Air tools are your best friend if you work as a mechanic, carpenter, or any other handyman. Of all equipment, air compressors deserve to rank among the most popular due to their utility.
The CFM requirements for air tools are now varied. However, do not expect to handle everything with just a single compressor. As a result, you’ll need to adjust it to produce more CFM.
Regarding how to increase CFM on air compressor, there are two efficient techniques: One method is to reduce pressure, while another is to connect two compressors.
What Does CFM Mean? Why Is It Important?
The abbreviation CFM stands for “cubic foot per minute.” This term is how the airspeed that is drawn into the air compressor is monitored.
It depends on the size of the compressor’s tank, the size of the pump’s cylinders, and the speed at which the pump runs. CFM is an imperial measurement system, not a metric system.
It is a critical component of your compressor; without it, it would not function properly. In addition, since there would be no air flowing into the air compressor, it would not create sufficient air pressure for your tools to perform.
This characteristic should never be overlooked when selecting which air compressor to buy since a more excellent CFM air compressor can create more air for the tool, so if you need a considerable task done, it’s preferable to purchase one with a high CFM.
2 Effective Ways To Increase CFM On Air Compressor
To better understand how to increase CFM on air compressors, you can rely on the video below. Also, follow our instructions below to get your work done well.
Method 1: Reduce the pressure in the air compressor
Air compressors start by sucking air into the tank. The air within the tank is then compressed, which is subsequently released into the atmosphere at a set rate, known as the CFM ratio.
Not every air compressor has the same amount of power. The CFM and air pressure of an air compressor determine its strength if we put it in mathematical words.
Pressure X (Volume/Time) equals power. The volume per minute is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). If you want to maintain the same power while raising the CFM, you’ll need to reduce the pressure.
Using the controller, you can quickly change the air pressure. Lowering the air pressure gauge ensures that air flows into the tank gradually, resulting in less pressure. Conversely, low pressure equates to high CFM.
Let’s have a look at an example of this. Assume you have a compressor with a ten psi capacity of 10 CFM. Once the pressure is at ten psi, your compressed air will deliver nine psi.
You can achieve a CFM of higher than ten by lowering the pressure from 90 psi. That is how you boost the CFM of your air compressor.
Keep in mind that this approach will not allow you to exceed a specified limit. However, it is sufficient enough and does not harm your compressor air. In addition, it’s efficient, simple, and secure.
Method 2: Connect two compressors
One disadvantage of the previous technique is that it can only give you a CFM rate of the compressor’s total capacity.
As a result, you may occasionally require more CFM than your compressor can provide. So, what are your plans now?
In such cases, connecting two compressors is an excellent way to increase the CFM of your air compressor.
If you need more than 5 CFM and that is the maximum capacity of your compressor, you may use this approach to boost the number beyond the machine’s capability.
To make that apparent, let’s perform some easy math. When connecting two compressors, each with a 5 CFM rating, you will obtain a total of 10 CFM.
Follow the procedures below if you’re unsure how to do so.
- <li “=”” dir=”ltr” tve-droppable”=””>To connect these two air compressors, use two different hoses. Then, take the third hose and attach it to the two others. <li “=”” dir=”ltr” tve-droppable”=””>Ensure that the third one, which will serve as an output and input medium, has three holes. The inputs will be two holes connected by two hoses, and the output will be the other hole. <li “=”” dir=”ltr” tve-droppable”=””>Connect the air tool to the result of your third hose.
Read more: How To Measure Air Compressor Hose Size?
When you need a higher CFM than your current compressor can offer, this is the best option. However, have you got a low-CFM compressor to attach to your existing compressor?
Or should you invest in a more excellent CFM compressor to complete more complex tasks?
Of course, the answer is dependent on your personal preferences. If most of your tasks necessitate a higher CFM rating, invest in a higher CFM compressor air.
You can acquire a lower one to connect with your existing one if many of your jobs require low CFM, but you sometimes need more incredible CFM. Besides, there are two things to remember after connecting two compressors.
Check the valves
Checking the connecting line’s valves is necessary to guarantee that airflow does not return to the air compressor but does blow away from it.
Adjust the pressure
Both your air compressor’s kick out and kick in pressures must be the same. Thus, you can be sure that both your compressors are working equally hard to power your high-demand air equipment.
Also, notice that both compressors can deliver the CFM that your air tool requires. It’s pointless to go through this process if they cannot. In any case, you’ll need to purchase a new air compressor.
And if you want to buy one, it’s usually a good idea to get one with a high CFM since you already have a lower one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I increase the CFM of my compressor but still be safe?
Even if you know all the regulations by heart, there are occasions when you need some advice on what to do and avoid. Therefore, take note of the following while changing the CFM of your air compressor.
Do not go to the lowest settings right away while reducing the pressure to boost CFM. If you change the pressure so significantly all of a sudden, the energy consumption will increase.
Remember to progressively reduce the pressure and monitor the results as you do so on every limit.
To avoid the same air compressor from working too hard, use the second technique and modify the pressure switch ratios on the compressors regularly.
When making adjustments to your compressor, never modify, block, or remove the release valve. The designer carefully placed these settings to assure our safety when operating the air compressor.
Do not string the hose over the floor. Tripping can lead you to drop, which happens all the time. If at all feasible, suspend them from the ceiling.
Remember not to pull any tools at the trigger before connecting the equipment to a power supply once you have finished your adjustments.
Is a higher CFM air compressor better than the lower one?
The more air your compressor can provide, the higher its CFM rating. If you use heavy air equipment like impact nailing guns or wrenches, the higher the CFM, the greater it functions.
Read more: What Size Air Compressor Do I Need For Impact Wrench?
However, if you are using more general-purpose equipment, the higher CFM rate may not be essential.
How to get more CFM out of air compressors?
You can lower the CFM of an air compressor if you do not want as much air coming into the compressor at once.
However, being cautious while lowering it too much may prevent the tank from filling fast, resulting in insufficient compressed air reaching your equipment.
The air compressor will shut down as a consequence, and you will wait until the tank refills itself. Not only that, but it will also cause the tool you’re using to cease working, which may be a pain.
As a result, if you need to reduce the CFM, you must do it with caution.
Read more: Air Compressor Won’t Start: Common Causes!
What exactly is the distinction between CFM and SCFM?
An air compressor’s CFM shows how much air it can pump out per minute. CFM does not have a defined standard pressure.
SCFM stands for Standard Cubic Feet per Minute in comparison. For SCFM, a typical temperature and pressure are specified. It is calculated using a standard and might vary.
Conclusion
Air compressors are pretty handy and may be used with a variety of tools.
However, if you have a tiny compressor, you may wonder how to increase CFM on air compressors if you plan to use it for an extended period.
There are methods to boost the air compressor’s CFM, which will allow it to run for more extended periods if you choose to utilize it.
Another way to increase the CFM is by attaching another air compressor, but you will need some experience since you will not want anything to go wrong.