FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: What is CFM?

 A: CFM is an abbreviation for Cubic Feet per Minute. This is the volume of air that a compressor pump is capable of   producing.   

Q: What is PSI?

A: PSI is an abbreviation for Pounds per Square Inch. Normally, when rating compressors this is the pressure a pump is rated to produce,  the start/stop controls are set at or the working pressure of the receiver/tank. Most industrial compressors produced in the United States operate at 175PSI or 125PSI. Special applications require more or less pressure depending on the needs of the consumer, i.e. Pressurizing Scuba Tanks may require a compressor capable of producing pressures up to 3000PSI or higher, while hospital or laboratory applications may require as little as 2 or 3PSI. 

Q: Will increasing the size of the tank/receiver increase the CFM output of the compressor?

A: No. Increasing the size of the tank only increases the storage capacity of the unit. Compressors are rated by the output of the pump at a given RPM. The pump will have to run longer to fill a larger tank. If the consumption of air exceeds what the pump is capable of producing the tank will never fill up.

Q: What does the motor horsepower have to do with sizing a compressor?

A: The motor horsepower usually determines the CFM that the compressor will deliver. A rule of thumb is to figure a compressor will produce 3.5CFM per horsepower. A 5 horsepower compressor will deliver 3.5 X 5=17.5CFM. Remember this is only rule of thumb. Consult the actual specifications on the compressor you plan to purchase.

Q: How do I determine what voltage motor/compressor to order?

A: The available voltage or power can be checked with a volt or multi-meter at the building fuse/circuit breaker panel or disconnect panel where the compressor is going to be connected. Most residence have 115 Volts AC (VAC) available while most commercial facilities will have 208VAC, 230VAC, 460VAC or 575VAC available. WARNING: Opening electrical panels or checking for power can be a very dangerous operation resulting in severe electrical shock and death. If you aren't qualified or you're unfamiliar with how to do this call a qualified electrician.

Q: How do I know if I have single (1) phase or three (3) phase power available?

A: If you have two legs of power going into the magnetic starter or there are capacitors attached to the motor on your old compressor or other machinery in your facility,  you probably have 1 phase power available. If there are three legs of power going into the magnetic starter or the motor on your old compressor or other equipment doesn't have capacitors attached to them, then you probably have 3 phase power available. If you don't know what capacitors or magnetic starters are or understand electrical terms, you should call a qualified electrician to check them for you.  WARNING: Opening electrical panels or checking for power can be a very dangerous operation resulting in severe electrical shock and death. If you aren't qualified and unfamiliar with how to do this call a qualified electrician.

Q: How do I know if the power available in my facility is 60 hertz (HZ) or 50HZ?

A: Most power available in the USA is 60HZ or cycles per second. Most power available in foreign countries will be 50HZ.

Q: What steps do I follow to purchase an air compressor or vacuum pump?

A:     - Determine the type of compressor you need.

            - Oil Lubricated Reciprocating where use is intermittent. This type of air compressor will meet most general purpose needs.

            - Rotary Screw where compressor must operate continuously and/or supply a large volume of air on a continuous basis.

            - Oil Less Reciprocating for supplying oil free air for special needs such as hospitals, laboratories and food processing.

            - Vacuum pumps for specific needs such as hospitals, dental clinics, laboratories, blow molding and etc.

        - Determine how much Pressure (PSI) and CFM you need. Add up the CFM consumed by all the machinery/tools this compressor will be operating simultaneously. Purchase a compressor that produces more CFM than will be consumed while your machinery/tools are operating.

        - Determine the available electrical power available in the facility where the compressor will be installed.

        - Determine what options are available to meet your unique needs.

        - Determine how clean and dry the air needs to be.

            -- For dry air select an appropriate refrigerated air dryer sized to the specified output of the compressor.

            -- For oil free air select an appropriate coalescing filter.

            -- For clean air free of particulants select the appropriate particulant filter.

        - Contact us by E-Mail or phone to answer any questions or to discuss your specific needs.

        - Order your compressor and accessories on our easy to follow E Commerce Site.