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Under-driving air compressor pump, oiling issues?

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NucEngineer

Nuclear
Jul 26, 2015
5
Hello all,
I am looking at replacing a failed compressor pump with a larger displacement pump, and I will be under driving the replacement pump for several reasons. I am wondering if I will have oiling issues as a result.

Manufacturer specified speed range for the new pump is 655 - 1050 rpm. I want to run the pump at 595 rpm.

So the obvious question here, do you guys think that I will have oiling problems running 60 RPMs less than minimum spec? This will be home use application, so not 7 days/wk production use.

Thanks.
 
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First question, why the need to under-drive the pump? Since you mention oil, I assume that it's not an 'oil-less' pump, correct?

An since this is for home use, some may object to your posting it here and would suggest that perhaps the "Tech Side of the Pub" or "Engineers with Hobbies" might be more appropriate.

John R. Baker, P.E. (ret)
EX-Product 'Evangelist'
Irvine, CA
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The secret of life is not finding someone to live with
It's finding someone you can't live without
 
Do I have the ability to relocate the thread? I would gladly do so, maybe one of the mods can help me out?

And to answer the question, it is an oiled belt driven pump. I need to replace it, and of the two cost effective pumps available, one is smaller displacement and one is larger (than original pump). I would like to under drive the larger pump to reduce noise, increase longevity, and also because the drive motor is not of sufficient power to turn the pump at the speed for rated air output. Basically the volume of output for the old pump was sufficient, so the goal would be to provide the same volume of air using a larger pump at slower speed to reduce heat, reduce noise, and increase service life.

 
I would recommend contacting the head manufacturer, the downfall of lower end splash-lubricated compressor heads is often lubrication.
 
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