Hi Doug,
What a coincidence to see someone else doing the same project as I at the same time. I aquired a bauer K 120 block from a government source at a great price. It came with a 7 1/2 horse 3 phase motor that must have weighed close to 200 lbs, a steel frame and a pressure regulator and gauges. Oh, and there was a motor controler as well. The local bauer agent said it had an output of 8.2 cfm with the 7 1/2 hp motor and could be used to pump air, natural gas , argon, etc.
This pump had been in storage for approx. 8 yrs when they decided to house clean and get rid of it. Being the government, money was no object and it had been properly mothballed and preserved. After determining that the pump was viable, I stripped down everything to see what I had to work with. The frame was modified from a vertical to horizontal configuration for stability. While not intended to be a "portable"compressor it had to be some what mobile to meet the needs of our dive group. The bigger motor had to go. It was replaced with a 5 hp 3450 rpm compressor duty motor, single phase. This was done to save weight and to limit the current draw on my home electrical service. 22 full load amps (5 hp ) vs 40 fla ( 7 1/2). As well, it was much easier and affordable for the 5 hp ( Kijiji - $ 250.00 brand new). There was a trade off in output of course. Instead of 8.2 it is now putting out 5.5 cfm with a 5'' pulley.The compressor is turning slower ( a good thing) but I was concerned about oil pressure. I fiitted a gauge to the oil regulator and at the lower rpm's it still putting out 825 psi.
My neighbour is a retired electrical instrument specialist so we were able to salvage and rewire the motor control box and reconfigure to 1 ph 220 at the cost of a few components. The project is almost complete with just a few minor filter issues to deal with. As well , I am designing components to be switchable between gas ( 9hp honda) for the road trips were full output is required and electric where 80% of my pumping is done. This is my 2nd compressor project , the 1st being a bauer Purus. The members of this site have been a valuable resource ( Craig, Pescador, Windyairman just too name a few). I,ve had good service from Hi Psi in Fla when I,ve required parts or regular maitenance items.
Good luck with your project and keep us informed of your progress. Here are a few pics of the project.
Could someone help me determine what type of compressor block I'm dealing with here? It is a Bauer unit. The model number is: VM-E3 compressor serial number: 22928 . The compressor block serial number is: 92/0793/03, year of manufacture 5/1992. ...8.4 CFM 7.5 H.P. Any info is helpful.
