How to calculate how much air compressor is needed for multiple devices

In the scenario where multiple devices share an air compressor, it is necessary to select an air compressor with appropriate power by calculating the total air consumption and considering factors such as margin, pressure matching, equipment characteristics and air tank buffer. The specific calculation steps are as follows:

1. calculation of total gas consumption

1. gas consumption of single equipment: According to the technical parameters or measured data of the equipment, determine the air consumption of each equipment (unit: m & sup3;/min or L/min).
2. Summary air consumption: Add the gas consumption of all equipment to obtain the total gas consumption (Q total).
3. Consider margin: Due to the possible leakage in actual use, equipment wear and tear leading to increased gas consumption and other factors, it is recommended to increase the total gas consumption by 20% ~ 30% of the margin, that is, the rated flow of the air compressor should be greater than 1.2 ×Q total to 1.3 ×Q total.

2. determination of working pressure

1. maximum pressure of equipment: Check the working pressure requirements of all equipment, and use the highest pressure as the selection pressure of the air compressor.
2. Consider pressure loss according to the length of the distance from the installation site of the air compressor to the actual gas end pipeline, the pressure margin of 1 ~ 2bar shall be properly considered to compensate for the pressure loss in the pipeline.

3. selection of air compressor

1. power matching: According to the calculated total air consumption and required working pressure, select an air compressor with matching power. The power of an air compressor (unit: KW or HP) is usually related to its exhaust volume (unit: m & sup3;/min) and exhaust pressure (unit: bar or MPa).
2. Equipment characteristics: Consider the type of air compressor (such as screw type, piston type, etc.), efficiency, noise, maintenance cost and other factors, choose the air compressor suitable for actual needs.

4. consider gas tank

1. gas tank volume: The volume of the gas storage tank should be between 10% and 20% of the compressor displacement, and 15% is generally selected. When the gas consumption is large, the volume of the gas storage tank should be appropriately increased. If the gas consumption on site is small, it can be lower than 15%, but it is better not to be lower than 10%.
2. buffer effect: The air storage tank can buffer and stabilize the air pressure, reduce the frequent start and stop of the air compressor, and extend the life of the equipment.

5. example calculations

it is assumed that there are three equipment, the air consumption is 2m & sup3;/min, 3m & sup3;/min and 4m & sup3;/min, and the working pressure is 7bar.

1. Calculate total gas consumption: Q total = 2+3+4=9m & sup3;/min.
2. Consider margin: Assuming a 30% margin increase, the rated flow rate of the required air compressor needs to be greater than 1.3 × 9=11.7m & sup3;/min.
3. Select air compressor: According to the air compressor model on the market, choose an air compressor with a displacement slightly greater than 11.7m & sup3;/min and a working pressure of 7bar or higher. For example, you can choose a screw air compressor with a displacement of 12m & sup3;/min and a power of 75KW.
4. Consider the gas tank: According to the displacement of the air compressor, select a suitable air storage tank. For example, you can choose a gas tank with a volume of 2m & sup3; (about 17% of the air compressor displacement).