Compressor question

[Larry Browning]

I am ready to pull the trigger on one of those 3HP 60gal IR compressors. (Pre-Gloat) But before I do I want to make sure it will have the capacity to run my most air hungry tool. This would be my Harbor Freight HVLP conversion spray gun. The compressor's specs say it delivers 11.3 CFM @ 90psi. The gun says it uses 15-50psi and 9.5-14.8 CFM. How does this translate to the 11.3 @ 90psi? Actually all I really want to know is, will this compressor be able to feed my spray gun?

Thanks,

[Tyler Howell]

You're good!:cool:

[Jim Becker]

I agree with Tyler. If anything, the HFT specs are a bit too "broad"...the gun should work just fine on your new compressor. (Congratulations on an excellent choice, too)

[Mike Cutler]

Larry. The short answer is yes. The specs on the IR are capable of providing you with the demand and reserve capacity to operate your sprayer. The specs on the gun are telling you that the gun is capable of operating properly anywhere in the 15- 50 psi range. and requires a CV flowrate of 9.5 to 14.8cfm to operate, any less than this or more than this and the gun will not perform at it's optimum. That is the short answer. the only questions I would ask are; Is 50 psi the max pressure rating on the spray gun, and if the compressor has an ouput regulator does the CV(CFM) rating go down with pressure. Or will you require an external regulator. I don't know much about Spray Guns. But I been workin' on air bangers for a long time.

[Ken Garlock]

Hi Larry. There is one simple equation that will relate pressure, temperature, and volume: (PV)/T = (PV)/T. Let's take a look at your problem.

1) we can simplify the equation even further by stating that the temperature does not vary, so the equation reduces to PV = PV.

2) case one: 15 SCFM @ 50 psi, your compressor can produce 11.3 SCFM @ 90 PSI
PV = PV
50*15 = V*90
750/90 = 8.33 SCFM 8.33 < 11.3, Your compressor can do the job.

3) case two: 9.5 @ 14.8, your compressor is still 11.3 SCFM @ 90 psi.
PV = PV
9.5*14.8 = V*90
140.6/90 = 1.56 SCFM. 1.56 < 11.3, your compressor can easily do the job.

Go for it, IR is an excellent compressor.

[Larry Browning]

Thanks for all the great input! However, I like Tyler's answer the best.
It's like asking somebody what time is it and being told how a watch works. It's really good information that someday may come in handy, but all you really need know is whether your late for work or not. :)

Thanks guys! Isn't SMC the best???? :D

I hope to pick this bad boy up tomorrow at noon and get it hooked up this weekend.