AIR COMPRESSOR Air compressors can be used in large industrial applications or smaller shops.

plications or smaller shops. This guide provides basic information to help

you determine which air compressor best fits your needs. You will find a glossary of terms, tips for selecting the correct unit,
SELECTION GUIDE things to remember when purchasing, and details for determining CFM requirements.

Glossary of Terms

CFM—Cubic Ft. per Min. A measure of compressor’s capacity and of the air flow
requirement of air-driven devices. Compressors have two ratings—Displacement
CFM and Free Air CFM. Air-driven devices are rated in Free Air CFM.
Displacement CFM—calculated by multiplying the volume of the pump
cylinder(s) by the pump speed in RPM (on 2-stage pumps take the volume
only of the low-pressure cylinders). This rating does not take into
consideration efficiency of air pump.
Free Air CFM—the actual air delivery of a compressor, as measured when
discharged to atmospheric pressure.
Pressure (PSI)—measures in Pounds per Sq. In. the force exerted by the
compressed air.
Check Valve—allows air to flow one way only, from pump to tank. When
compressor stops, this valve closes, preventing loss of air from tank.
Safety or Relief Valve—vents tank if excess pressure builds up. For safety, a
relief valve must be used on all compressors. ASME stamped and sealed
safety valves must be used on all ASME tanks.
Low-Oil Level Shutdown Switch—installed in compressor crankcase and
wired to magnetic motor starter. Shuts off motor if compressor pump runs
low on oil.
Magnetic Starter—an electrically operated switch used to control the
compressor motor and provide thermal protection. Activated by pressure
switch.

Air Pump (compressor head)—the part of the compressor that compresses Automatic Tank Drain Valve—installed at bottom of tank. Opens briefly
the air. during each pumping cycle to release moisture condensed from the air.

Single-Stage Type Compressor—for applications requiring air at 125 PSI or Bell Guard—metal or plastic shield around pump flywheel, belt and motor
less. Has one or more cylinders, all discharging directly into the tank. sheave to prevent hands or clothing from getting caught in moving parts.
Recommended for all installations. Necessary for OSHA compliance.
Two-Stage Type Compressor—for applications requiring air at 125–175
PSI. Has two or more cylinders in series. The first cylinder compresses air
into the second cylinder, which then compresses it further and pumps it
into the tank.

How to Order
Select the Correct Compressor in 6 Simple Steps
1 Determine Compressor Type. Based on your PSI needs, determine if you 4 Determine Tank Size. Choose a small receiver for installations where
need a single-stage (generally for 90 to 125 PSI) or 2-stage (generally for storage is not important, demand is infrequent, or where constant speed
125 to 175 PSI). controls are used. Use a large receiver for installations where large flow
of short duration is needed, steady flow demands longer running and
longer resting periods on start-stop control, minimum pressure
2 Determine Air Consumption. Make a list of tools and equipment
requiring a continuous flow of compressed air and a separate list of tools variations are important, and drier cooler air is required.
and equipment using intermittent air (25% use factor).
5 Determine Control Type. Start-stop (pressure switch) control, constant
3 Determine Compressor Horsepower. Add the CFM required from both
speed control, or dual control.
lists (use 25% of intermittent total figure), add in another 15% to 25%
or system variable and future needs, and divide this total by four to 6 Select Your Actual Compressor from the information you complied.
determine approximate horsepower.
Custom packages are available—
call a Certified Product Specialist for information.

Things to Remember
Select a 3-phase motor in preference to a single-phase unit if 3-phase power Check the pressure at any given point by inserting a gauge in the line.
is available. Three-phase motors are more reliable and efficient. Select a gas- Excessive pressure drops could require redesign of your system.
powered unit for remote operation. Locate your compressor in the center of
the system to avoid long pipe lines. Provide it with plenty of clean, cool, dry Keep equipment in good operating condition, check you piping and
air. Compressors are “noisy” so provide for sound control and for access to fittings regularly to avoid “leaks”.
allow efficient maintenance.

Use straight tubing or pipe lines of adequate strength and a minimum of
fittings to avoid pressure loss caused by friction. Never use tubing or pipe of
a smaller diameter than storage tank outlet. Use larger diameter for long
runs.
Outlets should be taken from the top of the main line (tees facing up)
to keep moisture out.
Plan head. Make allowances in your original system for future expansion
and additions to equipment. Providing more than you need now is often
a better investment than having to redesign or supplement later.
Be sure your system complies with local and state codes. Many areas have
very strict regulations regarding compressors, air tanks, and other air
equipment. Check before you buy.
 Determining Air Volume (CFM) Requirements

Add up the Free Air CFM requirements for all of the air-powered devices
that the compressor will be required to operate at the same time. If
manufacturers’ data are not available, the tables below may be used as
an approximate guide. To the total, add 25% or more to allow for system
variables and provide capacity for future needs. (Total intermittent
continuous CFM demands separately.)
EQUIPMENT AIR REQUIREMENT AVERAGES
Always use free air (CFM) and pressure (PSI) specifications from nameplate
on the device or from the manufacturer. CFM free air figures below are
averages and should not be considered accurate for any specific brand.

Miscellaneous Portable Tools CFM Consumption at AUTOMOTIVE EQUIPMENT

At 70 to 90 PSI Range 25% Use Factor AIR REQUIREMENT AVERAGES
Drill, 1/16 to 3/8" 6.25 Equipment Portable Compressor CFM
Drill, 3/8 to 5/16" 8.75 PSI Range Tools Required Per Unit
Screwdriver, #2 to #6 Screw 3.0 70–100 Air Filter Cleaner* 3.0
Screwdriver, #6 to 5/16" Screw 6.0 70–100 Body Polisher* 2.0
Tapper, to 3/8" 5.0 70–100 Body Sander, Orbital* 5.0
Nutsetters, to 3/8" 5.0 70–100 Brake Tester 3.5
Nutsetters, to 3/8" 6.0 70–100 Carbon Remover* 3.0
Nutsetters, to 3/4" 7.5 90–100 Dusting Blow Gun 2.5
Impact Wrench, 1/4" 3.75 70–90 Drill, 1/16" to 3/8"* 4.0
Impact Wrench, 3/8 5.0 70–90 Impact Wrench 3/8" sq. dr.* 2.0
Impact Wrench, 1/2" 7.5 70–90 Impact Wrench 1/2" sq. dr.* 3.5
Impact Wrench, 3/4" 8.75 70–90 Impact Wrench 3/4" sq. dr.* 7.5
Impact Wrench, 11/4" 13.75 70–90 Impact Wrench 1" sq. dr. 10.0
Die Grinder, Small 3.75 70–90 Die Grinder* 5.0
Die Grinder, Medium 6.0 90–100 Vertical Disc Sanders* 10.0
Horizontal Grinder, 2" 5.0 90–100 Filing/Sawing Machine, Small* 3.0
Horizontal Grinder, 4" 15.0 90–100 Filing/Sawing Machine, Large* 5.0
Horizontal Grinder, 6" 15.0 125–150 Tire Rim Stripper 6.0
Horizontal Grinder, 8" 20.0 125–150 Tire Changer 1.0
Vertical Grinders and Sanders—5" Pad 8.75 125–150 Tire Inflation Line 1.5
Vertical Grinders and Sanders—7" Pad 15.0 125–150 Tire Spreader 1.0
Vertical Grinders and Sanders—9" Pad 17.5 90–100 Air Hammer* 4.0
Burring Tool, Small 3.75 90–100 Tire Hammer 12.0
Burring Tool, Large 6.0 125–150 Bead Breaker 12.0
Rammers, Small 3.25 90–100 Spring Oiler 4.0
Rammers, Medium 8.5 90–100 Spray Gun Engine Cleaner* 5.0
Rammers, Large 10.0 90–100 Production Paint Spray Gun* 8.5
Backfill Tamper 6.25 90–100 Touch-Up Paint Spray Gun* 3.5
Compression Riveter 0.2 cu. ft. per cycle 90–100 Undercoat Paint Spray Gun* 19.0
Air Motor, 1 HP 6.3 120–150 Grease Gun* 3.0
Air Motor, 2 HP 12.5 145–175 Hydraulic Lift† 6.0
Air Motor, 3 HP 18.75 125–150 Hydraulic Floor Jack 6.0
Air Motor Hoist, 1000 lb. 1 cu. ft. per ft. of lift 125–150 Pneumatic Garage Door 3.0
Air Motor Hoist, 2000 lb. 1 cu. ft. per ft. of lift 90–100 Radiator Tester 1.0
Paint Spray Gun 5.0 70–100 Fender Hammer* 9.0
Scaling Hammer 3.0 70–100 Medium Duty Sander* 40.0
Chipping Hammer 7.5 *These devices are considered as continuously operating.
Riveting Hammer 7.5
†This is for 8000-lb. capacity. For each additional 1000 lbs., add 0.65 CFM.
Circular Saw, 8" 11.25
Circular Saw, 12" 16.25
Lightweight Chain Saw 7.0
Heavy Duty Chain Saw 21.8