Ducati Monster Forum

Kitchen Sink => No Moto Content => Topic started by: Munch on January 09, 2009, 08:46:23 PM

Title: SCFM to CFM conversion
Post by: Munch on January 09, 2009, 08:46:23 PM
I have a compressor rated at

SCFM @ 40 PSIG = 3.7
SCFM @ 90 PSIG = 2.6

Will it handle something requiring 13 CFM @23 PSI?

For the life of me I can't find consistent conversion numbers...
Title: Re: SCFM to CFM conversion
Post by: ducpainter on January 09, 2009, 08:48:44 PM
Quote from: Munch on January 09, 2009, 08:46:23 PM
I have a compressor rated at

SCFM @ 40 PSIG = 3.7
SCFM @ 90 PSIG = 2.6

Will it handle something requiring 13 CFM @23 PSI?

For the life of me I can't find consistent conversion numbers...
I have no proof...

experience tells me no way.
Title: Re: SCFM to CFM conversion
Post by: red baron on January 09, 2009, 09:19:28 PM
Oooo, a thread that's my speciality. 8)


13 cfm at 23 psi is gonna require a large hose to flow that much volume at the low a pressure.


Figure on about 4 cfm per compressor horsepower.
Title: Re: SCFM to CFM conversion
Post by: Speeddog on January 09, 2009, 10:12:47 PM
Well, if Munch's 'something' can have the regulator attached to it, then you could use a small hose.

That 4 cfm per HP, what duty cycle are we talking about?
Is that wide-open 24/7 or something else?
Title: Re: SCFM to CFM conversion
Post by: Capo on January 10, 2009, 01:26:51 AM
That compressor will not provide 13 cfm.
Title: Re: SCFM to CFM conversion
Post by: Langanobob on January 10, 2009, 05:13:25 AM
Can't help but  be curious what are you doing with it? 

I agree with the above comments that it just won't work but sometimes air-powered stuff will sort of work without rated flow so depending on what it is and how much you need to use it, it may be worth a try if you already have this compressor.  If you're thinking of buying this compressor I think I would pass on it and get a bigger/better one. 

I *think* the relationship between compressor  CFM  and pressure is relatively linear, so if your compressor CFM only increases by 1.1 in dropping  50 psi from 90 to 40 psi, I don't think it's reasonable to expect it to increase by 10 psi or so in dropping only another 17 psi to 23 psi.  I think 4 or 5 CFM at 23 psi is more realistic.

You probably know this already but SCFM is Standard CFM which means the CFM at about 70F or so and atmospheric pressure.  ACFM is Actual CFM and is the CFM at whatever pressure you are working with.  Because it's compressed, ACFM is lower than SCFM so you have to make sure which CFM your device is rated at. 

Title: Re: SCFM to CFM conversion
Post by: ducatiz on January 10, 2009, 06:45:59 AM
My understanding is that when a device says xCFM@ypsi it is referring to SCFM (at least that's what my painter friend says).

You won't find ACFM on most commonly available air powered equipment, certainly not retail/consumer stuff.

but that's a lot of volume.  most good consumer compressors are going to make around 3-5 CFM at 90 psi nad have 2-4 hp gas motors (or equivalent electric motors).  Figure 5-6 hp minimum and a good sized tank probably at least 40-60 gallons.

Probably not going to use 3/8" hose either!
Title: Re: SCFM to CFM conversion
Post by: ducpainter on January 10, 2009, 06:48:18 AM
3/8" hose is fine...

the connector/qd is important.
Title: Re: SCFM to CFM conversion
Post by: Langanobob on January 10, 2009, 07:59:14 AM
ducatizz brought up a good point about storage tank size.  If you only need this 13 CFM at 23 psi for relatively short bursts you *could* use a small compressor with a larger tank to store enough air in to supply the 13 CFM.  For a short time, then you'd have a long wait 'til it charged up again.

But your best bet by far is a correctly sized compressor.
Title: Re: SCFM to CFM conversion
Post by: mitt on January 10, 2009, 10:30:55 AM
Quote from: Capo on January 10, 2009, 01:26:51 AM
That compressor will not provide 13 cfm.

* continuously

Like said above, if it is for a quick burst, and you have a holding tank, it could supply 13cfm for a few seconds.

mitt
Title: Re: SCFM to CFM conversion
Post by: NAKID on January 10, 2009, 02:13:44 PM
OK, I agree with everyone so far. But what are you using that requires that much air?
Title: Re: SCFM to CFM conversion
Post by: ducpainter on January 10, 2009, 04:52:56 PM
Quote from: NAKID on January 10, 2009, 02:13:44 PM
OK, I agree with everyone so far. But what are you using that requires that much air?
Most hvlp spray guns need that kind of volume.

But I'm guessing.
Title: Re: SCFM to CFM conversion
Post by: NAKID on January 10, 2009, 04:55:52 PM
What size compressor do you have Nate?
Title: Re: SCFM to CFM conversion
Post by: ducpainter on January 10, 2009, 05:02:31 PM
Quote from: NAKID on January 10, 2009, 04:55:52 PM
What size compressor do you have Nate?
It's a 5 hp Quincy two stage...old model...

80 gallon tank...17cfm at more pressure than any spraygun ever used.

Title: Re: SCFM to CFM conversion
Post by: Speedbag on January 10, 2009, 05:35:06 PM
One could connect another relatively large tank in series. Used to do this years ago back when I actually sprayed paint a bit (in ancient times, before HVLP guns) and didn't have the real equipment but got by.
Title: Re: SCFM to CFM conversion
Post by: Munch on January 12, 2009, 01:59:38 PM
Yup HVLP paint gun...


So then the question is, what's the smallest tank setup I can go with to do small scale painting?

I didn't want to have to invest $1000 on a big 60 gal rig.

To support his:

Devilbiss Finishline HVLP FLG-647 w/2 tips

New, Improved FinishLine® Spray Gun

Multiple fluid tips included. High grade stainless steel parts. Easy to clean, blue anodized finish. Requires 13 CFM @23 PSI inlet.

803059 FLG-647 value kit includes:

1-Liter aluminum cup
1.3mm fluid tip
1.5mm fluid tip
Air adjusting valve with gauge
Air Cap Pattern
(http://www.eastwoodco.com/images/us//local/products/detail/p37211.jpg)