Air Starter Motors
IPU’s air starter motors are a ‘fit and forget’ starting solution for diesel engines up to 150 litres. Available as either pre-engaged or inertia designs, they are capable of operating at air pressures varying from 3 to 30 bar allowing you to use your existing air supply or save space and cost by reducing the need for reduction valves or large air tanks.
IPU air starter motors are available in complete or component form in pre-engaged or inertia models.
Jetstream air starters are lightweight, powerful and compact. They are manufactured from high-grade materials to ensure they are resilient against wear and damage – unlike vane type motors. IPU’s air starter motors are ideal for marine and offshore applications. They also need no lubrication and are totally maintenance free. IPU’s Jetstream air starters are available in two different sizes and three different pressure ratings.
Get your free handbook
A pocket guide with everything you need to understand ATEX regulation and why IPU's ATEX-approved engine starters will guarantee your safety.
How the air starter motors work
The turbine works by allowing a stream of compressed air to enter the casing of the unit and be guided by inlet nozzles to strike a primary turbine wheel. On impact with the primary wheel, the air velocity is transferred making the wheel rotate at very high speed. This effect is repeated as the air exits the first wheel and strikes each subsequent wheel, finally reaching speeds between 25 to 40 thousand rpm. This velocity is reduced by about 10:1 inside a planetary gearbox sitting just in front of the turbine mechanism.
ATEX approved
IPU’s air starter motors are fully ATEX approved meaning they can be used in an explosive environment. This is achieved by offering two key technical advantages:
- Cast iron construction – the outer casings of IPU’s air starter motors are made from cast-iron, not aluminium. An aluminium casing should not be used in hazardous environments due to the risk of a thermite reaction.
- IPU air starter motors are available ‘pre-engaged’ – meaning the starter motor will wait until the pinion has engaged with the ring-gear before rotating and cranking the engine. This eradicates the chances of sparks being produced by traditional inertia starters.
