Alkin W3 Series Booster — Safety Guidelines – South-Tek Systems

Applies to: Alkin W3 Series high-pressure air & gas boosters — W3-11-345-FP6B (15 HP), W3-15-345-FP6B (20 HP), and W3-18-345-FP6B (25 HP).

Safety guidelines

Read and follow these guidelines before operating or servicing the W3, along with all applicable federal, state, and local codes. Only trained personnel who have read the manual should operate or service the unit. Never start the unit in a known unsafe condition; tag it out and disconnect power so no one else can start it until the condition is corrected. Do not modify the unit or operate it beyond its rated pressure and speed.

⚠ Warning — Automatic start The unit can start automatically without warning. Before any maintenance or repair, switch off at the main switch or disconnect from the mains and confirm the unit cannot restart. Tag the power supply so no one energizes it while you work.

⚠ Warning — Stored high pressure Do not open the oil fill plug or any connection, tube, hose, fitting, or valve while the unit is running or on standby (waiting for the pressure switch). Switch off power, close the discharge valve, and depressurize all sections before dismantling any component. Keep everyone clear of discharge openings during blow-down. Do not use more than 101 PSI (7 bar) for blow-cleaning without proper protective equipment.

Safety decals on your unit

Electrical shock & grounding

Keep the unit, hoses, tools, and personnel at least 10 ft (3 m) from power lines, panels, and underground cables.
Keep your body and any conductive tools away from exposed live electrical parts. Maintain dry footing and stand on an insulating surface when working near electrical components.
A proper earth/ground connection is required. Verify the grounding line; missing or insufficient grounding can energize the body of the unit and cause serious injury or death.
Keep wiring and terminals in good condition; replace degraded insulation and keep terminals clean and tight.

Moving parts

Keep hands, arms, clothing, and hair away from belts, pulleys, and other moving parts.
Do not run the unit with the flywheel-side canopy cover removed.
Wear snug-fitting clothing and confine long hair. Make changes only with the unit off; if an adjustment must be verified running, stand clear.
Keep floors and walking surfaces free of oil and water to prevent slips.

Hot surfaces & sharp edges

Avoid contact with hot oil, cylinder heads, discharge pipes, and intercooler surfaces, and with sharp edges and corners.
Wear gloves and appropriate PPE when working on or around the unit. Keep a first-aid kit handy and treat cuts and burns promptly.

Hearing protection

Wear hearing protection when working around the running unit; sustained noise above permissible levels can cause permanent hearing damage.

Fire & explosion

Clean up oil spills immediately. Shut the unit off and let it cool, and keep sparks, flame, and smoking away when checking, draining, or adding oil.
Do not let oil films or combustible substances accumulate on the unit. Do not use flammable solvents for cleaning; use aqueous industrial cleaner or steam.
Keep a suitable BC or ABC fire extinguisher nearby, and keep rags, trash, and combustibles away from the unit.
Never spray volatile materials into the intake.

Breathing air & substances

▲ Attention — Breathing air Do not use air from this unit for breathing unless it is equipped with proper purification equipment and the purifier cartridge is installed in the purifier housing. Operate only in well-ventilated areas.

The lubricant is a synthetic oil. Avoid ingestion and skin contact; wash with soap and water after skin contact and seek medical treatment promptly if swallowed.
Drain the purifier condensate daily to limit internal corrosion.

Lifting & carrying

Lift only in full compliance with codes. Confirm the entire lifting, rigging, and supporting setup is in good condition and rated for at least the unit's net weight (approximately 1,760 lb). Check the weight if unsure.
If using a forklift, verify its rated capacity, space the forks correctly under the unit, and keep the unit no more than about 4 in (10 cm) off the ground while moving.
Do not distract the forklift operator during the lift.

Safety valves

⚠ Warning — Never adjust safety valves Each stage and the final stage have a safety valve. Confirm they discharge at their set pressures during operation, but never adjust, block, or disable a safety valve. If a valve vents in normal operation or fails to hold, stop the unit, depressurize, and open a support ticket.

Need help? South-Tek Systems Service — Phone: (910) 415-1880 · Open a support ticket at support@southteksystems911.zendesk.com or through the Help Center. For any service, parts, or factory-related questions, please open a support ticket and have your model and serial number ready.