8
AIR SYSTEMS
- Continued
Calculating Compressor Size
Use the air consumption chart in the Tool
Schematic for each tool when calculating the
operating requirements for the tools.
Paslode
tools are designed to operate efficently between
80 and 120 psi and should never be operated
at pressure greater than 120 psi.
The air consumption chart will help you
fi
nd
the correct compressor size for your application
that will quickly replenish tool air pressure. To
use the chart you will need to know how many
how many tools will be used and approximately
how many fasteners will be driven each minute
by each tool onthe line.
Number of tools X average fasteners/minute/
tool X 1.2 (safety factor) X air consumption
(scfm) @ pressure* (psi) = scfm required.
We can use the following example:
10 tools X 30 fasteners/minute/tool X 1.2 X
0.051scfm* (@100psi) = 18.36 scfm.
*This number is found in the Air Consumption
Chart
In this example, using the air consumption chart
we find that a compressor providing at least
19 scfm of air is required. Because in compres-
sors approximately 1 hp is required to produce
4 scfm, a compressor of at least 5 hp is required.
Calculated Required Piping
For example, given a 20 hp electric compressor
supplying approximately 80 cfm of air at 120 psi
and a main supply pipe length of 350 feet, we see
by the table the minimum main pipe inside diameter
required for this application is 1-1/4 inch.
Pneumatic System Maintenance
- Be certain that:
• Pneumatic fittings are tight and do not leak.
and ensure that automatic draining systems are
operating correctly.
• Air lines are cleared to prevent freezing,
especially in winter.
• Lubricator operation is checked regularly and ensure
it has an adequate supply of lubricant. (Paslode Part
No. 403720)
• Only regulated air is being used and that each
regulator is operating properly.
Using the equation:
VOLUME
OF AIR
(CFM)
LENGTH OF RUN (FT.)
NOMINAL PIPE DIAMETER (IN.)
50-200 290-500 500-1000 1000-2500 2500-5000
30-60
60-100
100-200
200-500
500-1000
1 1 1¼ 1½ 1½
1 1¼ 1¼ 2 2
1¼ 1½ 2 2¼ 2½
2 2½ 3 3½ 3½
2½ 3 3½ 4 4½
