Compressed Air Sizing

[esfo71]

Hello,

I am currently sizing a Compressed Air Network (Compressor CFM, HP, and Line Sizing) for a plant which has air service stations and pumps that are run by air. There are 13 Oil Supply Pumps (80 CFM @ 75 PSI each), 20 Waste Oil Return Pumps (40 CFM @ 75 PSI), and 31 air service stations (38 CFM @ 100 PSI each used for impact guns, for example).

How would I size the CFM required for the Compressor taking into account different facors like: Simultaneous Factor, Variability Factor, and Usage Factor?

Also, I really am having a hard time sizing the piping for each branch. Can somebody explain to me how to do it knowing the CFM at the compressor? I am very newwhen it comes to compressed air and was wondering if there was an online example, tutorial, or reference I could base myself on.

Thank you.

 

[mjpetrag]

You can size a compressor for maximum expected system CFM and pressure + an oversize factor (if this isn't in there you can trip the compressor motor or shorten the life of compressor parts because it can run full out for long periods of time). Usually you connect the main supply off the compressor to an air receiver tank. The air receiver tank has a pressure transmitter that sends a signal back to compressor to either load or unload, depending on the receiver pressure. This will ensure you always have the correct amount of air regardless of what your system demands. When you have a low system air demand, the compressor will run unloaded. When demand is high, the compressor will load up



-Mike

 

[mjpetrag]

Also install pressure regulators on the supply lines to your equipment to make sure you have a constant required supply pressure to each

You didn't mention but just in case...
Don't forget to install air dryers, coalescing filters with automatic blowdowns, and automatic blowdowns on your receiver(s). Water back up is a common problem that will cause water/dirt to plug up equipment. With the amount of air described above, you will have gallons and gallons of water per day in your system, and even more in the summer time.

-Mike