The proper speed that a compressor should run.

by Barry
(Houma, La, USA)

I have an old upright compressor and the motor burnt out. I bought a motor to replace the old one, but, the new motor runs at 3450rpms. I think that the other may have ran at 1725rpm. Will it be okay to run the compressor at the higher speed? The compressor is cast-iron.

__________________________
Bill says...

That's a good question.

If the compressor materials can handle the higher RPM, then you will increase the output.

My thoughts are that the compressor is designed to run at the RPM of the OEM equipment, and changing that may lead to maintenance issues.

If your motor RPM is doubled, and you halve the size of the sheave that it's driving, then effectively your compressor will see the same RPM I would think.

Cheers,

Bill




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The proper speed that a compressor should run.

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May 22, 2010
 Vote of Thanks
by: Anonymous

Just wanted to thank Bill for his comment. I have considered the size of the sheave, but it's already only about 2 inches in diameter, and the motor shaft is 3/4 of an inch. I"m not sure if I will be able to find one to fit.
Maybe I'll try the compressor with the faster motor. If it breaks, I'll have to replace it anyway.
Thanks

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