Question 21General Subjects - Assistant Engineer

The correct answer is C) fail to function as designed, but the compressor having no load will start with little or no difficulty. When the air charge has been lost from a ship service air receiver, the compressor's mechanical unloading system will not function as designed. This is because the unloading system relies on the air pressure in the receiver to actuate the unloading mechanism. Without this air pressure, the unloading system will fail. However, with no load on the compressor, it will still be able to start with little or no difficulty, as the compressor will not be overloaded. The other options are incorrect because A) the unloading system will not function normally, B) the safety interlock will not stop the drive motor since the unloading system is not working, and D) the drive motor will not trip the circuit breaker, as the compressor will not be overloaded without any load.