If you’re utilizing an air compressor to power the tools or other equipment, checking the CFM is sufficient for your air tools requirements. If you don’t, your compressor may not keep up with demand, resulting in downtime. So, How to increase CFM on air compressor for enough CFM required by your air tools?
Some tools need more CFM, whereas others don’t. Air impact wrenches, for example, often require four CFM, but air grinders only require one CFM. The CFM necessary varies depending on the tool. This post has included all of the different ways to increase CFM and its primary benefits and drawbacks.
What Does CFM Mean?
The word cubic feet per minute is abbreviated as CFM. In other words, CFM is the airflow rate. It monitors how quickly air travels from the surroundings into the compressed air unit’s receiver tank.
Suppose you have a 10 CFM compressed air system. That indicates your system can supply 10 cubic feet of air every minute.
There are two factors to bear in mind when estimating the CFM of your compressed air machine. The first is the tank capacity of the air receiver. The second factor is how quickly your pump operates.
What does CFM mean in an air compressor?
The air compressor’s CFM rate determines whether it can perform high-level operational activities. In other words, CFM is the flow rate of a volume of air (in cubic feet).
The CFM rating devices usually are linked to the air compressor and display data that tells us the air compressor’s CFM rate. This air compressor can discharge 6 cubic feet of air per minute if the gadget displays 6 CFM. Before purchasing an air compressor, it is necessary to understand the CFM rating.
Air compressors: how do they work?
An air compressor draws air into its container tank before creating pressure under it. This accumulated pressure acts as a force, assisting the collected air exiting the container at a specific rate, which the air compressor’s CFM determines.
So, ‘how to boost CFM on an air compressor.’
Every air compressor has a specific and specified power level, which the air compressor’s CFM determines. We may calculate the total power of any air compressor using the formula Power=pressure x (volume/time), where volume/time is the CFM of that air compressor.
However, we can’t raise the operating power or CFM of any air compressor beyond its current capacity. However, we may make minor adjustments to the air compressor to boost the CFM. I’ve included various methods for increasing the CFM of any air compressor below.
What’s the Connection Between CFM And PSI?
PSI, or pounds per square inch, is another word we’ll need to learn in this article. It determines the pressure in your compressed air unit’s receiver tank. The majority of air-powered tools have a PSI rating of forty to ninety.
As a result, the CFM measures air volume. The PSI is a unit of measurement for air pressure. These numbers will provide you with all of your information regarding compressed air unit capacity and capabilities.
How To Increase CFM On Air Compressor – 4 Effective Ways
We’ll start here with ways to increase CFM on air compressor systems. There are various options for doing so.
- A second compressor with the same CFM rating might be added
- Connect two compressors that have varying CFMs
- A second air receiver tank has been added
- Reducing the pressure to increase CFM
Let’s look at what each of them implies in more detail with their advantages and disadvantages.
A Second Compressor
You may double the CFM rating by adding a second compressor to your compressed air system. Remember that the additional compressor should be of the same model and brand. This will take care of any control issues.
This is because two pieces of equipment have the same manufacture, model, and brand. Using this approach will increase the CFM of your compressed air unit’s pumping system. The impact of the greater CFM output will be visible at the pressure regulator/tank outflow.
Once the second one is installed, connect the two compressed air units using an air hose. To join the two, all you need is a tee fitting. After that, click the air-powered tool to the system.
Advantages
- The compressed air system will have a higher CFM with this approach, suitable for continuous air tool usage.
- It’s also suitable for occasional usage with air tools.
Disadvantages
- It will be more expensive to buy a second compressor.
- Although pressure switches should be comparable, minor variances may exist. To match both devices’ cut-in and out pressures, you’ll need to make a few modifications.
- You must still pay attention to the duty cycles of both units. You’ll be able to match them to the CFM of your air-powered tools this way. Remember that they should be complementary to one another.
Lowering The Pressure
Each compressed air unit has a power rating calculated by multiplying the CFM by the pressure. There is no method to adjust your unit’s power. The tank’s CFM cannot be changed. You may alter the stress by doing so.
How will you do that? By reducing the tank’s pressure. Reduce the PSI of your device by using the pressure regulator. Your unit’s CFM will increase.
You do not need to be concerned about power fluctuations. It will stay the same. Many individuals who use compressors are unaware that the outlet CFM of their compressed air unit is determined by the outlet pressure they choose.
Assume you have a compressed air compressor with a 4 CFM rating and a 90 PSI pressure. On around 50 PSI or less, you may run an air-powered tool that requires five CFM of steady streaming pressured air. You can even utilize an air tool with a more excellent CFM rating than five.
So keep an eye on your air tool’s CFM rating and operating pressure. Most of the time, their working pressure is less than 90 PSI. This will allow you to gain a rapid CFM boost from your existing compressor. It’s possible that you may not need to buy a new one to acquire the power you require.
Advantages
- Long-term air tool usage is possible. However, this is only true if the compressor’s CFM exceeds the tool’s CFM requirement.
- Air tools can be used intermittently with this product.
- This choice will save you the most money. All it takes is a few basic adjustments to your compressed air system. You can accomplish it on your own.
Disadvantages
- The working pressure of your air-powered equipment should be less than 90 PSI.
Connect two different CFM compressors
This strategy is similar to the one we used previously. The most significant difference is that the CFM of your compressors will be different. If you connect the two, you’ll get a continuous stream of air at 15 CFM.
This is how you link the two together:
- Make a connection between the tank outputs of each unit with a tee fitting.
- Connect your compressed air unit’s air hose to the tee-fitting outlet.
- Connect the air hose to your air-powered tool, and you’re ready to go.
Advantages
- With two compressed air units, your pressurized air system will have a larger CFM capacity. Your air-powered equipment will have a constant air supply thanks to the pumping capacity.
- Air tools can be used intermittently with this product.
Disadvantages
- If you don’t already have one, you’ll need another air compressor, which will cost money. If you need it for a short while, you may always borrow another unit.
- Adjustable compressed air unit pressure switches will be required.
- It would help if you also kept an eye on your unit’s duty cycle. That way, you’ll know if the tool you wish to use is compatible.
How To Adjust The Pressure Switch
Keep in mind that you are working with two machines while making the appropriate pressure switch adjustments. They’ll operate similarly if they have the same cut-in/out points, but that relies on what your air tools require.
However, a significant distance between the two compressors’ cut-in/out points will overwork one system. You will have to do more maintenance, which will result in a reduced compressor lifespan.
The CFM you require will be smaller as well. This is because peak CFM can only be achieved when:
- The receiver tank’s air supply is at 99 percent capacity.
- Both compressed air unit pumps start operating just before the cut-out point.
- If your setup is at 100% capacity and the higher CFM compressor is functioning. At this point, the system will use this figure to respond to the compressor’s peak CFM capacity.
When the system is functioning at 100% capacity, and both compressed air units are on, the CFM will equal the value of the whole arrangement.
Adding A Second Receiver Tank
Your compressed air unit will give air to both tanks by installing a second receiver tank. You have a lot more storage space for air. This implies your air compressor’s motor will have to operate longer before reaching the cut-out point. It lets you use your air-powered equipment for extended periods.
Your CFM automatically rises as your storage capacity grows. However, keep in mind that the additional storage reduces the CFM available for some time. It does not affect the CFM of the system. Your compressed air unit will revert to its original CFM value after removing the additional tank.
When Adding A Second Tank To Compressed Air Units, There Are A Few Things To Consider.
- Continuously using air-powered equipment is not a good idea. Your compressor is always trying to catch up, which is terrible for your system.
- It’s ideal for utilizing air tools regularly.
- It is economical because you will need to purchase another tank. A new compressed air unit is not required.
- Even for infrequent use, the tank size must be correct. As a result, you’ll need to look into compressed air unit size.
Remember to construct this system to meet the requirements of the air-powered tools you intend to use with it. Keep an eye on the duty cycle.
Instructions While Increasing the CFM On Air Compressor
If you want to boost the CFM of your air compressor, keep the following tips in mind.
- Keep an eye on your air compressor.
- Check for leaks.
- Replace the refrigerant.
Understanding Your Air Compressor
If you want to boost the CFM of your air compressor, It’s critical to understand the power source and the sort of air compressor you’re utilizing. You may find out by doing a Google search for your model or reading the instruction manual.
Look for any leaks
Leaks can come from a variety of sources. Inspecting close-to-fittings, lines, and valves for signs of leakage is critical. If you see an area where there appears to be a leak, test the connection with soapy water. If any bubbles appear on your regulator or gauge, clean the area and try them again. It’s conceivable that one of your equipment’s components isn’t functioning correctly, so verify everything.
Replace the refrigerant
The final option for raising the CFM produced by your compressor is to add refrigerant.
CO2 and Nitrogen are the two forms of refrigerants that may be used in an air compressor. If your tank does not have enough pressure to maintain the needed CFM, you will need to add Nitrogen gas or CO2.
Consult a Professional
If you’ve tried all of the options above and still haven’t seen any results, you may need to consult an expert.
Experts at your local welding supply or hardware store can assist you in improving CFM based on the brand and model of your machine. Furthermore, the guidance they provide is completely free!
FAQs
Is a higher CFM air compressor better?
It is dependent on your requirements. You’ll need a compressor that can provide a lot of CFM if you’re utilizing tools that require it. However, if you only use instruments that require a small amount of CFM, a compressor with a lower CFM rating will suffice. Choose the appropriate compressor size to reduce operating costs.
How Can I Reduce Air Compressor CFM?
CFM can be reduced by increasing pressure. The regulator is closed to doing this. The volume of air that can flow through the system will be diminished, resulting in lower CFM.
Is tank size important while using an air compressor?
The size of an air compressor’s tank isn’t always necessary. It depends entirely on how you want to use the compressor. If you plan to use it for an extended amount of time, a larger tank is preferable because it will store more air and last longer before refilling. However, if you’ll only be utilizing the compressor for a short time, a smaller tank would suffice.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are several options for increasing CFM on an air compressor. It all depends on your requirements and how you want to use the compressor
Consult the tool’s maker if you’re unsure what CFM you require. They’ll be able to tell you how much CFM you’ll need for that particular tool.
Whatever technique you use, use a compressor with enough CFM to satisfy your requirements. Otherwise, you’ll be left with a lot of leisure and irritation.