Compressed Air Loss

I have here a table from Ingersoll-Rand.

@ 100 psig 104 is the discharge in cubic feet per of free air per minute through an orifice 1/4" in diameter.

Hi Coffeebean,

I just looked up an Ingersol-Rand IR3445 angle grinder. 8hp, 12,000 RPM and it only draws 9 CFM. Most of these tools are designed to run at 90 PSI.

Is 104 CFM correct? Just doesn't sound right.

Your comment.

John

Thanks for bringing that up. Your´re right. 104 cfm can´t be right for an air tool.

104 cfm is for flow discharging through and 1/4" orifice.

I don't know what you are using the air for. It sounds like probably cooling? Or prevention of fume accumulation? If that's the case, a simple vacuum cleaner type centrifugal fan putting out 2 psi could supply the same air quantity through a 2 inch hose.

RichH

It would help to know what the tools are and what you need the air for.

A 1/4" tube, at 105 psi, could discharge 108 cfm to atmosphere. But somewhat less due to pressure loss down the pipe. And do you have some form of flow control in the pipe.

I am off for a week-end break. I can't respond until 29th May.

There's a lot of data about air line pressure drop, and air consumption figures at www.about-air-compressors.com. This is the page that contains info: http://www.about-air-compressors.com/Compressor-sizing.html

Good luck.

Bill

Thanks all, I'm definitely closer to the information I need.

There actually is not any control on the tool end, its a tremendous waste of air (and energy). The blowers are being used to clear small debris from, and to a lesser extent to cool, a large metal-stamping machine. They turn on whenever the machine is operating, generally about 30-45min at a time with 15-20 minute changeovers for two shifts.

The whole system was implemented before my time and we're now looking to replace it with a low-power electric fan or sweep that would do the job just as well.

Another website on compressed air http://www.compressedairchallenge.org/ under the library / fact sheets tab you will be able to find solutions to compressed air losses.

I have been working with customer on energy conservation for compressed air and if you are interested to know more on how we do energy conservation for compressed air please drop me a mail @ clifton.chia@cpf-cejn.com.sg

If you want to know your actual compressed air consumption and if you want to see the results of your savings campaign, you should consider to install flow meters.

With a 3-in one compressed air flow meter, you can see flow, pressure and temperature. This is like having a multimeter for Voltage and Current. This tool can reveal consumption and related pressure loss in your system.