Building a better PCP compressor

[oldpro]

 Awhile back we designed a booster system for a big bore using a screw rod used on CNC machines I believe we could easily design a very robust 3 stage system that could be easily automated using a small 110v motor! Based on same principles.

[antithesis]

Would this be DRIVEN by the screw rod, or are you implying the compression would take place via a screw compressor (as opposed to a reciprocal or scroll compressor)?

If you have any background to help clear this project up I'm definitely interested in hearing more, but I don't want to be the guy who's just catching up and asking rudimentary questions lol

[anti-squirrel]

I'd be leery of using screws for positive displacement fluid pumps, even air, without knowing what type of thrust bearing is used.  I'm sure this is something you're taking into consideration so I'm looking forward to any new information you can share (without compromising/sharing trade secrets).

I'll add that I've seen too many non-piston-based HP air pumps fail at high load- usually with an incredibly loud noise to accompany stress-induced fatigue.  There's a reason 4-stage piston-style pumps (stage on stage) are typically used in military applications- very robust for the air moved.  However,  the devil is in the details and I doubt such a pump as you describe would need to withstand the same rigors (and airflow) of a HiPac used on submarines   Definitely following this thread!

[JeffB1961]

please don't have it built in china or we'll be waiting till 2030 for it to arrive .

[oldpro]

Would this be DRIVEN by the screw rod, or are you implying the compression would take place via a screw compressor (as opposed to a reciprocal or scroll compressor)?

If you have any background to help clear this project up I'm definitely interested in hearing more, but I don't want to be the guy who's just catching up and asking rudimentary questions lol

Driven by at least two screw rods maybe three like so. http://www.barnesballscrew.com/how-a-ball-screw-works/

[Gippeto]

Awhile back we designed a booster system for a big bore using a screw rod used on CNC machines I believe we could easily design a very robust 3 stage system that could be easily automated using a small 110v motor! Based on same principles.

Have any video or pictures of the prototype?

[antithesis]

That link was informative, and especially if that is referring to the pneumatic side of the system and not the mechanical side, I'm awful fascinated and staying tuned.   

[antithesis]

HiPac used on submarines   Definitely following this thread!

So powermax- hipac scored that big defense contract huh?🤣

[oldpro]

Awhile back we designed a booster system for a big bore using a screw rod used on CNC machines I believe we could easily design a very robust 3 stage system that could be easily automated using a small 110v motor! Based on same principles.

Have any video or pictures of the prototype?

Theres no prototype its a discussion on how to build the unit. Someday hopefully though If we can make a plan.

[Rob M]

ballscrews are a good idea.. I would think the rate of retraction would be key.. ( key to operational capacity.) A servo motor would be great for retraction , but not ideal for driving the piston forward. Some system aside from air pressure itself where the piston returns to home at regular intervals, then sweeps a large volume , then returns to home again. maybe even a regular ac motor with reverse tripped automatically at a set point , like a limit switch at the end of the travel that reverses for the next pass. Im literally thinking aloud here.. Not real organized,.

[Gippeto]

Awhile back we designed a booster system for a big bore using a screw rod used on CNC machines I believe we could easily design a very robust 3 stage system that could be easily automated using a small 110v motor! Based on same principles.

Have any video or pictures of the prototype?

Theres no prototype its a discussion on how to build the unit. Someday hopefully though If we can make a plan.

I see. Your opening post led me to believe otherwise...clear now.

Al

[antithesis]

Awhile back we designed a booster system for a big bore using a screw rod used on CNC machines I believe we could easily design a very robust 3 stage system that could be easily automated using a small 110v motor! Based on same principles.

Have any video or pictures of the prototype?

Theres no prototype its a discussion on how to build the unit. Someday hopefully though If we can make a plan.

C'mon man, you ain't disappointed me yet, don't start now..😁

[oldpro]

 Hoping Bob and Lloyd would chime in with some ideas

[Back_Roads]

 Heck just hook your hand pump up to a screw type garage door opener, they do have a remote button/ safety pressure switch, just lube the screw up with moly or the like. ok maybe a hand pump on both ends of the screw

[antithesis]

So if I'm clear,

The compression chamber or chambers are going to be  using the moving balls to compress the air, the balls driven by the screw mechanism?

If so, sealing seems like it could be difficult, what do you propose would be used for the balls, and would they be considered a consumable item?

I think to maintain effective sealing in a system like this, you may need to keep a lubricant /sealant circulating with the balls, maybe a bottom reservoir to catch Them and carry the lube and balls back to the top of the circuit....jeez that sounds dirty🤔

[Rob M]

So if I'm clear,

The compression chamber or chambers are going to be  using the moving balls to compress the air, the balls driven by the screw mechanism?

If so, sealing seems like it could be difficult, what do you propose would be used for the balls, and would they be considered a consumable item?

I think to maintain effective sealing in a system like this, you may need to keep a lubricant /sealant circulating with the balls, maybe a bottom reservoir to catch Them and carry the lube and balls back to the top of the circuit....jeez that sounds dirty🤔

no balls involved in the compression.. the Ball screws are generally used on cnc machines to move axis , and are fairly sealed off from the outside world.. ( like sealed ball bearings.) still be a good ole fashion Piston pushing the air

[antithesis]

In that case I'm baffled to see any advantage...now if you want to make a pressure chamber modelled after a ball screw in operation, using the balls to move compressed air....I think there could be something to it, tho maybe difficult to seal from the drive....I'll wait for more discussion as I clearly don't understand the intended concept

[rsterne]

I'm not privy to anything regarding this thread.... but since Travis mentioned a "booster", I am guessing that he is looking for a way to drive one mechanically, using a motor, rather than using compressed air that end up being wasted at the end of every stroke?.... I would think the ball screw is simply a way of reducing friction because of the huge loads the screw would have to overcome when driving the piston?....

Bob

[mobilehomer]

How about a hydraulic cylinder driving an air compression cylinder? Could be slow compression with high volume to fill a gun or tank in a few strokes. Possibly on the lines of a cheap log splitter.

[rsterne]

You need a reversible cylinder, and some way to drive it....

Bob