Electric Logsplitter

[Cainmos]

As a project I am building an electric log splitter around a 5HP 3 Phase motor I have. However, it operates at 1725RPM. My only concern is that while it has the necessary torque for a 11-16GPM pump it isn't operating at the needed ~3400RPM that most pumps want. Basically, would operating at that low of an RPM not allow me to create enough pressure to split wood? My cycle time isn't that important.

Thanks for any help or if anyone has had experience with this.

 

[kennyd]

Welcome to TBN

The pressure is constant in these pumps, but the flow (GPM) is dependant on the RPM's. Why not use pulleys and a belt drive to increase the speed of the pump?

 

[Cainmos]

That's what I plan on doing if I have to. Just trying to make it as simple as possible. Less things to go wrong. Thanks for the affirmation of what I thought though.

Any chance you could point me towards some catolog parts for pulley's or a premade gearing?

 

[20 20]

they make a motor with a higher RPM, why not go that route? I believe your invention wood work it would be just reeeeeaal slow?????

 

[Wayne County Hose]

I know there's a guy on here that did it with a 5 hp motor and he was very happy with it. Did you do a search on the subject?

 

[6sunset6]

I did it twice first time 3hp 1ph 1725 belt driven to 3600. one vee belt
looked funny but worked well. Make sure the motor turns the correct direction for the pump. Depending on which side of the belt the pump is the motor will have to turn one way or the other. Normally( whats normal) to conserve space the pump would be on the same side as the motor. IF the pump is on the other side of the belt from the motor the motor must turn in the opposite direction.
The second time I did this I face coupled the pump to the motor.

 

[6sunset6]

pictures

 

[Cainmos]

Thanks for the input. I wasn't sure how a pump would take a non-axial load by introducing pulleys or gearing.

I did search but I couldn't find much on if it would actually work at a low RPM or not with a direct couple. If I could find pressure curves for the pumps at different RPMs besides 3600 it would answer my question quickly.

From all your help I think the best bet is to do a simple pulley system. I'll search a little harder to find that specific project.

Thanks again.

 

[Cainmos]

Just thought of another question since you had a pulley setup. Did you use some sort of tension system for it?

 

[6sunset6]

I just used a motor base plate that had a slide and screw for tension. I may have made it, don't remember.
As far as the bearing goes , motors are used like this all the time. Almost every air compressor used a motor belt driving a pump.
At 1725 rpm You would get 1/2 the flow for sure and I don't think the pressure would fully develop either. Efficiency due to bypass slip. This is intuitive , the experts can explain it better.
http://www.overlyhautz.com/motorbases1.html motor base plate