Remote mounting of compressor pump & motor?

[bmwpower]

Is it possible to take off the motor, pump, starter, pulley cage from a regular compressor and install it on a fabricated frame of sorts a distance away from the receiver tank?

This would allow you to stick the pump/motor somewhere a complete compressor would not fit, like under a workbench, in an attic, etc. Then put the tank outside and plumb everything back to the pump.

Is this possible? Has anyone done this?

I know the design is inherent to Kaeser rotary models (like UltGar's):

 

[Charles (in GA)]

You can buy what is called a "base unit" which is the pump and motor on a base, nothing else, virtually all of the compressor companies have them listed. You would need to have the plumbing all connected with no valves closed between the tank and compressor, it would kill it in short order if that happened. Also, you would want a fairly large pipe connecting the tank with the pump, to insure good airflow with no restriction, to the tank.

Charles

 

[russlaferrera]

Charles is right. In the 80s there was a movement to take the compressor/motor off the tank because it was safer. The welds attaching the base to the tank were breaking away causing severe tank failure (boom) This however did not catch on....russ

 

[Vermaraj]

Certainly can be done. If I recall correctly you need either a special unloader valve or a check valve between the compressor and the tank. Otherwise on startup the higher pressure tank could flood the cylinder(s) making it difficult to start and causing premature wear.

 

[bmwpower]

Certainly can be done. If I recall correctly you need either a special unloader valve or a check valve between the compressor and the tank. Otherwise on startup the higher pressure tank could flood the cylinder(s) making it difficult to start and causing premature wear.

Why would the pressure be any different than if the pump was mounted on top of the tank?

 

[1320stang]

Yeah, it would seem to me (as there is already the check valve installed) that just a longer piece of copper going to the tank would be in order.

This bears another question, they say not to use soft copper or M hard copper for air lines, yet the piece of copper that runs to the tank is obviously soft copper.

 

[HoosierBuddy]

Yeah, it would seem to me (as there is already the check valve installed) that just a longer piece of copper going to the tank would be in order.

This bears another question, they say not to use soft copper or M hard copper for air lines, yet the piece of copper that runs to the tank is obviously soft copper.

The problem with copper is it work hardens with vibrations. This causes it to become brittle with age. As far as what comes from the factory? I wouldn't be surprised if they used soft copper. Planned obsolescence?

I've spent the last 2-years trying to replace a bunch of copper natural gas pilot lines with stainless. The pilot lines were put there by the factory, fully knowing the issues...but they did it anyway. Now we have to hunt it all down and put stainless lines in instead. Fun fun.

Phil

 

[Vermaraj]

Why would the pressure be any different than if the pump was mounted on top of the tank?

there are two types of unloaders. first type is more expensive it has an integral check valve between the unloader and the tank. This is the one you want.

second type is a sequential control. pressure valve closes then a bleed valve unloads the compressor. When the compressor restarts the tank can bleed back through the valve and flood the cylinder. It will still work, but overtime it will wear the rotating parts and the motor.

 

[kbs2244]

You can do it.
I have even see "tankless' installs. They would just used 6 inch pipe as the runner to the far ends of the shop. It was big enough so it served as the tank also.
Be sure your run from the pump is big, at least 3/4, 1 inch is better. Hook it to the pump with a flex hose into a tee with at least a 8 inch long drip leg below the tee with a drain valve on it.
That long vertical leg is where you are going to get most of your condensation, and you need a place for it to collect.