Phase converter for Nuvair Voyager, anyone with experience?

[MarkWLenox]

Howdy all,

I just bought a slightly used Nuvair Voyager compressor and am looking at options to power it. 3 phase is not available in my facility. I wish it was.

This compressor has two 7.5 HP motors. One for the membrane and one for high pressure. This rig pulls lots of current when operating.

Normally, specing a phase converter for a compressor is pretty easy, but with two motors I am not so sure. If they both start at the same time the surge could be substantial.

I am thinking a 25 HP unit from Phoenix Phase Converters should do the trick. It's heavy, but relatively easy to hook up and get going.

Has anybody actually run a Voyager on a phase converter? Any suggestions?



Mark

[DepthCharge]

Have you considered frequency drives? One for each motor. You can sometimes find some surplus.
Also, do have to start both motors at the same time (not familiar with the Voyager)?
Not familiar with the Phoenix converters........rotory or static? I've run several motors off 1 rotory converter, starting each sequentially.
Not sure if that helps.......

[MarkWLenox]

I was considering a rotary converter from strictly a cost perspective.

I have also considered adding variable frequency drives, one for each motor as you have astutely suggested. It would be a substantial improvement to the rig, soft start, etc. If I could come up with a couple of those cheap it would work, but competing with a single rotary converter in terms of cost is hard to do.

Good idea on the sequencing. If startup is a problem it isn't hard to add a delay, let the LP compressor come on for a couple seconds before the HP engages, or vice versa.


Mark