$50 centrifuge build? :)

[totalloser]

face mount 3550rpm 1/4 hp 230v motor from www.surpluscenter.com part number 10-1232 $10

Axleshaft from a semifloater (I am using a samurai axle/brake drum)

Cut off the flange end, gun drill to 5/8" and clean it up. Drill/tap for two set screws.

Mount motor onto bottom of collection pan (cookpot) Pass through for the motor shaft must be "dimpled" to prevent oil from draining into the (probably) shielded bearings. Bolts must be sealed.

Machine the drum on the friction surface as much as reasonably possible for contaminant collection. Mount the axle stub on the shaft, and tighten setscrews. Mount brake drum backwards on flange, sealing the flange with sealant. Balance accordingly on the motor by touching OD while spinning to mark the heavy spot.

Mount sealed pipe flanges similar to centrifuge sticky link, but I suggest using "form a gasket" for clean oil drains.

Viola! Cheapo centrifuge. Much less capacity for contaminants than the sooper expensive bowls, due to the small lip, but it will only cost you a few sheckles at the junkyard.

Any thoughts? I have the motor on order right now.

[ridiculously_necessary]

would love to see pics of the build as im not too familiar with all the parts your talking about. how much bowl space is there?

[rkpatt]

I am looking forward to seeing your results and photos . I have seen some mention of this in other places ( maybe here - Biodiesel & SVO Home but could be elsewhere ) but cannot remember the details. It is my understanding that most of the CF's operate at around 3500 rpm, and pull 1200gs. You could pull the same G force using lower RPM and larger rotor . I am curious about supporting the relatively heavy brake drum (axial ? and thrust load at 3500 rpm with std wheel bearings-ie can they take it ? ) Make sure that it is in a strong metal enclosure to protect life and limb in case the rotor (brake drum) flies apart .

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Last edited by rkpatt : 07-04-2009 at 06:13 AM.

[totalloser]

I was unaware that anyone had considered this low buck concept (kinda disappointed, but not surprised). I did some basic math on the speeds encountered by a brake drum at operating speed of 5,000 rpm engine speed @1:1.2 overdrive with 3.73 gears and got 1600 rpm. About half the speed the motor turns.

But my idea is to have the motor shaft slip into a drilled hole in the flange, and the drum to bolt up to it backwards (facing upward away from the axle stub). The motor bearings would support the load. The weight of the drum should be relatively irrelevant, and the idea is to balance it so it shouldn't vibrate, but I suppose the higher speed of the 3550 rpm motor might theoretically spin the drum apart. I'm gonna guess turning at twice the speed shouldn't spin the iron apart, but inside a stainless steel cookpot (the spun oil catcher) if it did spin apart, I don't think it could getcha.

I will post pics when I give this a try and give a full evaluation if it is successful, but I am still waiting for the motor and need to take a trip to the junkyard for the drum. The donor axle is one I broke 'wheeling.

But if it DOES work out, this will be a VERY cheap build. It will require a fair amount of machining on the drum, and some relatively minor drilling/tapping. My hope is that this project may make a centrifuge financially attainable for anyone. Even if you have to pay for the machinework, it should be a LOT cheaper than the billet aluminum ones.

[rkpatt]

FWIW - I recall reading somewhere that the bowl on this centrifuge is the upper 1/2 of a 5 gallon propane tank . The valve opening is used for the center . It must be slow speed (looks off center or out of balance in the video)

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