No matter your mobile air compressor application, big or small, it’s helpful to understand at least some of the science behind an air compressor system. Air pressure is measured in pounds per square inch or PSI, while air flow is measured in cubic feet per minute or CFM. How psi and cfm work: PSI and CFM are the two operational standards for measuring pressure within an air compressor, and the key measurements that operators must consider when sizing a compressor to a specific application. Let’s say you have a compressor that doesn’t have the CFM you know you need for your application and want to figure out how much more horsepower you’ll need to generate that needed volume.
To better understand the difference between PSI and CFM, let’s learn what PSI means and what CFM means. Even though the example used water to describe the relationship between CFM and PSI, the concept is the same with air. Both the examples above share how PSI relates to CFM. When using air compressors, it’s crucial to have a sufficient CFM to power air tools and enough PSI to give the air power.
If you’ve been in the air compressor industry for any length of time, you’re likely familiar with the acronyms PSI, CFM, and HP. These principles are essential in determining which size air compressor will fit your application – in fact, PSI, CFM, and HP are some of the most important elements to consider when selecting the best air compressor for your needs. In compressor terms, PSI is the amount of force that an air compressor can deliver. HP is not as important as pressure and flow in determining if your compressor will work for you, as newer & more efficient compressors can do more with less HP! Doing more with less HP will save you energy, as well as will give you larger returns throughout the life of the compressor.
Most air tools require between 70 and 90 PSI. Any light-to-medium-duty air compressor can easily handle 90 PSI, but you always want the compressor to supply more flow than needed. A pneumatic stapler might just need 0.3 CFM, while a framing nailer may require 2.2 CFM. Continuous use tools need more air volume and therefore have a higher CFM requirement. A constantly spinning sander might have a CFM requirement of 8,, while a nail gun, which requires single bursts of air might have a lower CFM rating of 2.8.
While small, mobile at-home air compressors may deliver around 2 CFM, industrial air compressors with 200 HP can achieve air flow of around 1,000 CFM at 100 PSI. The Relationship Between Pressure and Flow. To do so effectively, air compressor operators must understand the relationship between CFM and PSI. In a compressed air system, the amount of pressure has a direct impact on the rate of flow. 100 CFM x 100 PSI = CFM x 80 PSI. 100 CFM x 100 PSI / 80 PSI = 125 CFM. 125 – 100 = 25 CFM. 25/4.5 = 5.5 HP. In this example, supplementing the existing compressor with a 7.5-HP compressor could effectively add volume and stabilize discharge pressure to the desired degree.
Knowing how much psi you need for an air compressor application will help determine how much cfm the compressor requires to operate your air tools effectively. Your tools’ cfm requirements can provide an idea of the cfm needed from your air compressor, but you will also need to consider the pressure levels required for the specific function this tool will be performing. If you’re using a single air tool, be it a 1/2″ drill or a 90-pound jackhammer, your air compressor’s minimum cfm rating should be the highest cfm marked for that tool.
what is air compressor psi Related Question:
What is a good PSI for air compressor?
Most air tools require between 70 and 90 PSI. Any light-to-medium-duty air compressor can easily handle 90 PSI, but you always want the compressor to supply more flow than needed.
Is higher PSI better for air compressor?
Higher PSI means the compressor can store more air in the tank, allowing you to operate air tools longer.
Is 100 PSI enough for an air compressor?
Most compressed air equipment is designed to operate at around 90 – 100 psi (6 – 7 bar). For this reason, most people only need a compressor with a maximum pressure of 7 bar. For some applications, an higher pressure is needed, like 15 or 30 bar.
What does 150 PSI mean on an air compressor?
The initials PSI stand for Pounds per Square Inch. PSI measures how many pounds of pressure (force), is in an area, specifically in one square inch. The force of the air is what gives compressed air its power.
How many PSI do you need to run an impact gun?
90 PSI is the minimum required for most air impact wrench compressors to work correctly. You need an air compressor that has a higher shut-off pressure.
Is 150 PSI air compressor good?
You’d only need maximums beyond 150 PSI for jobs such as automotive repairs and industrial purposes. Air compressors that do not reach a max of 90 PSI will struggle to power pneumatic tools. But they do a great job inflating sports equipment, bicycle tires, and car tires.
What size air compressor do I need for my garage?
For your home garage, a compressor size in the 2.6-gallon to 20-gallon range should do nicely. Sizing your compressor really depends on the type and number of air tools you intend to use.
What is a 6-gallon air compressor good for?
As for a 6-gallon air compressor, it is best to use with short tasks of grease gun, roofing and framing nailer, etc. since the machine can’t maintain an extended operation. Other than that, auto tire inflation, gauge finish nailer, and the like are what this small-size air compressor can finish with ease.
What size air compressor do I need to run an impact?
The average size air compressor you need is a 4-5 CFM @90 PSI for a ½” impact wrench. For instance, an impact wrench with a 1″ drive will need a 10 CFM @90 PSI, a ½” drive will need a 4 CFM @90 PSI, and ⅜” will need a 3 CFM @90 PSI.
What is a good size air compressor for home use?
For best results, use a compressor with a capacity of 5-6 CFM. Because you’ll be spraying nearly constantly, a larger, 10-gallon tank will keep you from waiting for the compressor to refill every few minutes.
What size compressor Do I need to spray paint?
While some air spray guns have a rating of lower than 10 CFM, we’d recommend your compressor CFM for spray painting is at least 12 CFM.
What is the difference between 150 PSI and 300 PSI?
Similarly,the 150 PSI means, 150 pounds of force is reacting on a square inch of surface area but 300 PSI means,300 pounds of force is reacting on a square inch of surface area. So, basically 300 PSI is double amount of pressure than 150 PSI.
What is the highest PSI air compressor?
Most 2 stage reciprocating compressors are designed to operate up to a maximum of 175 psi. Most rotary screw compressors are designed to operate efficiently between 90 and 125 psi. Some applications require high volumes of compressed air in the range of 45 to 60 psi.
Is a 6 gallon air compressor enough?
Air Compressor Tank Size Tools that require only quick bursts of air, like pneumatic brad nail guns and finish nail guns, drain the air tank much more slowly. For these tasks, 2- to 6-gallon tanks are sufficient.
Does tank size matter air compressor?
Tank size matters—sometimes The compressors we chose have tanks ranging from 1 to 6 gallons. A larger tank holds more air and will allow you to use more air before the pressure drops and the motor kicks on to refill the tank. That might let you avoid stopping work while the compressor refills the tank.
