Calculating volume of an air tank given the compressor delivery rate

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the volume of an air tank using an electric compressor with a delivery rate of 17 SCFM. The calculation is verified for charging the tank from 0 to 130 PSIG, resulting in a volume of 2.6 cubic feet. The formula used is based on the ideal gas law, specifically applying the relationship P1V1 = P2V2. Additionally, the calculation for the volume when charging from 110 to 130 PSIG is also addressed, confirming the methodology's validity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of SCFM (Standard Cubic Feet per Minute) and its application in air compression.
  • Knowledge of pressure units, specifically PSIG (Pounds per Square Inch Gauge) and PSIA (Pounds per Square Inch Absolute).
  • Familiarity with the ideal gas law and its application in calculating gas volumes.
  • Basic understanding of atmospheric pressure and its impact on gas calculations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the ideal gas law and its applications in real-world scenarios.
  • Learn about the effects of temperature on gas volume and pressure relationships.
  • Explore advanced calculations for air tank volume under varying pressure conditions.
  • Investigate the differences between SCFM and ACFM (Actual Cubic Feet per Minute) in compressor specifications.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for mechanical engineers, HVAC technicians, and anyone involved in pneumatic systems or air compressor operations, particularly those calculating air tank volumes and pressures.

dpeff
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I have an electric compressor with a delivery rate of 17 SCFM. I would like to calculate the volume of the air tanks that are being charged by keeping track of how long the compressor runs while building air from pressure 1 to pressure 2. I believe that the following calculation is correct. Can someone verify the calculation below which is calculated building air from 0 to 130 PSIG (at sea level)?

Also, if the calculation is basically correct, can the air tank volume be calculated building air from 110 to 130 PSIG?

Given:
Air compressor delivery rate: 17 SCFM
Atmospheric pressure at sea level: 14.7 PSIG
Air tank start pressure: 0 PSIG
Air tank end pressure: 130 PSIG
Air charge time (compressor run time building air from 0 to 130 PSIG): 90 seconds

Calculation of air tank volume:
V1 = 17 SCFM * 90s/60s = 25.5 cubic feet
Since P1V1=P2V2
V2 = (P1/P2)V1
V2 = (14.7)/(130+14.7)25.5
V2 = 2.6 cubic feet
 
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One standard cubic foot is 0.00264 lb moles. So 17 SCFV x 1.5 x (0.00264) = 0.0673 lb moles. The universal gas constant is 0.730 ##\frac{ft^3 atm}{R\ lb_{mole}}##. 130 psig = 145 psia = 10 atm. So, $$V=\frac{(0.0673)(0.730)(530)}{10}=2.6\ ft^3$$
 

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