What Size Air Compressor to Use?
The size of the air compressor needed is based on the size of your blast nozzle.
If you have a 1/4″ nozzle (such as what you get with the Titan 300 series), you’ll need, at the minimum, an air compressor that provides 81 CFM (cubic feet per minute) at 100 PSI.
In addition, you’ll need to factor in:
- A decent amount of air reserve – 50% is recommended
- Approximately 20 CFM for the operator’s air-fed helmet
- Multiple operators
CFM Requirements for One Operator
| Nozzle | Orifice Size | Air Volume | Helmet | Reserve (50%) | Minimum Air Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. 4 | 1/4″ 6.5mm | 81 2.3 | 20 0.5 | 50 1.4 | 151 CFM 4.2 m3/min |
| No. 5 | 5/16″ 8.0mm | 137 3.9 | 20 0.5 | 79 2.2 | 236 CFM 6.6 m3/min |
| No. 6 | 3/8″ 9.5mm | 196 5.5 | 20 0.5 | 108 3.0 | 324 CFM 9.0 m3/min |
| No. 7 | 7/16″ 11.0mm | 254 7.2 | 20 0.5 | 137 3.9 | 411 CFM 11.6 m3/min |
| No. 8 | 1/2″ 12.5mm | 338 9.6 | 20 0.5 | 179 5.0 | 537 CFM 16.1 m3/min |
Should we purchase a diesel or electric air compressor?
Typically, Titan blast pots are used with portable, diesel-driven rotary screw compressors.
For Titan pre-built blast rooms, we recommend an electric rotary screw compressor with a refrigerated air dryer. Usually, a 50 – 60 hp compressor will do the job, depending on the number of operators and the size nozzle(s) being used.
Clean, dry air is a MUST for blasting. Once you get moisture in the media and system components, you’ll encounter increased maintenance issues and possible downtime.
Does Titan provide air compressors with its blast machine packages?
We don’t provide air compressors. However, we can help you choose the correct one for your blast pot size and application.
We recommend searching eBay for used air compressors or purchasing new from an OEM air compressor manufacturer.
For Titan 300 lb and 600 lb blast machines, we typically recommend a 185 CFM, diesel-driven air compressor. They’re very common and readily available from equipment rental companies.
Do you have other questions about CFM or which size Titan blast machine to use with your application?
Brandon Acker: President
Brandon purchased Titan Abrasive from his uncle and founder in 2013. Titan has since redesigned its entire product line to solve dozens of industry challenges.
Brandon purchased Titan Abrasive from his uncle and Titan founder, Bruce Maurer, in 2013 after spending five years learning the ins and outs of the business. He and VP of Engineering Brian Fox have completely redesigned the entire product line to solve the dozens of challenges that have plagued the blasting industry for decades.
Brandon is passionate about American manufacturing, the jobs it creates, the quality produced, and the bright future that lies ahead. He’s a frequent guest on manufacturing podcasts where he shares his deep industry expertise. Brandon holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Arizona State University.
