Enter the tank volume, flow rate, and pressure difference into the calculator to determine the compressor time required to fill or empty the tank.
Compressor Time Formula
The following formula is used to calculate the compressor time required to fill or empty a tank.
T = (V * PD) / (FR * 14.7)
Variables:
- T is the time required (minutes)
- V is the tank volume (cubic feet)
- PD is the pressure difference (PSI)
- FR is the flow rate (CFM – Cubic Feet per Minute)
- 14.7 is the atmospheric pressure (PSI) at sea level
To calculate the compressor time, multiply the tank volume by the pressure difference, then divide by the product of the flow rate and atmospheric pressure at sea level.
What is Compressor Time?
Compressor time is the duration required for a compressor to fill or empty a tank to a certain pressure level. It is a critical factor in the design and operation of pneumatic systems, where maintaining the correct pressure is essential for the system’s efficiency and safety.
How to Calculate Compressor Time?
The following steps outline how to calculate the Compressor Time.
- First, determine the tank volume (V) in cubic feet.
- Next, determine the flow rate (FR) in cubic feet per minute (CFM).
- Next, determine the pressure difference (PD) in PSI.
- Next, gather the formula from above = T = (V * PD) / (FR * 14.7).
- Finally, calculate the Compressor Time (T) in minutes.
- After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.
Example Problem :
Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.
tank volume (V) = 5 cubic feet
flow rate (FR) = 15 CFM
pressure difference (PD) = 50 PSI
