of supporting 5,000 lbs static load
Wall clearance	Minimum 24 inches (60 cm) on all sides for airflow and service access
Ventilation	Well-ventilated indoor area — adequate airflow to prevent heat buildup
Air quality	Free from dust, fumes, lint, vapor, steam, exhaust gases, and other contaminants
Moisture	Dry environment — avoid areas prone to water intrusion or condensation

🛑 Do Not Operate on Wooden Pallet: Remove the unit from its shipping pallet before operation. The HPA-75-ENC must rest on a flat, solid floor surface. Operating on the shipping pallet is prohibited and will void the warranty.

Lifting and Positioning

The HPA-75-ENC weighs 5,000 lbs. All lifting equipment, rigging, and supporting structures must be rated for at least this capacity and inspected prior to use. Position forklift forks fully under the skid base and keep the unit no more than 4 inches (10 cm) off the ground during transport. Do not allow the unit to swing while suspended and keep all personnel clear of the load.

Minimum Wall Clearance Layout

Electrical Installation

Parameter	Requirement
Supply voltage	460V / 3-Phase / 60Hz
Amperage	25A
Disconnect type	Fused disconnect — customer supplied and installed
Grounding	Ground wire connection required — failure to ground may result in electric shock or death
Wire sizing	Select wire gauge rated for motor full-load current and run length per NEC requirements
Safety clearance	Maintain minimum 10 ft (3 m) from overhead power lines and underground cables

⚠ Direction of Rotation: After wiring, verify the flywheel rotates in the direction of the arrow marked on the crankcase before applying a load. Sustained operation in the wrong direction will reverse cooling airflow, prevent oil circulation, and cause serious compressor damage. If rotation is incorrect, swap two of the three phase leads at the disconnect.

Inlet and Outlet Piping

Both the inlet and outlet connections are 1" NPT. All field piping must use properly rated stainless steel pipe and fittings sized for the operating pressure. Piping must be installed in full compliance with applicable federal, state, and local codes. Consult South-Tek Systems if guidance on pipe sizing or layout is needed for your specific installation.

Connection	Size	Pressure Rating Required
Inlet (LP air supply)	1" NPT	Minimum 160 PSIG — supply pressure 85–115 PSI
Outlet (HP to laser)	1" NPT	Minimum 725 PSIG — system outlet up to 580 PSI

ℹ Inlet Pressure: The HPA-75-ENC requires a stable inlet supply between 85–115 PSI. Inlet pressure directly affects maximum outlet pressure and flow rate. Refer to the performance correction table in the Overview & Specifications article for expected output at your site's supply pressure.

Pre-Startup Checklist

Complete all items on this checklist before attempting the initial startup. Do not proceed if any item cannot be confirmed.

#	Item
1	Operator manual has been read and understood — contact South-Tek with any questions before proceeding
2	All installation steps in this article have been completed
3	Crankcase oil level confirmed — at or below the red line on the sight glass, topped up if needed with approved oil
4	Pressure switch settings verified against required start/stop pressures
5	Flywheel rotated by hand several times — moves freely with no binding or unusual resistance
6	Area around compressor is clear — tools, rags, and all objects removed from the vicinity
7	All electrical connections tight — terminals, panel wiring, and ground confirmed
8	Supply voltage at disconnect confirmed as 460V / 3-Phase / 60Hz
9	Intake filter confirmed installed on booster compressor
10	Inlet supply air confirmed between 85–115 PSI at the system inlet connection

Initial Startup Procedure

⚠ Before Starting: Confirm all personnel are clear of the compressor, belts, flywheel, and discharge lines. The unit may start automatically once power is applied if the PLC is in auto mode — treat all energized equipment as capable of unexpected startup.

Press the Start button on the AirMaster Q2 control panel to initiate the compressor.
Immediately verify the flywheel is rotating in the correct direction — the arrow on the crankcase and flywheel indicates the required rotation. If rotation is incorrect, stop immediately and swap two phase leads at the fused disconnect.
Allow the compressor to run unloaded for 10 minutes with the purifier drain valve open. This ensures full lubrication of all internal components before pressure builds.
Listen and observe for abnormal vibration, unusual sounds, or visible leaks during the unloaded run period.
After the 10-minute unloaded run, close the drain valve and allow pressure to build normally.
Inspect all piping connections, fittings, and unions for leaks using foam solution applied with a sponge. If a leak is found, stop the compressor, allow full depressurization, and address the leak before restarting.
Verify the final stage safety valve operation — it must open and release at the pressure marked on its body. If it does not open at the set pressure, stop the compressor immediately and contact South-Tek Systems.
Confirm the compressor stops automatically when the HP receiver reaches the high-pressure setpoint and restarts when pressure drops to the low-pressure setpoint.
Verify the auto drain solenoids cycle correctly — the compressor should drain for approximately 5 seconds every 10 minutes during operation.

ℹ First Run Oil Note: If the unit has been in storage with old oil, run the compressor for a short period until the oil warms, then drain and refill with fresh approved oil before placing the system into service. See the Filter & Preventive Maintenance article for the oil change procedure.

Storage Guidelines

If the HPA-75-ENC will be stored without operating for an extended period, run the compressor for a minimum of one hour at least twice per month. This prevents oxidation of internal components and ensures lubrication is maintained on cylinder walls, bearings, and crankshaft surfaces. Failure to exercise the unit during storage may result in difficulty starting and accelerated internal wear at next operation.

Contact South-Tek Systems

Phone: (910) 415-1880

Email / Ticket: support@southteksystems911.zendesk.com