thoughts on a duplex compressor

[nandomart]

Im looking to replace a campbell hausfield 80gallon compressor that the pump died on. The tank is still mint since it was kept indoors all its life and drained while in use and with an automatic drain.

I came across a vintage duplex champion compressor that has what appears 2 r30 pumps running off of 2 5hp 3 phase motors sitting on 120 gallon horizontal tank. I dont have 3 phase at my location so, my plan was to replace the motor with single phase motors.

This is probably over kill for what I need but for the price and quality of these old pumps it might be worth it.

The compressor was moved from its original installed location so powering it on where it currently is is not feasible since there is no 3phase power at that location.



The owner wants $350. Claims the pumps and motors work, however that last time they used it he vaguely remembers that there was a leak. He doesnt remember if it was the tank itself or a fitting on the tank. He only remembers it was on the upperside of the tank not the bottom.


what do you guys think?

 

[strutaeng]

Wow, that's a steal! Each pump is worth $500 easy. ****** it up!

Duplex air compressors are usually set up to provide less CFM, but at 24/7 environments. I see them all the time in high-rise buildings. I think they are for HVAC pneumatic or something.

These were likely not used for that purpose given that it has dual 5 HP pumps/motors. That's a lot of CFM.

Swap one of the pumps on your 80 gallon if the 120 gallon tank is bad and sell the other pump and motors. Turn the 120 gallon tank into a smoker! Otherwise, it may be okay.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Duplex compressors typically alternate each pump, running one at a time, but you may already know that. Make sure it still has the duplex controls. I'd be worried if the seller can't confirm if the leak is in the tank or not.

 

[pcmeiners]

Take it, even if you only use 1 compressor, second is a spare. If you have thoughts of sand blasting this would be a good setup.

"The tank is still mint since it was kept indoors all its life and drained while in use and with an automatic drain"
Primarily it is how old the tank is, indoors and how often is drained doess not count much. If the tank has a cup or 10 gallons of water, what matters is how much oxygen and pollutants were in the water over the years as to rust.

 

[nandomart]

I am supposed to go look at this this afternoon. However, during some reasearch it appears that these might be 2 r15a pumps. Still a good deal?

 

[strutaeng]

I am supposed to go look at this this afternoon. However, during some reasearch it appears that these might be 2 r15a pumps. Still a good deal?

https://www.pacificaircompressors.c...t-pump-with-head-unloaders-2-stage-3-5-7-5hp/

At $1,600 per pump, I think so!

 

[pcmeiners]

R-15s or 30s, wish I would get a deal like this. After you buy it check out the tank carefully before pressurizing. Did not see it before, you also have the optional air coolers, definite plus.

 

[The Tool Tyrant]

Duplex compressors typically alternate each pump, running one at a time, but you may already know that. Make sure it still has the duplex controls. I'd be worried if the seller can't confirm if the leak is in the tank or not.

The duplex controls will also allow both pumps to run simultaneously if air demand is more than one pump can handle.

R-15s or 30s, wish I would get a deal like this. After you buy it check out the tank carefully before pressurizing. Did not see it before, you also have the optional air coolers, definite plus.

^^ I concur! I say jump on it...can't go wrong at that price!

 

[matt_i]

Duplex compressors typically alternate each pump, running one at a time, but you may already know that. Make sure it still has the duplex controls. I'd be worried if the seller can't confirm if the leak is in the tank or not.

You can re-integrate the "pump toggle" with 3 relays. So its not the end if it doesn't have the original controls.

 

[nandomart]

well the search continues....

the compressor was trashed...didnt help that it was already in their scrap bin. crank was bent on both motors and the flywheels broken. Offered them 100 for the motors and wouldnt take it. Was firm on 350. Dont get it since I offered more than they would get in scrap value.

The search continues....may just have to splurge for a new one.


thoughts on this one?

https://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Quincy-371CS80VCA-Air-Compressor/p11490.html

 

[Augus7us]

So why did he tell you it worked on the phone? With the photos you posted that seems deceptive... I would be pissed if I drove out based on that.

Can't help on the compressor. I actually have a QT5 but its been sitting in my shop unused, on a pallet for about the fourth month now... But its a Quincy, I don't think you will be disappointed.

 

[pcmeiners]

If you want the top of the line get a Quincy 325 used such as the link below
Quincy QR 25

http://mi-air.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/QR25-009-0515.pdf

Good price for a lightly used QR325, reasonable shipping charges, better then the reed valve one you linked except it is 5hp model, needs a 5hp motor if you only have single phase ($275 Ebay) . Make an offer at 1550.00, I would go to $1800. max


https://www.ebay.com/itm/Quincy-325...348540?hash=item2ce6a8457c:g:R~UAAOSwZFJcf~FS