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MMD > Archives > May 2011 > 2011.05.18 > 04Prev  Next


Regulating Organ Blower Suction & Pressure
By Bob Loesch

[ Steve Grattan wrote in 110517 MMDigest:

> This unit came to me in pieces.  Does anyone know what order the
> blades and divider walls go in?

Hi Steve.  Most Spencer blowers that I've seen will have (starting from
the motor end) housing wall, blade, separator, blade, separator, blade,
separator, blade, end cover with intake opening.  The blades should face
the blower opening away from the motor.

> There are 3/4" holes around the case that look like they would be
> to pull in additional air for the pipes.

Every opening after the intake opening will let air _out,_ not draw it
in.  The purpose of multiple blades is that each successive blade takes
whatever pressure is fed to it, and raises it some more, so your blower
actually has four stages.  If you have the blower running and you feel
around those holes, you will feel air coming _out_ of them.  In other
words, they are "leaks" and will actually lower your pressure.

They were probably bolt holes to provide a means of holding the
separators in position.  Spencer used squares of steel about 3" square,
with edges bent up in a lip to keep the separator from being drawn into
the blade after it.

> Are the holes supposed to be open?

No, the holes should be plugged with bolts, holding the separators
in place.  Believe me, you would not want one of those to move while
the blower is running!

Hope this helps.  I used to have a battery of four Spencers running
my pipe organ: a 1-horse (sold), two 2-horse (presently for sale!)
and a 5-horse (sold).  They're great machines.

Bob Loesch


(Message sent Wed 18 May 2011, 16:48:40 GMT, from time zone GMT-0700.)

Key Words in Subject:  Blower, Organ, Pressure, Regulating, Suction

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