How big an air compressor does a 1500-square-square production workshop need to be equipped with?

Configuring an air compressor for a 1500-square-meter production workshop requires integrating the following factors. I will compile detailed selection logic and suggestions for you:

1. Assessing compressed air demand

1. basic data collection：

• equipment list: Count the number, working pressure (usually 0.6-0.8MPa), flow rate (unit: m³/min) and use time of all gas equipment (such as pneumatic tools, cylinders, blow molding machines, etc.) in the workshop.
• peak demand: Considering the gas consumption during peak production periods, it is recommended to reserve a margin of 20%-30%.
• leakage loss: The leakage of air in old workshops may reach 5%-10% of the total gas volume, which needs to be tested through the gas tank pumping test.

2. Estimated total air consumption：

• formula: Total air consumption = ∑ (flow rate of single equipment × utilization factor)+ leakage volume + reserve volume.
• example: If there are 20 pneumatic tools in the workshop (single flow rate is 0.5m³/min) and the utilization factor is 0.8, the total demand for tools is 8m³/min. Coupled with the demand and losses of other equipment, the total air consumption may reach 15-20m³/min.

2. Core principles for air compressor selection

1. pressure matching：

• Equipment working pressure + 1-2bar margin = rated pressure of the air compressor (if the equipment requires 0.7MPa, select 0.8MPa air compressor).

2. flow matching：

• Total air consumption × 1.2 (safety margin)= air compressor displacement (if the total demand is 20m³/min, select 24m³/min air compressor).

3. economy：

• Priority is given to energy-saving models with low specific power (≤6kWh/m³).
• Inverter air compressors are suitable for scenarios with large fluctuations in air consumption and can save energy by 20%-35%.

3. Recommended air compressor types

recommendations: In the 1500㎡ workshop, screw air compressors (displacement of 10-30m³/min) are preferred. If the gas consumption is stable, power frequency machines are selected, and frequency converters are selected for fluctuations.

4. Compressed air quality and treatment

1. quality requirements：

• oil content: General industry ≤5mg/m³, precision equipment ≤0.01mg/m³.
• water content: Pressure dew point ≤-20℃ (cold dryer) or ≤-40℃ (dry dryer).

2. Post-processing configuration：

• dryer: Cold dryer (energy saving) or dry dryer (deep dehumidification).
• filter: Three-stage filtration (pre-filtration + precision filtration + activated carbon adsorption).

5. Specific selection examples

Assuming workshop needs:

• total air consumption：20m³/min
• working pressure：0.8MPa
• quality requirements: Oil content ≤1mg/m³, dew point ≤-20℃

recommended scheme：

1. air compressor: 25m³/min screw air compressor (frequency conversion)+ 30m³/min cold drying machine.
2. post-processing: Three-stage filter (oily mist separator + activated carbon adsorption).
3. air storage tank: 5-10m³ air tank (balanced pressure fluctuations).

cost estimation：

• Equipment investment: about 80,000 – 150,000 yuan (including air compressor, dryer, filter, air storage tank).
• Annual operating cost: Electricity bill is about 50,000 – 80,000 yuan (calculated based on 0.8 yuan/kWh, annual operating hours of 6000 hours).

6. Matters needing attention

1. Pipeline optimization: Reduce right-angle elbows and reduce pressure losses.
2. regular maintenance: Replace filter elements quarterly and check dryer adsorbent annually.
3. waste heat utilization: The residual heat of the air compressor can be recycled for heating or hot water, and the energy saving rate is increased by 10%-15%.

Through the above steps, it can be ensured that the compressed air system not only meets production needs, but also takes into account economy and environmental protection. It is recommended to contact professional air compressor manufacturers for on-site surveys and obtain customized solutions.