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What Size Compressor Do You Need? A Simple Guide to Choosing the Right Air Compressor

Picking the right size is crucial for optimal air compressor performance. As a business owner, you might not always know about the technicalities of air compressors. All you care about is buying the right model offering the best output.
Don’t worry. Our knowledge of compressed air units is unmatched. Drawing from our extensive experience, we are here to answer all the questions.
One of the most common questions business owners have is: What size compressor do I need? This blog answers this million-dollar question.
Additionally, through meticulous research, we have curated a simple guide to choosing the right air compressor. So, read until the end to make an informed decision.

Why is it important to choose the right size?

The importance of choosing the right air compressor size cannot be stressed enough.
  • Got an air compressor that is too small? The output will be compromised.
  • Got an air compressor that is too big? Too much energy will be consumed.
Only when you choose the right size do you get the right output without consuming unnecessary energy. How to choose an air compressor of the right size? Continue reading to learn more.
Here are the important factors to consider for sourcing a compressor of the right size
  • Calculate the compressed air requirement for your pneumatic tools and equipment
  • Calculate the duty cycle
  • Calculate future expansion
  • Tanks size
  • Energy efficiency
  • Air quality needs

Compressor Selection Criteria

1. Cubic Feet per Minute

An air compressor is primarily defined by its airflow capacity, measured in CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute). This determines how much air the compressor can deliver.
To choose the right size:
  • Calculate the requirements of all the pneumatic tools and equipment
  • You must keep an additional buffer for handling peak demand
Choosing the right size is important to prevent poor performance and downtime.

2. Pressure (PSI)

An air compressor that cannot deliver high-pressure air is a liability for manufacturers and industrial clients. Pressure is measured in PSI. It is the unit in which the air is delivered to pneumatic tools. It is important to invest in a compressor that meets the PSI requirement of your heaviest pneumatic tool and equipment to ensure uninterrupted operations.

3. Duty Cycle

Duty cycle is the timeframe of how long an air compressor can run before it must stop for the cooling period. Duty cycle is denoted in percentage. Here’s how it is calculated.
  • The percentage is determined based on how long an air compressor can run in a 10-minute timeframe

  • If the air compressor can run for 6 minutes (out of the general 10-minute timeframe), the compressor has a duty cycle of 60%

4. Tank Size

Air compressor tanks store compressed air to ensure a steady pneumatic supply. This prevents the compressor from cycling frequently, maintaining energy efficiency. For manufacturing plants and industrial facilities demanding higher compressed air, it is recommended to install larger tanks to prevent frequent cycling.

5. Energy Efficiency

The rising energy cost is a cause of concern for many businesses in Australia. Since an air compressor is an inextricable element for many businesses, it is almost always functioning,  which means constant energy usage. All these factors highlight the importance of buying energy-efficient air compressors.

6. Future Expansion

Unsure what size compressor you need? Always consider future expansion plans while choosing an air compressor. If you plan to scale operations in the near future, you will greatly benefit from a larger compressor. If you don’t have plans to scale anytime soon, buying a larger compressor leads to energy wastage and higher operating costs.

7. Installation & Space

Floor space is among the most important factors influencing the size of air compressors in Perth. If you source an unusually large air compressor for a facility with minimal floor space, installation and maintenance can be quite challenging. Moreover, ventilation is also an important aspect to consider. If the compressor is kept in a place without adequate space and ventilation, the air compressor heats up and gradually gets damaged.

Conclusion

No matter what size compressor you need, you can get it at SL Engineering. Situated in Perth, WA, we supply a wide range of screw air compressors and piston air compressors to clients across Western Australia. Our Pneumark air compressors are larger in size. This is a conscious design choice to effectively deal with the extreme Western Australian weather conditions. Call (08) 9399 9412 or email info@slengineering.com.au to get a free quote today. We also supply air dryers, receivers, and auto drains at the best rates.