Convert air compressor to air motor?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the feasibility of converting a simple 2-stage air compressor into an air motor, exploring the necessary modifications and implications of such a transformation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether a 2-stage air compressor can function as an air motor and seeks guidance on the transformation process.
  • Another participant expresses uncertainty about the concept of a 2-stage air compressor but suggests that it might already function as an air motor when operated in reverse, proposing that supplying compressed air to the discharge port could achieve this.
  • A different participant notes that changing the valve arrangements would be necessary to reverse the flow of gas, questioning the practicality of the conversion without a large supply of free compressed air.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the feasibility or practicality of converting an air compressor into an air motor, with multiple competing views and uncertainties expressed.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the specific design and functionality of the 2-stage air compressor, as well as the implications of reversing its operation.

testingcw
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Hi

I was wondering if a simple 2 stage air compressor can be used as an air motor?

And how can I go about transforming it?

cheers
 
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testingcw said:
Hi

I was wondering if a simple 2 stage air compressor can be used as an air motor?

And how can I go about transforming it?

cheers

Never heard of such a thing...sorry.

CS
 
testingcw said:
Hi

I was wondering if a simple 2 stage air compressor can be used as an air motor?

And how can I go about transforming it?

cheers

I don't know what a 2 stage air compressor is, but I imagine that it already IS an air motor, it's just running backwards.

There's a port of the compressor that discharges compressed air.

If you simply supply compressed air to this port, you should have an air motor.
 
You would need to change the valve arrangements as you would be reversing the flow of gas through the machine. Unless you have a large supply of free compressed air why would you want to do this?
 

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