FAQ: Motors

Blackmer FAQ: Motors

• Will any motor brand assemble onto the GNX Series assembly?

  Blackmer supplies from major motor manufacturers:  ABB (Baldor), Regal Beloit (Marathon), and WEG.  Baseplates included with the GNX Series Sliding Vane Pumps are listed in the dimension datasheets with the affected dimension listed as “GG”.  If a customer wants to use a motor which does not match these listed dimensions, Blackmer can offer a special baseplate design arranged through an authorized distributor.  Some manufacturers chose to use alternate mounting dimensions between the C-face flange and mounting bolts.  The potential frame sizes affected are NEMA 143/5TC through 254/6TC.  Pay close attention to the catalog notes, which clarify whether the dimensions are alternates.

• Are motors inverter duty?

  All 3-phase motors are rated for use on VFDs.  1-phase motors are not rated for use on VFDs, Blackmer can check each motor quoted or offered to confirm.

• What motor and drive technologies can be used with a Blackmer Sliding Vane Pump?

  Blackmer offers standard packages with v-belt, gear reducers, and direct drive. However we can also offer special non-standard assemblies with the assistance of the Application Engineering team.

• Can a sliding vane pump be operated using a variable frequency drive (VFD)?

  Yes, sliding vane pump flow rate correlates directly to pump speed, when operated within the published speed ranges for each pump model.

• Where can technical information for electric motors be found?

  The details of the motor (drawings, full load amps information, efficiency, etc.) can be located at the motor manufactures website, Blackmer can offer the motor manufacturer catalog number for each motor if the customer wants to look up this information.

• What information is needed to specify the proper motor for my pump?

  • Horsepower – Horsepower can be determined when specifying a pump. The flow rate and pressure differential of the system will correspond to a specific required Horsepower for the application. Please reference the pump curves to determine the horsepower required.
  • Phase – Either 1 phase or 3 phase motors may be available. This typically depends on the power available on-site.
  • Power type – Typical power types include 115/230V, 230/460V, 575V motors. This is dependent on the power available on-site.
  • RPM – Rotations per minute can be selected based on the pump RPM, but doesn’t necessarily need to be. Typical options include 1800, 1500 and 1200 RPM for Blackmer applications.
  • Frame size – Frame size is determined by all other specs of the motor.
  • Frequency – Options typically include 50 and 60HZ. This factor is determined by the power source of the facility.
  • Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled (TEFC/TE) or Explosion Proof (X-proof/XP) – Explosion proof motors are required for pumping hazardous products in explosion environments. Site requirements will dictate whether explosion proof motors are necessary.