Remember that maintenance and repairs should be considered, too. Understanding your duty cycle can be the difference between a job done right or utter frustration. If you’re just starting out, don’t worry, simply take a look at your expected daily tasks and estimate the percentage of time you plan to run the compressor during working hours. If you need additional help, JHFOSTER can evaluate your compressed air system by focusing on your goals such as reduced energy cost, improved productivity, increased system reliability and more. The general formula used to calculate this is expressed as compressor time on/ (time on + time off) = Duty Cycle percentage.įor example, if a compressor is said to use a 100% duty cycle, that would mean that the compressor provides 25 CFM and 125 PSI for 100% of the time it is in use. Start the process of calculating this by logging your current tool usage per day. A duty cycle is the amount of time a compressor is providing consistent pressure (PSI) and flow (CFM). Your duty cycle or power cycle can help you determine your air compression system needs.

Once you’re done, you’ll have to add all CFM requirements together to calculate your total air needs, so being able to view this information in one place is key.ĭon’t forget to increase all of your calculations by about 25% to allow for leaks and reliably plan for the growth of your business. Write them down on your list next to the corresponding tool. We recommend checking with each tool manufacturer for exact CFM requirements. Whether you’re selecting a compressor for a service shop, body shop, or other, you’ll want to know your CFM requirements per tool. Determine Your Air Requirementsįirst, you’ll want to put together a list of all the current tools used – and how many of them. You’ll need a few things to get started, so gather up your current tools and continue reading. While compressor needs can be tough to predict, we’ll help you work smarter in no time with this systematic guide on sizing an industrial air compressor for your business. Focus on considering your CFM needs, duty cycle and pressure when choosing the right compressor for the job. Keep in mind, you shouldn’t use horsepower to make your decision. If you’re in the market for a new compressor, this guide can help ensure you pick the right one.

Inefficiently sized compressors don’t just make working harder, they can result in higher energy costs per unit of compressed air.

Compressed air tank volume calculator