If you’ve observed the fact that you’re not receiving the flow that you’d like with your air compressor may be a source of frustration. It’s good to know that growing CFM for an air compressor isn’t a problem to achieve, and there are many ways to achieve this.
You can increase the CFM of an air-compressor by about 10% by reducing the pressure, changing the regulator valve by connecting two machines, or by adding the receiver tank. If none of these options work then you might need to buy a brand new Air compressor under $200.
Find out how to increase CFM on an air compressor. Also, some tips to use the time you’re increasing CFM and when to seek out an expert.
What Is CFM?
Before we talk about how to increase the CFM on an air compressor, we’ll go over the meaning of CFM signifies and why it’s crucial.
The term “cubic foot-per-minute” (CFM) is a measure of volume flow rate within the pipe or duct system in cubic feet per unit of time typically expressed in milliliters per second(ml/s).
Increase the CFM could be required in the event that you feel your air compressor isn’t having enough power or operate time. If you think something’s wrong, you should first determine the issue.
How to Check the CFM of an Air Compressor
If you’re not sure of the capabilities of your air compressor, then it may be challenging to upgrade it. To determine the air compressor’s CFM can be when it is operating at a certain pressure, try the following:
First step: Locate an adjustment knob for your compressor. This is needed for step 3.
Second Step: Turn off power, and allow the unit to fall from the full pressure slowly. This will take between 5 and 10 minutes, based on tank size and the duty cycle. Check that everything is in order prior to work in a system that is pressurized!
Third step: Locate your drain plug or drain cock to create an airflow path at the point where air is able to enter into the tank through the compressor.
Fourth Step: Turn your draincock or the plug to open, turn on the compressor, turning it on and let the pressure rise to the desired level.
Fifth Step: Make use of a reliable gauge for the regulator calibrated using identical units with the compressor to measure the out CFM. Shut off the compressor, then turn it on to ensure that no leaks are present.
Sixth Step: Continue steps 2-5 3 more times, record the results, and then determine the average that your compressor is capable of.
Once you’ve found the regulator knob, and worked the output of your compressor CFM and you’re ready to increase it by following the steps listed below.
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How to Increase CFM on an Air Compressor
There are several things that you can do to increase the CFM of the air compressor.
Strategies to increase CFM for Air compressors:
- Decreased pressure
- Adjusting the valve of the regulator
- The connection of two air compressors
- Connecting an additional tank for receivers
By doing any of these three actions it is possible to control the CFM of your compressor.
Decreasing the Pressure
The reduction of pressure is only one method to increase an air compressor’s CFMs up.
The reduction of pressure in the system through dialing down the regulator will cause CFM to increase as well as the force to stay constant. This allows the compressor to catch up, by reducing the frequency of cycling. Do not use this method to increase the CFM more than 22% or more.
For instance, if your air compressor is rated at 3 CFM rating with a PSI of 80 then you’ll be able to run an air compressor that runs in five CFM using 60 PSI.
This technique also guarantees the efficiency of the compressor, by not overloading it. So long as your equipment requires lower PSI than the air compressor This is an excellent alternative to increase CFM.
Adjusting the Regulator Valve
Another method to increase the CFM of your air compressor just a little amount is to alter the valve that regulates. This won’t increase capacity, yet it can ensure a consistent flow of CFM that is ideal in the event that you require power to an appliance.
Adjusting the valve on the regulator will require some time and effort However, you will get an additional 6% CFM If it is adjusted correctly.
To accomplish this:
- Find an adjustable regulator gauge that can measure the air pressure from 0 to 150 PSI. Connect it to the main valve of your air compressor. This valve is adjusted to 100 PSI.
- Adjust the regulator until it reaches the desired pressure that is 130 PSI (usually located right on the normal main valve).
- Connect the gauge of the regulator once more, but do not make any changes this time.
- The main valve control should be turned to 130 PSI.
- Turn the screw on the regulator until it’s at 150 on the gauge. The majority of gauges are accurate to +or minus 2.2%.
- This should result in around 6% growth in CFM subject to the air tank and compressor size.
Like I mentioned that this will not give you much more power, however, it can help your air compressor become more efficient. This can reduce your electricity bills over the long term!
Connecting Two Air Compressors Together
It is also possible to increase the CFM of the air compressor you have by hooking it up to a different air compressor. It could be connected either in series or parallel depending on your needs.
Joining two compressors in parallel will result in the identical CFM for each compressor, however, one will have higher PSI over the other. Connecting two compressors together in series implies that both compressors have to share PSI across them. If one compressor has 10 PSI while the other one has 20 PSI both can deliver as much as 30 PSI when they are connected in series.
One thing to be aware of when connecting more than two air compressors is they could require their own power source. If they don’t, they’ll compete for power and eventually end up failing.
To accomplish this:
- Make use of a t-piece fitting that connects the outlets of the two air tank receivers.
- Connect the compressed air tube to the outlet on the T-piece.
- Finally Connect the air hose to the motor tool of choice.
If you do this, you’ll need to purchase another air compressor, which is the most expensive option. Also, it requires adjustable pressure air compressor switches.
Attaching an Additional Receiver Tank
The final option to increase CFM for an air compressor is to install an additional tank for your receiver to the machine.
The addition of a receiver tank can enhance your air compressor’s operating time as well as the amount of CFM. For instance, if your air compressor has a CFM of 5 in its tank, attaching an additional tank to the receiver can boost the overall CFM by 10.
The pressure inside the tank for the receiver will be based on the air compressor you use.
To accomplish this:
- Connect an air-hose connector to the outlet of your compressor.
- You can add a receiver tank to your machine, making sure that it’s compatible (PSI limit size, dimensions, etc. ).
- The regulator should be connected and the pressure switch in both tank.
- Switch on your main supply of power, then alter the pressure settings on the two tanks.
This feature allows the compressor to stay cool more slowly and allows your equipment to function more efficiently because of the more gas in the tanks. This is also less expensive than buying a modern air compressor.
Tips When Increasing Your Air Compressor’s CFM
When you’re looking to increase the air compressor’s CFM you can follow some suggestions to remember.
Tips and Tricks:
- Be aware of the air compressor you have.
- Look for leaks
- Add refrigerant
Tip #1: Know Your Air Compressor
If you are planning to increase your air compressor’s CFM It is essential to are aware of the power source, and the type of air compressor you are using. You can determine this through searching your model on Google or reading the instruction manual.
You should also be aware of what is the PSI limit (typically about 140 PSI) of the air compressor before you add an additional receiver tank or other improvements. Make use of the measurement on the gauge for the pressure switch to do this.
If you’re connecting two compressors in parallel or series Try to make sure that the PSI’s are equal on both. You might also wish to purchase an adjustable regulator if you’re joining two compressors together in parallel.
Tip #2: Check for Leaks
Leaks can originate from many various places. It is important to inspect close to fittings, lines and valves to see if there are any indications of leaks.
If you spot an area that seems to be the case that there is a leak, test the connection using soapy water. If you find any bubbles on your regulator or gauge, wash the area and then test them again. It is possible that one of your equipment’s components isn’t working properly, so make certain to test every part of your equipment.
If the issue continues to persist after this process, you’ll be required to replace these parts because leaks can decrease pressure inside the tank of your air receiver.
Tip #3: Add Refrigerant
The last suggestion for increasing the CFM that your compressor produces is to add refrigerant.
There are two types of refrigerants that can be utilized in an air compressor CO2 and Nitrogen. If the tank you have contains enough pressure to support the required CFM then you’ll have to add Nitrogen gas or CO2 to the tank.
As you add refrigerant you should be sure that you keep track of the pressure of your tank, and make any necessary adjustments prior to continuing to add additional fluids.
Consult an Expert
If you’ve tried every one of the suggestions above, but no result is apparent to you, it might be necessary to seek out an expert.
The experts at the local welding supply store or hardware store will be able to advise you on how to increase CFM in accordance with the make as well as model. Plus, the advice they offer is absolutely free!
Sometimes it’s easy to just require an air compressor that is completely new. Expect to pay about $1500.
In Summary
Growing the air compressor’s CFM is a straightforward procedure that you can perform at your home.
There is the option of changing the valve on the standard valve or reducing the machine’s PSI or connecting two compressors together or adding a receiver tank. If there aren’t any leaks in the system all of these techniques could help boost CFM by approximately 10 %.