Going nuts with compressor project

[EEngel]

Well, once again I think I might have entered the world of overkill. This summer I had a craigs list trade. I gave up a jet ski in return for underground sprinklers at the house.



As fall rolled around, I knew I had to blow them out. After a few calls, I found out that they want about $300 to do it. This was not going to happen. So I went on my merry way and did the following.



Picked up a tandum axel trailer, 400 gallon pressure tank (rated 250psi), a 35 scfm compressor, and 50 feet of 1" air hose. All was going to be good. Little did I know the compressor was 3 phase (ah crap). So now I am trying to figure out if I want to covert it to a gas unit or buy a single phase motor.



The perk to gas would be that I could drop the trailer off and let others use it without having to worry if they have 220 available (and if it's a 50 amp plug).



Anybody know what is involved in switching from elecrtic to gas?



Thanks!

 

[Grizzly]

Well, once again I think I might have entered the world of overkill. This summer I had a craigs list trade. I gave up a jet ski in return for underground sprinklers at the house.

As fall rolled around, I knew I had to blow them out. After a few calls, I found out that they want about $300 to do it. This was not going to happen. So I went on my merry way and did the following.

Picked up a tandum axel trailer, 400 gallon pressure tank (rated 250psi), a 35 scfm compressor, and 50 feet of 1" air hose. All was going to be good. Little did I know the compressor was 3 phase (ah crap). So now I am trying to figure out if I want to covert it to a gas unit or buy a single phase motor.

The perk to gas would be that I could drop the trailer off and let others use it without having to worry if they have 220 available (and if it's a 50 amp plug).

Anybody know what is involved in switching from elecrtic to gas? Thanks!

What I would do is find the lowest point on the sprinkler system, install a keyed drain valve, riser PVC to access the drain valve and provide a gravel pit to drain the system. Besides, that big compressor and pressure tank may blow out the sprinkler system fittings.

 

[EEngel]

pressure

Grizzly,



I have a pressure regulator on the output of the tank. The water pressure is 60psi when the system is running. I set the regulator on the tank at 50psi. I have already blown out the system for the year (I used the compressor I have in the shop to fill the surge tank).



Now I am just looking to modify the second compressor so I can lend it out to other people (as a complete unit).

 

[EEngel]

length

Grizzly,



Forgot, the system does have the drains in each "zone". The problem is that I have about 3500 feet of 1" line in the system and the yard has many hills and dips, so the water can sit in wierd places.

 

[rbattelle]

So now I am trying to figure out if I want to covert it to a gas unit or buy a single phase motor.

I gotta say, DieselNut's advice on the other version of this thread is pretty good (power it with a gas or diesel engine). If you're going to loan this thing out, having it self-powered would definitely be good.



Ryan

 

[Flinty]

Have you considered a phase converter? I haven't priced one lately but the last one I priced didn't set off any alarms. Sorry I can't recall the price. The draw back is your friends won't be able to use your new toy.

 

[p-Bar]

Have you considered a phase converter? I haven't priced one lately but the last one I priced didn't set off any alarms. Sorry I can't recall the price. The draw back is your friends won't be able to use your new toy.

Unless you mount the phase converter on the trailer. How many HP is the 3 ph motor?

 

[PToombs]

I have seen phase converters for under $200. Up to 10 hp I think?

 

[jmadden]

under $200 for up to 8hp... about $250 for up to 12hp. Enco had the best prices I found when I needed a converter to hook up my free lathe.



Enco - Guaranteed Lowest Prices on Machinery, Tools and Shop Supplies

 

[rbattelle]

Bear in mind the static converters, while cheap, run your equipment at ~2/3 power. Plan accordingly.

Ryan

 

[EEngel]

Took the easy road

Well, the gas idea was good, but cheap and easy won.



I got a used 6. 5hp 220v, single phase for $100 and it dropped right on. Guess if anybody wants to borrow it, they need to find power.



Thanks for the help.

 

[Dieselnut59]

On the lines of "overkill compressor", I am about to install a MONSTER compressor at our shop. We got a steal of a deal on it. It is a Champion 250 gallon unit with TWO 10 horsepower 3-phase motors and two 4-cylinder, 2-stage pumps. It is a HOSS and has been completely gone through. We got it for $2200. 00 Has low oil shutdown, double intercoolers for each pump, auto tank drain and can alternate between pumps/cycles or run both pumps together when needed. I am installing 3-phase 480 power at the shop now and can't wait to get this thing going! I am also converting all the lights to 277v and installing 3 offices on their own 120/208v panel.

On the note to your original thread, you can add an engine to power that thing at any time easily. The 10 horse Yanmar units we have on our service truck air compressors would run your pump with a 6. horse electric motor fine. If you want to make yours truely portable, the diesel engine would be ideal and a lot safer than having to run a long 240v extension cord to run it with an electric motor.

 

[rbattelle]

On the lines of "overkill compressor", I am about to install a MONSTER compressor at our shop. We got a steal of a deal on it. It is a Champion 250 gallon unit with TWO 10 horsepower 3-phase motors and two 4-cylinder, 2-stage pumps. It is a HOSS and has been completely gone through. We got it for $2200. 00 Has low oil shutdown, double intercoolers for each pump, auto tank drain and can alternate between pumps/cycles or run both pumps together when needed.

Droooool! You've got to post some photos of that monster.



What's it costing you to get 480 3-phase run to the shop?



Ryan

 

[EEngel]

monster compressor

Dieselnut59,



Good lord, that thing should dim the lights a bit for ya. I agree with Ryan, you need to take some pics.

 

[Dieselnut59]

Droooool! You've got to post some photos of that monster.



What's it costing you to get 480 3-phase run to the shop?



Ryan

We got LUCKY on the 3-phase! The power company was about to have to install larger 240v transformers to power the growing machine shop across the road from us. Our current 240v single phase system has been overloaded for a while and we share transformers with them. They have a machine that draws a lot of power when it starts and has dimmed our lights sometimes. The computer back ups don't like it either! With us going to 480, we will be on our own transformers and they will have the availability of power we will no longer be sharing off the current transformers. The power company is not charging us a thing for the change. We just have to supply the 400 amp disconnect and the 277/480 panel. I have already hung the 120/208 panels and step down transformers.

I will post pics when I get it set up, but it will be a while. I am doing all inside (after the 480 panel) work myself.