Making a compressor from a steam engine or Tesla Turbine

[Chiel555]

Hi all;
is it possible to make an air compressor from a steam engine or tesla turbine ?

 

[berkeman]

What are your thoughts on those two questions?

 

[renormalize]

is it possible to make an air compressor from a steam engine or tesla turbine ?

Most air compressors of the second half of the 19th century were powered by steam engines:
"...Both New York City based companies developed new and larger compressor models, expanding rapidly and becoming the two most prominent manufacturers of air compressors. Almost all of the air compressors in this period were driven by steam engines...."
(https://www.compressortech2.com/new...-evolution-of-air-compressors/8040160.article)
Or do you mean you want to compress air by using the plumbing of a steam engine being driven by an external mechanism?

 

[Rive]

is it possible to make an air compressor from a steam engine or tesla turbine ?

Definitely, but: why use pricy vintage or unsuitable parts, when you can easily procure actual compressor components?

What's the actual task?

 

[sophiecentaur]

or tesla turbine

Nikola alert!!! His name seems to trigger irrational choices. This seems to be an Engineering project and needs a balanced approach.
1. Define the requirements/ application (with numbers). Volume and pressure required.
2. Decide on a suitable form of your compressor. (Piston / centrifugal / rotation speed etc.)
3. Choose the most suitable source of power to work the compressor.

Alternatively, are you attracted to one or both engines and want an application for your chosen one?

 

[Baluncore]

... is it possible to make an air compressor from a steam engine or tesla turbine ?

There is little conceptual difference between a pump and a motor. Old gasoline engines have been modified to use one end-cylinder as a compressor. Blank off the fuel to that cylinder, but keep the air inlet. Take compressed air from the spark plug hole through a one way valve and a copper cooling pipe, to the compressed air reservoir.

 

[Chiel555]

Most air compressors of the second half of the 19th century were powered by steam engines:
"...Both New York City based companies developed new and larger compressor models, expanding rapidly and becoming the two most prominent manufacturers of air compressors. Almost all of the air compressors in this period were driven by steam engines...."
(https://www.compressortech2.com/new...-evolution-of-air-compressors/8040160.article)
Or do you mean you want to compress air by using the plumbing of a steam engine being driven by an external mechanism?

Yes, that last one is what I mean

 

[Baluncore]

Yes, that last one is what I mean

Efficient steam engines tend to be two stage compound engines. What type of steam engine do you have for the project? Are you able to fit an intercooler between the two stages? How will you lubricate the converted engine when it is operating as a compressor?

Why not simply build an air compressor with an oil sump and a splash lubricated cylinder?

 

[sbrothy]

I was so lucky I acquired one for free, but of course we can’t all be that lucky. Can’t you find a used one for a fair price? Building your own, no matter how simple the principle, seems to me to be asking for trouble…

Of course if you plan to enjoy the process itself my comment is moot.

 

[jrmichler]

is it possible to make an air compressor from a steam engine

Yes. A reciprocating air compressor, like a steam engine, has a piston moving up and down in a cylinder. Air compressors need an air compressor head on the cylinder. An air compressor head has a pair of reed valves. One valve lets air in on the piston down stroke, the other valve lets the air out on the piston up stroke. The rest is just plumbing to connect the cylinder head to the intake air filter, compressed air tank, relief valve, and controls. The steam engine valve assembly and cylinder head are not used.