While it is possible to mathematically figure out what tank size you need, it is generally smarter and easier to consult the compressor manufacturer, since virtually all of them sell air tanks and pressure cut off switches designed to work with their particular unit. (Installing an in-line water filter may also be a good idea, particularly if you are in an area of high humidity.) In addition, the surge tank eliminates the compressor pulsations and helps separate out water, particularly if the tank is of sufficient size for the air to cool quickly once the tank shuts off. The size of the tank determines how long the air tool can run before the compressor kicks back on. Surge tanks serve as that down-time buffer so the reservoir of air will meet short-term, high- demand usage while the compressor cools down. Running a compressor for longer periods of time than its duty cycle reduces its efficiency to compress air and, if operated repeatedly in this manner, will greatly reduce the compressor’s life. Hence, the higher the duty-cycle rating, the better the quality and efficiency of the compressor.įor example, an air compressor with a 33-percent duty cycle can run for three minutes and 20 seconds and then has to stop for 6 minutes 40 seconds minutes before is can efficiently pump again. So the 12-volt compressor will run until the demand for air stops – or it gets too hot to function properly. This is an important measurement because light-duty air compressors don’t have the volume of a stationary compressor with a built-in air tank. Normally that number is based on a 10-minute run period, usually 100 psi at 72 degrees F. This rating reflects the percentage of time a compressor can run at 100-percent capacity at a set psi before it has to stop to cool down. To make a good comparison you have to use scfm, cfm and psi ratings to get a good idea of what the compressor can do – and how it compares to another.Īnother factor in rating compressors is the duty cycle. So make sure all your comparisons are at the same psi. SCFM ratings rating go up as the pressure goes down. As an example, the popular Sears Craftsman 6-gallon 110-volt pancake compressor (#152160) is rated at 2.6scfm at 90psi and 3.5scfm at 40psi. The scfm ratings are given at a specific air pressure. (Note: The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) also sets standards for design and engineering of products and some manufacturers may use these standards, which are similar to those of the ISO.) The measurement standard, determined by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is taken as cfm (sea level) at 68 degrees Fahrenheit (F) and with a relative humidity of 36 percent. To rate compressors so they are all measured by the same standard, air compressor manufacturers rate their units in scfm, or standard cubic feet per minute. The challenge buyers face when trying to compare compressors of this type is cfm varies with atmospheric pressure, temperature and even humidity so rating a compressor can be complicated.
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