Compressor-sizing!
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On these compressor-sizing pages is help to show you how to figure out how big an air compressor you're going to need?
All you have to do is figure out how much air you’re going to need for all of your home workshop or in-plant operations, and figure out that demand for now and for the foreseeable future.
You need to find out the compressed air requirement for all the air tools, all the blow guns, all the air cylinders, all the air operated diaphragm pumps, all the everything that's in your plant or workshop that uses (or has the potential to use) compressed air.
Nothing to it, right?
Well, there's lots of help on this page, and the comment form at the bottom of the page will let you ask a question about compressor sizing, or make a suggestion to help others.
Simpler Blocks Of Info
When first venturing into the air compressor-sizing arena, folks tend to be more than a bit intimidated. There’s such a vast array of compressors, of types, of capacities, with a veritable feast of accessories; it’s easy to become confused!
And, though there are many manufacturers of compressors world-wide, all are focused on selling their own products, which may impart a certain bias to the information that's available from them about their compressor-sizing, you think?
Here's help in compressor sizing. I'm going to break what may seem to be an overwhelming bank of complex information down into simpler blocks.
What are you using compressed air for?
Have you determined what you’ll be using compressed air for? In order to correctly size your compressor, you really must do some homework towards figuring out the volume of compressed air you will require. Here are some ideas that will help you on your way. The link will open in a new window or tab so you won't actually leave this page.
The "ideas" link just before took you to a short list of some in-plant compressed air applications to help you determine which of those you are or are planning to have, and that will be consuming compressed air in your plant.
All at once, or once in a while?
If it is necessary in your plans to run all of those compressed air using appliances at the same time, and for long periods of time, then you are going to require a much bigger compressor than if they are used intermittently and sporadically.
If continuous (production use, for example) use is expected, then start making a list of everything in your plant that uses air, and leave a space beside each to pencil in the expected CFM requirements for each. Better yet, use a spreadsheet so that the air consumption numbers can be set up to give you a running total of the air you'll need.
Know that compressed air consumption of tools varies depending on the size of the air tool, it's speed, and the manufacturer of that tool.
Please have a look at the chart below. You’ll find it handy in helping to determine the CFM requirements of an assortment of standard air tools. Using this guide will help you determine the overall CFM requirements for your plant if air tools are part of your operating equipment.
Air tool consumption changes. Grinders will have changes in consumption due to grinding wheel size, and rotary Sanders will have their consumption change due to the pad size. Even the same tool from two manufacturers will have different air consumption rates.
It also seems as though each reference source for information on the air consumption of air tools has different flow characteristics for the same air tool.
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If you have yet to purchase tools, or are expecting to add some more as your plant grows, this chart will help in determining your additional air capacity required, providing the info necessary for your decision: upgrading your present air supply, or acquire a brand new air compressor.
Consider "factoring in" the highest air consumption figures you find for the tools you expect to use. You may oversize your air compressor capacity by doing so, but under sizing the compressor you purchase will bring greater long term costs to your organization.
Other compressed air use
Air tools are only one of many applications in a plant that consume air. It's necessary to give consideration to all of the ways that you will consume air in your plant and applications.
Often it’s air operated automated production machinery that consumes far more air than air tools.
Air operated production equipment with valves, air cylinders and other air actuators is often run for 2 or 3 shifts per day, with uptime measured in weeks. Each piece of equipment may have dozens of air actuators / cylinders operating at high speed.
Here is more information all about getting the right size of compressor for your needs.
