Air Motors Operational Tips
Side Loads:
- An air motor should not be subjected to shaft side loads!
- If any side load is present, a pillow block should be installed between the motor and the load.
Pressure:
- Most air motor manufacturers recommend 90 PSI maximum supply to motors prior to opening the valve. A drop of up to 10 PSI while running is acceptable.
Lubrication:
- Lubrication is very important for the performance and life of air motors.
- The best way of lubricating an air motor is with an air mist type lubricator sized at 1.5 to 2.0 times the motor flow and located as close as possible (less than 20 feet of pipe or hose). The number of fittings, especially 90° elbows, should be kept to a minimum. Quick disconnects should be avoided. Too small a lubricator will starve the motor for air flow and will reduce dynamic pressure, torque, RPM, and overall performance. Too big a lubricator may be impossible to adjust.
Oil:
- The oil used in air motors is very important. Wainbee VNT2000 oil is blended to be optimum for all pneumatic applications including air motors.
- Many pneumatic distributors sell “Pneumatic Oil” that is, in reality, hydraulic oil. This maybe fine for cylinders and valves, but very bad for motors.
- To a void problems, use Wainbee VNT2000 Oil!
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