How To Select the Right Air Compressor
CFM, SCFM, horsepower, and every other factor when choosing an air compressor matters. What tools will you be running? Will it be an all-day need or just for a few minutes? Follow these guidelines to find the right compressor for your application and workplace.
- Compressor Type
Two-stage compressors are recommended when tool usage is continuous.
Dynabrade air tools require air pressure of 90 PSIG (6.2 bar)
- 0 to 80 PSIG (5.5 bar) – You may only need a single stage compressor
- 80 to 250 PSIG (17.2 bar) – You will need a two-stage compressor - Air Consumption
Determine the total demand SCFM (L/Min). List the requirements for all equipment, tools, and other air consumption variables (both continuous and intermittent air usage demands) - Compressor Horsepower (hp)
Use the determined total demand SCFM (L/Min)
and add approximately 20% for system variables.
If the above total equals less than 100 SCFM (2,832 L/Min)
divide this total by 4 to find the compressor hp.
If the total is over 100 SCFRM (2,832 L/Min)
divide by 5 to find the compressor hp.
Example:
System requirements = 165 SCFM (4,673 L/Min) @ 100 PSIG (6.9 bar) 165/5 = 33hp
Suggested compressor size is ~30 to ~40hp - Air Storage Tank Size
As a general rule, the larger the tank (receiver) the better. Use a larger receiver for installations where larger air flows of short duration are expected. - Controls
Two common controls on a compressor are stop-start or continuous run. Stop-Start – The motor stops when the compressor unloads and starts again when the pressure in the receiver drops. Use a stop-start pressure switch control for a small system – compressors up to 15hp. Continuous Run – Equipped with constant pressure control, loading and unloading as the supply of compressed air in the receiver drops or reaches a maximum.
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