How much Hosepower air compressor should we choose ?
Air compressors are equipment that provide compressed air as a power source and it is important to choose the right air compressor to meet the needs of pneumatic tools.
There are several different types of air compressors available, such as reciprocating, piston, vane, screw, or centrifugal air compressors.
Compressed and filtered air is typically compressed to a range of 80 psig (5.5 kg/cm2) to 110 psig (7.6 kg/cm2), with a common pressure of 90 psig (6.3 kg/cm2) used for pneumatic tools.
The selection of an air compressor depends on the required air pressure and total airflow needed for the pneumatic tools connected to it. Here are some considerations:
Pressure requirements: Determine the pressure range required by the pneumatic tools you will be using and select an air compressor with an output pressure that meets those requirements.
Usage pattern: Consider the usage pattern of the pneumatic tools, such as continuous usage time, intermittent usage time, and pressure demands. These factors will help determine the required compressed air supply volume and pressure.
Flow requirements: Different pneumatic tools have different air consumption rates, so calculate the total air consumption of all the tools connected to the air compressor. Choose an air compressor with sufficient airflow to support the operation of the tools.
Additional air source needs: In addition to the air consumption of the pneumatic tools themselves, consider other potential air source needs such as air lines, filters, and air storage tanks. These requirements will affect the overall design and configuration of the air supply system.
Model and size: Select the appropriate compressor model and size based on your working environment and available space.
Additional accessories: Consider additional equipment such as pressure regulators, air filters, automatic oilers, air dryers, coolers, additional air receivers, etc. These devices can provide better and more stable compressed air, ensuring optimal performance of pneumatic tools.
AIR COMPRESSOR SELECTION CRITERIA :
- Compressor Type - Recommendation:
0 to 80 psig (5.5 Bar) : single stage air compressor
80 to 250 psig (17.2 Bar) / continuous usage of tools : two-stage air compressor - Total Air Consumption - Determine the total demand SCFM
Factors to Consider : demands of all air tools, equipments, and other air consumption variables. - Air Compressor Capacity - Horsepower (HP)
Determined total demand SCFM : D ( 1 m3/min = 35.3147 SCFM )
and add approximately 20% for system variables or future growth. : D1 = D x 1.2
If D1 <= 100 SCFM : HP = D / 4
If D1 > 100 SCFM : HP = D / 5
* 1 HP = 0.7457 KW
Example :
If the air consumption of a air tool is 0.45 m3/min = 0.45 x 35.3147 = 15.89 SCFM
Add approximately 20 % for system variables or future growth. : 15.89 SCFM x 1.2 = 19.068 SCFM
Because 19.068 SCFM <= 100 SCFM , so the HP is 19.068 / 4 = 4.767
It is recommended to have discussions with pneumatic tool suppliers, air compressor equipment suppliers, or professionals in the field to obtain more accurate advice and guidance when determining the compressed air requirements.
Approximately 5 HP air compressor is enough for continuous using.