When it comes to volumetric flow rates, you probably noticed the prefix of an “S” for SCFM and SLPM, or an “N” for NM3/hr. The “S” prefix is for Standard conditions, and the “N” prefix is for Normal conditions. For practical reasons, they are the same thing. What does this mean?
Let’s look at the Ideal Gas Law in Equation 1:
Equation 1:
PV = nRT
P – Pressure
V – Volume
n – No. of moles
R – Ideal Gas constant
T – temperature
Since air is compressible, it will react in different ways. If we keep the volume the same and lower the temperature, the gas pressure will go down. If we keep the temperature the same and decrease the volume, the gas pressure will go up. If we go to a higher elevation, the number of moles is reduced, which will lower the gas pressure. With the different degrees of changes, it is difficult to compare. So, organizations decided to place a standard on these conditions to help compare results. The definition is referred to as STP, or Standard Temperature and Pressure.
In most cases, the Standard Temperature and Pressure is set at 20oC and 1 atm (1.013 bar). If we transition all pneumatic units to this condition, we can then compare the results for each product. We can determine which units actually use less compressed air or have higher forces. Or if we decide to use a different STP, we can do that as well as long as we use the same temperature and pressure.
I like to think of it like an air-filled balloon floating on top of the water. This would be the “Standard” or “Normal” condition. As you take the balloon into deeper water, more pressure is applied to the balloon, and the volume will decrease. This is because air is compressible. The balloon still has the same amount of air by weight (as the volume decreases, the density increases). If you return to the surface, the balloon will expand back to the original size. When doing comparisons, we need to be in the same condition, or for the balloon example, it will look like the balloon will need less air at lower depths than at the surface.
The reason for this explanation is that some competitors like to use lower pressures to rate their products. As an example, Competitor A rates their nozzles at 5 bar (72.5 psig). EXAIR uses 5.5 bar (80 psig) for most of our products. By comparison, we cannot say if one unit uses more or less compressed air unless we set them at the same conditions. The best place to compare is at a Standard Temperature and Pressure, or STP. I go into more detail in my blog about air flows with “CFM, ICFM, ACFM, SCFM: Volumetric Flow Rates Explained”. EXAIR offers Super Air Knives, Super Air Nozzles, and Super Air Amplifiers to efficiently blow compressed air. So, when a company states a compressed air flow, verify the pressure and temperature at which they recorded that information. It will help you to be more in tune with what you are getting (allow for an apples to apples comparison). If you need any help in doing comparisons, an Application Engineer at EXAIR will be happy to assist you.
Flow rate is the quantity of material that is moved per unit of time. Generally, the quantity of material can be expressed as a mass or a volume. For example, mass flow rates are in units of pounds per minute or kilograms per hour. Volumetric flow rates are stated in cubic feet per minute, CFM, or liters per hour, LPH. The trick begins when volumetric flow rates are used with compressible gases. In this blog, I will go over the various acronyms and the reasons behind them.
What acronyms will be covered?
CFM – Cubic Feet per Minute
SCFM – Standard Cubic Feet per Minute
ACFM – Actual Cubic Feet per Minute
ICFM – Inlet Cubic Feet per Minute
The volumetric component of the flow rate is CFM or Cubic Feet per Minute. This term is commonly used for rating air compressors. From the history of air compressors, they could calculate the volume of air being drawn into the air compressor by the size of the cylinder. With the volume of the compression chamber and the rotations per minute of the motor, RPM, they could calculate the volumetric air flows. As conditions change like altitude, temperature, and relative humidity, the volumetric value of CFM changes. To better clarify these conditions, compressor manufacturers have decided to add terms with a definition. (For your information, air compressors still use CFM as a unit of air flow, but now this is defined at standard temperature and pressure).
The first letter in front of CFM above now defines the conditions in which volumetric air flow is being measured. This is important for comparing pneumatic components or for properly sizing pneumatic systems. Volume is measured within three areas; temperature, pressure, and relative humidity. We can see this in the Ideal Gas Law, reference Equation 1.
Equation 1:
P * V = n * R * T
Where:
P – Absolute Pressure
V – Volume
n – Number of molecules of gas
R – Universal Gas Constant
T – Absolute Temperature
The volume of air can change in reference to pressure, temperature, and the number of molecules. You may ask where the relative humidity is? This would be referenced in the “n” term. The more water vapor, or higher RH values, the less molecules of air are in a given volume.
SCFM is the most commonly used term, and it can be the most confusing. The idea behind this volumetric air flow is to set a reference point for comparisons. So, no matter the pressure, temperature, or relative humidity; the volumetric air flows can be compared to each other at that reference point. There have been many debates about an appropriate standard temperature and pressure, or STP. But as long as you use the same reference point, then you can still compare the results. In this blog, I will be using the Compressed Air and Gas Institute, CAGI, reference where the “Standard” condition is at 14.5 PSIA, 68 o F, and 0% RH. Since we have a reference point, we still need to know the actual conditions for comparison. It is like having the location of a restaurant as a reference, but if you do not know your current location, you cannot move toward it. Similarly, we are “moving” the air from its actual condition to a reference or “Standard” condition. If we do not know the actual state where the air began, then we cannot “move” toward that reference point. We will talk more about this later in this blog.
ACFM is the volumetric air flow under actual conditions. This is actually the “true” flow rate. Even though this term is hardly used, there are reasons why we will need to know this value. We can size an air compressor that is not at “Standard” conditions, and we can use this value to calculate velocity and pressure drop in a pneumatic system. We can correlate between SCFM and ACFM with Equation 2.
Pact – absolute pressure at the actual level (PSIA)
Psat – saturation pressure at the actual temperature (PSI)
Φ – Actual relative humidity (%)
Tact – Actual ambient air temperature (oR)
Tstd – Standard temperature (oR)
ICFM is one of the newest terms in the history of air compressors. This is where devices are added to the inlet of an air compressor, affecting flow conditions. If you have a blower on the inlet of an air compressor, the volumetric flow rate changes as the pressure and temperature rises at the “Inlet”. If a filter is used, then the pressure drop will decrease the incoming pressure at the “Inlet”. These devices that affect the volumetric flow rate for an air compressor should be considered. The equation to relate ACFM to ICFM is Equation 3.
Equation 3:
ICFM = ACFM * (Pact / Pf) * (Tf / Tact)
Where:
ICFM – Inlet Cubic Feet Per Minute
ACFM – Actual Cubic Feet per Minute
Pact – absolute pressure at the actual level (PSIA)
Pf – Pressure after filter or inlet equipment (PSIA)
Tact – Actual ambient air temperature (oR)
Tf – Temperature after filter or inlet equipment (°R)
To expand on my explanation above about SCFM and ACFM, a technical question is asked often about the pressure when using SCFM. The reference point of 14.5 PSIA is in the definition of the term for SCFM. Remember, this is only a reference point. The starting location is also needed as it gives us the ACFM value where the air values are true and actual. Then we can make a comparison of actual air usage.
As an example, let’s look at two air nozzles that are rated at the same air flow; 60 SCFM. The EXAIR Super Air Nozzle, model 1106, is cataloged at 60 SCFM at 80 PSIG, and a competitor is cataloged at 60 SCFM at 72 PSIG. By comparison, they look like they use the same amount of compressed air, but actually they do not. To simplify Equation 2, we can compare the two nozzles at the same temperature and RH at 68 oF and 0% RH respectively. This equation can be reduced to form Equation 4.
Equation 4:
ACFM = SCFM * 14.5 / (P + 14.5)
@72 PSIG Competitor:
ACFM = 60 SCFM * 14.5 PSIA/ (72 PSIG + 14.5 PSIA)
= 10.1 ACFM
@80 PSIG EXAIR Super Air Nozzle:
ACFM = 60 SCFM * 14.5 PSIA / (80 PSIG + 14.5PSIA)
= 9.2 ACFM
Even though the SCFM is the same amount, you are actually using 10% more air with the competitive nozzle that was reported at 60 PSIG. So, when it comes to rating pneumatic products, improving efficiency, and saving money; always determine the pressure that you are at. The more you know about volumetric flow rates, the better decision that you can make. If you need more information, you can always contact our Application Engineers at EXAIR. We will be happy to assist.
A common question we get asked is “What does SCFM mean?” Most people are aware of CFM but the “S” in front seems to be less known about! Well strap on your seat belt, we are about to go into a compressed air worm hole all about volumetric flow rates!
Here at EXAIR we rate all of our products air consumption in SCFM at a given supply pressure. CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute, but one definition will not satisfy the conditions that will be experienced in many applications by a number of variables (altitude, temperature, pressure, etc.). Air by nature is a compressible fluid. The properties of this fluid are constantly changing due to the ambient conditions of the surrounding environment.
This makes it difficult to describe the volumetric flow rate of the compressed air. Imagine you have a cubic foot of air, at standard conditions (14.696 psia, 60°F, 0% Relative Humidity), right in front of you. Then, you take that same cubic foot, pressurize it to 100 psig and place it inside of a pipe. You still have one cubic foot, but it is taking up significantly less volume. You have probably heard the terms SCFM, ACFM, and ICFM when used to define the total capacity of a compressor system. Understanding these terms, and using them correctly, will allow you to properly size your system and understand your total compressed air consumption.
SCFM is used as a reference to the standard conditions for flow rate. This term is used to create an “apples to apples” comparison when discussing compressed air volume as the conditions will change. EXAIR publishes the consumption of all products in SCFM for this reason. You will always notice that an inlet pressure is specified as well. This allows us to say that, at standard conditions and at a given inlet pressure, the product will consume a given amount of compressed air. It would be nearly impossible, not to mention impractical, to publish the ACFM of any product due to the wide range of environmental conditions possible.
ACFM stands for Actual Cubic Feet per Minute. If the conditions in the environment are “standard”, then the ACFM and SCFM will be the same. In most cases, however, that is not the case. The formula for converting SCFM to ACFM is as follows:
ACFM = SCFM [Pstd / (Pact – Psat Φ)](Tact / Tstd)
Where:
ACFM = Actual Cubic Feet per Minute
SCFM = Standard Cubic Feet per Minute
Pstd = standard absolute air pressure (psia)
Pact = absolute pressure at the actual level (psia)
Psat = saturation pressure at the actual temperature (psi)
Φ = Actual relative humidity
Tact = Actual ambient air temperature (oR)
Tstd = Standard temperature (oR)
The last term that you’ll see floating around to describe compressed air flow is ICFM (Inlet Cubic Feet per Minute). This term describes the conditions at the inlet of the compressor, in front of the filter, dryer, blower, etc. Because several definitions for Standard Air exist, some compressor manufacturers have adopted this simpler unit of measure when sizing a compressor system. This volume is used to determine the impeller design, nozzle diameter, and casing size for the most efficient compressor system to be used. Because the ICFM is measured before the air has passed through the filter and other components, you must account for a pressure drop.
The inlet pressure is determined by taking the barometric pressure and subtracting a reasonable loss for the inlet air filter and piping. According to the Compressed Air Handbook by the Compressed Air and Gas Institute, a typical value for filter and piping loss is 0.3 psig. The need to determine inlet pressure becomes especially critical when considering applications in high-altitudes. A change in altitude of more than a few hundred feet can greatly reduce the overall capacity of the compressor. Because of this pressure loss, it is important to assess the consumption of your compressor system in ACFM. To convert ICFM to ACFM use the following formula:
ICFM = ACFM (Pact / Pf) (Tf / Tact)
Where:
ICFM = Inlet Cubic Feet Per Minute
Pf = Pressure after filter or inlet equipment (psia)
Tf = Temperature after filter or inlet equipment (°R)
If you’re looking into a new project utilizing EXAIR equipment and need help determining how much compressed air you’ll need, give us a call. An Application Engineer will be able to assess the application, determine the overall consumption, and help recommend a suitably sized air compressor.
Air compressors have come a long way over the years. When sizing a new system, a few terms are commonly used: CFM, SCFM, ACFM, and ICFM. The term CFM, simply put, stands for Cubic Feet per Minute. This term can often be confusing and impossible to define for just one condition. One definition will not satisfy the conditions that will be experienced in many of your applications due to a number of variables (altitude, temperature, pressure, etc.). Air by nature is a compressible fluid. The properties of this fluid are constantly changing due to the ambient conditions of the surrounding environment.
This makes it difficult to describe the volumetric flow rate of the compressed air. Imagine you have a cubic foot of air, at standard conditions (14.696 psia, 60°F, 0% Relative Humidity), right in front of you. Then, you take that same cubic foot, pressurize it to 100 psig and place it inside of a pipe. You still have one cubic foot, but it is taking up significantly less volume. You have probably heard the terms SCFM, ACFM, and ICFM when used to define the total capacity of a compressor system. Understanding these terms, and using them correctly, will allow you to properly size your system and understand your total compressed air consumption.
SCFM is used as a reference to the standard conditions for flow rate. This term is used to create an “apples to apples” comparison when discussing compressed air volume as the conditions will change. EXAIR publishes the consumption of all products in SCFM for this reason. You will always notice that an inlet pressure is specified as well. This allows us to say that, at standard conditions and at a given inlet pressure, the product will consume a given amount of compressed air. It would be nearly impossible, not to mention impractical, to publish the ACFM of any product due to the wide range of environmental conditions possible.
ACFM stands for Actual Cubic Feet per Minute. If the conditions in the environment are “standard”, then the ACFM and SCFM will be the same. In most cases, however, that is not the case. The formula for converting SCFM to ACFM is as follows:
ACFM = SCFM [Pstd / (Pact – Psat Φ)](Tact / Tstd)
Where:
ACFM = Actual Cubic Feet per Minute
SCFM = Standard Cubic Feet per Minute
Pstd = standard absolute air pressure (psia)
Pact = absolute pressure at the actual level (psia)
Psat = saturation pressure at the actual temperature (psi)
Φ = Actual relative humidity
Tact = Actual ambient air temperature (oR)
Tstd = Standard temperature (oR)
Let’s run through an example of a compressor operating at a “non-standard” condition:
In this example, the actual flow is greater. To determine the total ACFM consumption of any of our products with your system, take the published total consumption of the product and plug in the values for your compressed air system along with the standard variables.
The last term that you’ll see floating around to describe compressed air flow is ICFM (Inlet Cubic Feet per Minute). This term describes the conditions at the inlet of the compressor, in front of the filter, dryer, blower, etc. Because several definitions for Standard Air exist, some compressor manufacturers have adopted this simpler unit of measure when sizing a compressor system. This volume is used to determine the impeller design, nozzle diameter, and casing size for the most efficient compressor system to be used. Because the ICFM is measured before the air has passed through the filter and other components, you must account for a pressure drop.
The inlet pressure is determined by taking the barometric pressure and subtracting a reasonable loss for the inlet air filter and piping. According to the Compressed Air Handbook by the Compressed Air and Gas Institute, a typical value for filter and piping loss is 0.3 psig. The need to determine inlet pressure becomes especially critical when considering applications in high-altitudes. A change in altitude of more than a few hundred feet can greatly reduce the overall capacity of the compressor. Because of this pressure loss, it is important to assess the consumption of your compressor system in ACFM. To convert ICFM to ACFM use the following formula:
ICFM = ACFM (Pact / Pf) (Tf / Tact)
Where:
ICFM = Inlet Cubic Feet Per Minute
Pf = Pressure after filter or inlet equipment (psia)
Tf = Temperature after filter or inlet equipment (°R)
For this example, let’s say that we’re in Denver, Colorado. The barometric pressure, as of today, is 14.85 psi with current ambient temperature at 71°F. The compressor system in this example does not have any blower or device installed before the inlet, so there will be no temperature differential after filter or inlet equipment. The ICFM rating for the system is 1,000 ICFM.
ACFM = 1,000 (14.85/14.55)(530.67/530.67)
ACFM = 1,020
In order to maintain the 1,000 ICFM rating of the system, the ACFM is 1,020, about a 2% increase.
If you’re looking into a new project utilizing EXAIR equipment and need help determining how much compressed air you’ll need, give us a call. An Application Engineer will be able to assess the application, determine the overall consumption, and help recommend a suitably sized air compressor.
