System and method for controlling rotary screw compressors

A system for electronically preventing reverse rotation operation in a rotary air compressor connected by a sump to an air pressure system, the system comprising:

• a pressure sensor for measuring positive pressure operatively positioned in the sump;
• means, operatively connected to the system, for storing a wait time and a predetermined minimum operating pressure value;
• means, operatively connected to the system, for receiving an instruction to start the compressor;
• means, operatively connected to the receiving means, for detecting the start instruction;
• means, operatively connected to the detecting means, for starting the compressor;
• means, operatively connected to the storing means, for automatically retrieving the wait time and the predetermined minimum operating positive pressure value;
• means, operatively connected to the retrieving means, for automatically waiting until the expiration of the wait time after starting of the compressor and then determining the magnitude of the positive pressure in the sump using the sump pressure sensor;
• and
• means, operatively connected to the compressor, for automatically stopping the compressor if the determined pressure is less than the predetermined minimum operating positive pressure value at the expiration of the wait time.