The goal is not to buy the largest compressor that fits the budget. The goal is to understand the site's real compressed-air demand and choose a system that supports it without unnecessary undersizing or oversizing.
Step 1. List every compressed-air user
Record the current manufacturer's airflow requirement and operating pressure for each tool, machine or process. Use the same units across the list.
Worksheet fields
- equipment name
- quantity
- rated airflow
- required pressure
- normal operating time
- can operate simultaneously with
Step 2. Estimate realistic duty cycle
A tool rated at a high airflow does not necessarily consume that airflow continuously. Estimate how long it operates during the relevant peak period. Use conservative evidence rather than a guess designed to force a preferred compressor size.
Step 3. Identify simultaneous use
Add the equipment that can realistically operate at the same time. This is more useful than adding every tool at 100 percent duty, but it must still reflect the busiest credible period.
Estimated simultaneous demand = the sum of each active user's rated airflow adjusted for its realistic use during the selected peak period.
This is a planning method, not a guaranteed engineering calculation. Final selection should be confirmed by Pneumatix or the dealer using the available equipment data.
Step 4. Confirm required pressure
Record the minimum pressure required at the equipment. Allow for pressure drop through the dryer, filters, pipework, regulators and fittings. Do not use the compressor's maximum pressure as the normal design target unless the equipment genuinely requires it.
Step 5. Add a deliberate allowance
Include an allowance for normal leakage, uncertainty and defined future equipment. Avoid applying a large generic percentage without considering what it represents.
Step 6. Select receiver storage
Receiver storage can help manage short peaks and support control stability. The required capacity depends on the demand pattern, compressor control and allowable pressure movement.
Step 7. Select the treatment system
Dryer and filter capacity must pass the required airflow under the expected operating conditions. More sensitive applications can require additional treatment beyond a general workshop package.
Step 8. Check the site electrical supply
Confirm actual available capacity, upstream protection, existing loads and cable route. A visible three-phase outlet or switchboard rating does not prove the site can support the selected compressor.
Step 9. Check ventilation and service access
Confirm the package can be delivered, positioned, cooled and serviced. Include product and shipping dimensions only from controlled data.
Step 10. Compare with Pneumatix FAD
- PM10 series - 1,000 L/min at 8 bar
- PM20 series - 2,100 L/min at 8 bar
- PM30 series - 3,200 L/min at 8 bar
Choose the series only after comparing the site requirement with verified FAD. Then choose Total Air Station or Base Mount according to the receiver and treatment arrangement.
Example decision logic without a guaranteed result
Example 1
A site whose credible peak demand sits within the PM10 range may compare the PM10 Total Air Station with the PM10 Base Mount. The final choice depends on whether the site wants the integrated 300 L receiver and treatment package.
Example 2
A site approaching or exceeding the PM10 output during normal simultaneous use should be reviewed against PM20 rather than relying on pressure or receiver storage to cover sustained demand.
Example 3
A larger system that needs 3,200 L/min at 8 bar may consider PM30, but the separate receiver, dryer, filtration, electrical capacity and ventilation become part of the decision.
Advisory compressor selector
This advisory selector helps narrow the range before you speak to Pneumatix or your dealer. It is not an engineering calculation and does not produce a final design.
1. Application
What type of site is it: mechanical or automotive workshop, tyre and service centre, fabrication and engineering, manufacturing and industrial, or spray finishing?
2. Equipment
List every tool and machine that uses compressed air, with the manufacturer airflow figure and required pressure.
3. Simultaneous use
Which of those items can realistically operate at the same time during the busiest credible period?
4. Pressure if known
What is the minimum pressure required at the equipment, before allowing for treatment and distribution losses?
5. Existing receiver, dryer and filtration
Is there already an air receiver, refrigerated dryer or inline filtration on site, and is its condition and capacity known?
6. Three-phase power
Is three-phase supply available, and has the actual available capacity been reviewed rather than the main-switch rating alone?
7. Future growth
Is there defined future equipment or expansion that should be allowed for deliberately?
8. Contact and existing dealer
Who should the review go back to, and are you already working with a Pneumatix dealer or distribution partner?
Once these details are known, Pneumatix or your dealer can indicate which series may suit the application and confirm whether the requirement appears to fall within it.
Information to send for a review
- equipment list
- airflow and pressure data
- simultaneous users
- operating hours
- existing compressor
- existing receiver
- existing dryer and filters
- three-phase supply information
- future equipment
- site photos or layout where useful
- existing dealer if applicable
Frequently asked questions
Can I size a compressor from CFM alone?
Airflow is essential, but pressure, duty, storage, treatment and installation still need to be considered.
Should every tool be added at full load?
Only when they can operate that way during the credible peak period. Use realistic simultaneous demand.
How much extra capacity should be added?
There is no single percentage for every site. Add a deliberate allowance for defined leakage, uncertainty and growth.
Can a receiver cover an undersized compressor?
It can help with short peaks but cannot provide sustained airflow beyond the compressor's capacity.
Is the selector a final engineering recommendation?
No. It is an advisory starting point. Pneumatix or the dealer should confirm the final selection.
Send the data rather than guessing the horsepower
Pneumatix can assist with product selection where needed, while customers already working with a dealer can continue through that relationship.