Stupid compressor question

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Mar 18, 2004 | 04:59 PM

stryder

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From: SE Iowa

Stupid compressor question

Okay this sounds really stupid, but if I hook two 5hp pumps up to run together, will a 5hp motor still work, or will I need a 10hp? Dumb question I know, but the pumps were dirt cheap at the auction I went to. I even scored big with one being a Quincy!
Thanks,

Stryder

Mar 18, 2004 | 05:34 PM

Torque1st

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You would need a 10 HP motor. Make sure you get a real 10HP motor not some fake HP "compressor duty" motor.

Mar 18, 2004 | 06:50 PM

stryder

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From: SE Iowa

Thanks Torque1st!

I was pretty sure that was correct, but I've been second quessing myself alot lately. The motor I'm looking at is a farm duty class that is cont. use rated and requires 40 amps.

Stryder

Mar 19, 2004 | 05:24 PM

eehoepp

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From: Tottenham Ontario Canada

I think you'd be better off with two 5HP motors running the two pumps separately. You can use two pressure switches - one with a higher setpoint to run the more reliable pump when the tank pressure drops a little & one with a lower setpoint to have the second pump kick in when you're really drawing down the tank.

This arrangement will draw less current, on average, than a single 10HP motor. As a side benefit, you'll have redundancy in your setup. The tradeoff, of course, is that you need two motor starters, two unloaders, etc.

Cheers,
Eric

Mar 20, 2004 | 12:35 PM

ford390gashog

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From: Brentwood,CA

how much were the pumps

Mar 20, 2004 | 02:42 PM

stryder

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From: SE Iowa

I will probably stick with just one motor. It will be cheaper that way, depending on how much a new sheave will cost. It will just be easier to set up with the amount of space i'm dealing with.

Gashog: I gave a total of $175 for both pumps at auction with no motors. The Quincy was $100. I think I was the only one there that knew what it was. Still trying to locate info on the other, but my guess is a Westinghouse.