So I have the chance to pick up a Le Roi Compressor for free....yeah...free! I'm definetly going to get it, but I know nothing about this brand and all internet searches seem to come up with only their heavy duty, portable offering. All of these seem to be powered by small deisel engines. The one I am picking up, all though I have not seen it yet, is supposed to be a 10 HP three phase with 120 gallon tank. I figure even if the compressor doesn't work, I can still use the tank to add capacity to my existing system. Anybody know anything about these compressors? Also, my initial thought is to change the motor to a single phase 10 hp. Does that make sense or should I go for a three phase convertor. This is for use in a home garage. Thanks for the help
Le Roi Compressor
- Thread starter Kledder
- Start date
1320stang
Well-known member
My research showed that the motors and phase converters were about the same price, but I'm not sure about the motor quality being the same. I think I'd go with a phase converter myself.
Gummi Bear
Well-known member
My only experience with them is the trailer mounted screw drive units we used to use to blow rats through conduit, and power jack hammers.
Sounds like a killer deal though.
Before jumping into a phase converter, see what motor frame it is; if it's common, you may be able to get a single phase motor for less than a converter.
What a cool deal, either way. Congrats
Sounds like a killer deal though.
Before jumping into a phase converter, see what motor frame it is; if it's common, you may be able to get a single phase motor for less than a converter.
What a cool deal, either way. Congrats
Thanks for the info guys. I spoke to the guy yesterday. This is a horizontal stationary mount that has been used in a commercial 4 bay shop for the passed 4 years. He said it leaks a little oil, but other than that it works well. I will hopefully be picking it up on Friday. I'll let you know how it goes.
Kevin
Kevin
Hey, so I figured I would revive this one from the depths. I did pick up this compressor back in April and its been sitting in my garage until I had time to work on it. It is a 2 stage compressor, powered by a 10 horsepower three phase motor. My research has come up empty trying to find any single phase 10 horse power motors for this application. Also most electricians I have spoken with have warned me that even a 10 horse power single phase motor may not have the starting power neccesary to get this 2 stage compressor moving. With all that said, I'm leaning toward the phase convertor. Any recommendations on where to purchase one at a good price???
Kevin54
MEMBER EMERITUS
Just type in Phase Converter into a search engine and you will come up with all types of places. Also check out your local place where the electricians go in your area to see what they offer. There are more out there than you realize. And as far as the LeRoi compressor....good find!! They are made in Sidney, Ohio and have been in business for years. It seemed that virtually any commercial business that had a compressor had a LeRoi.
Kevin
Kevin
Charles (in GA)
Well-known member
There are a few compressors made with a 10 hp single phase motor, Eaton has a couple of different models, so they might be a source for motors. Any way you cut it, 10 hp is alot of electricity, something on the order of 50 amps Full Load Current. How much breaker panel capacity do you have and what else will be running at the same time? On start up you could easily see 100 to 150 amps or more momentarily. You would lose some CFM's but you might consider reducing the motor pulley and going down to a 7.5 hp motor, readily available in single phase. Eaton advertises that this is how their 7.5 hp units are built, with a 10 hp rated pump and a 7.5 motor. You would still have about 25 CFM airflow.
Charles
Charles
Baldor used to make single phase motors up to 20 hp. They were not cheap. It may be possible to slow the compressor down by using a smaller pulley on the motor. This would allow you to use a smaller motor. You have to be careful not to run them too slow due to possible lubrication problems. If you can find someone with an old LeRoi cataloge this would help. It might just be cheaper to buy a 5 hp motor and another air end/pump.
Franz©
Banned
Or you can leave conventional thinking behind and save endangered electrons.
Put a solonoid on the line between the compressor and the check valve going ot the tank, about 3/8 pipe size ought to do it on a 10hp machine. Hook the solonoid to a timer that is connected to the motor.
When the motor starts, the solonoid opens before the compressor makes half of a revolution, and vents the compressor discharge to atmousphere = compressor doing no work = easy turnover. 3 to 5 seconds later, compressor is turning at full speed against minimal resistance, the solonoid closes and the compressor begins pumping air to the tank. Load comes up on themotor, but it's less than the load would be starting the compressor pumping against tank head.
This allows use of a much simpler phase converter or variable speed drive.
Put a solonoid on the line between the compressor and the check valve going ot the tank, about 3/8 pipe size ought to do it on a 10hp machine. Hook the solonoid to a timer that is connected to the motor.
When the motor starts, the solonoid opens before the compressor makes half of a revolution, and vents the compressor discharge to atmousphere = compressor doing no work = easy turnover. 3 to 5 seconds later, compressor is turning at full speed against minimal resistance, the solonoid closes and the compressor begins pumping air to the tank. Load comes up on themotor, but it's less than the load would be starting the compressor pumping against tank head.
This allows use of a much simpler phase converter or variable speed drive.
Wow guys... great info. FYI, the motor is rated at 27amps with 240 current. I like the idea of using a 5 or 7.5 hp motor with a smaller pulley. Franz, I love your idea with the selinoid and even in my feeble mind it makes sense that this would work. Kevin, I had no idea these were made in Sidney. My company, Alcoa, has a plant right in Sidney and I'm usually out there once or twice a year.
Riddle me this gents, one of my engineer buddies came up with this idea that I kind of liked. I have been toying around with adding an out door stationary generator to power my house when the electric company screws up. Neither he nor I are very familiar with these types of generators. Would I be able to produce 3 phase off of this type of generator. I kinda figure if I'm going to spend close to $1000 on a phase convertor, I might as well spend a few more dollars and at least add some resale value to my house. Keep all the ideas coming. The wheels are definetly starting to turn now. Thanks again for the help.
Riddle me this gents, one of my engineer buddies came up with this idea that I kind of liked. I have been toying around with adding an out door stationary generator to power my house when the electric company screws up. Neither he nor I are very familiar with these types of generators. Would I be able to produce 3 phase off of this type of generator. I kinda figure if I'm going to spend close to $1000 on a phase convertor, I might as well spend a few more dollars and at least add some resale value to my house. Keep all the ideas coming. The wheels are definetly starting to turn now. Thanks again for the help.
Franz©
Banned
3Ø generators tend to be cheaper than singleØ gensets since very few people realize a 3Ø machine is 3 single Ø machines on one shaft.
Since the taxpayers have so much money to piss away places like schools and government agencys are constantly auctioning them off. Evidently the AmeriKan population has become so enfeebled that now even elevators must run during power failures, and gensets the size of locomotives must consume fuel to accomodate that need. Generally they are low hour machines that have been under maintainence contracts.
Since the taxpayers have so much money to piss away places like schools and government agencys are constantly auctioning them off. Evidently the AmeriKan population has become so enfeebled that now even elevators must run during power failures, and gensets the size of locomotives must consume fuel to accomodate that need. Generally they are low hour machines that have been under maintainence contracts.
The single phase motor will have a larger current draw per hp than the 3phase one will.
You can buy a new baldor 10 hp motor in single phase for about $700. You can make a 20hp phase converter for about $200 or so depending on the cost of a used 3 phase 20 hp motor in your location ( I wouldn't pay more than about 125 or so for one)
BTW your not likely to find a 3 phase generator that runs and could start a 10hp compressor for $1k
William...
All you need is a 20 hp 3 phase motor and about 600 MF of 370V oil filled capacitors. You can get the motor used all it has to do is spin over smoothly and not be shorted out. The speed and frame etc.. do not matter, however it is easier to start a slower spinning motor ( i.e. takes less capacitance ).
Here is a picture of the last one I made for running a CNC style load ( this one is over kill for what you need)
Here is another link to another discussion about them on this board.
The link I provided in the above thread is a good source of information...
William...
Here is a picture of the last one I made for running a CNC style load ( this one is over kill for what you need)
Here is another link to another discussion about them on this board.
The link I provided in the above thread is a good source of information...
William...