![]() ![]() Ideally to maximise a compressor’s operational life it’s duty cycle over any given timeframe should be no more than 60% of the time turned on and 40% turned off (cooling down). The ratio between the pressurisation and cool down phases is called the Duty Cycle. If not enough time is dedicated to the cool down phase the compressor can overheat and become damaged. When a tool consumes the stored air quickly the time for cool down is reduced because the unit needs to turn on to repressurise. When the compressor turns off (after reaching maximum tank pressure) it has time to cool down while the air in the tank is being consumed. This is the compressor pressure cycle.Ĭompressing air produces heat which can damage the compressor if it’s not managed. When the compressed air is being used by a tool the pressure decreases until the tank reaches it’s lower pressure limit, at that point the compressor turns on to re-pressurise the tank. Most compressors force air into a storage tank, increasing the pressure until it reaches an upper pressure limit at which the compressor shuts off. An air saw that’s run in continuous long bursts will require a greater volume of air to operate efficiently over that period than if it is run in intermittent short bursts. The volume of air a tool may require will be affected by how you use that tool. The third factor to consider when buying a compressor is how you intend to use your tools. Note: this chart is only a guide, your tools may differ so consult your manual or manufacturer to obtain correct specifcations. ![]() This chart shows the approximate air consumption and operating pressures you can expect from common air tools. Oil-less pumps are also available which negate the risk of oil entering the air fow. ![]() If your tools or application requires “clean” air consider a compressor with particle and moisture filters installed. Dust, moisture and oil particles can all be present in the air flow unless they are filtered out. Note: Excessively high pressure can damage tools not built to handle it.Ĭompressors can produce air of varying quality. If a tool needs only 6 bar (90psi) a pressure regulator fitted to the compressor will allow you to adjust the air supply to a lower pressure. If a tool requires 12 bar (174psi) to operate you need a compressor that can pressurise air to 12 bar. Air Pressure & QualityĪ compressor also needs to deliver a volume of air at a tools operational pressure. The FAD ratings for all compressors sold at Total Tools are determined according to the Australian Standard AS 4637 2006. If you intend to operate multiple tools at the same time you will need to add up the air consumption values of the tools and use a compressor with an FAD rating that meets the total air demand.įor example, to simultaneously run an air saw (170 l/min) and an air ratchet (113 l/min) you will need a compressor with an FAD of at least 283 l/min (170 + 113). The FAD relates directly to a tool’s air consumption requirement.įor an air saw that has an air consumption of 170 l/min the compressors FAD rating will need to be at least 170 l/min. The volume of air a compressor produces is called the Free Air Delivery (FAD), also measured in litres per minute (or cfm). You will need to consult a tools manual or manufacturer to determine the right air requirements for a particular tool.Ī compressor needs to produce enough air to meet the air consumption requirements of the tool(s) connected to it. They also have an operational pressure measured in bars (b) or pounds per square inch (psi).Īn air saw for example may have an air consumption of 170 l/min (6cfm) and require a pressure of 6 bar (90psi) to operate correctly. So the air tools you want to use will be a primary factor when choosing a compressor.Īir tools have a specification for air consumption, normally measured in litres per minute (l/min) or cubic feet per minute (cfm). Where you will run the tools - do you need the unit to be portable and is electricity available on site.Ī compressor needs to supply enough air flow, at the right pressure, for an air tool to work correctly.will they be run continuously or intermittently. The recommended operating pressure of your tools.The total air consumption of the all the tools you want to power simultaneously with the compressor.Selecting the right compressor will mainly depend on four factors: This guide will help direct you towards making the best possible purchase. Buying a quality air compressor that’s best suited to your needs will save you time and money in the long run and it’s an easy process that just requires understanding a few key concepts. ![]()
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