If you’re an air compressor user, you know the importance of having the right tool for any job. And if that job is applying Fluid Film lubricant, then one crucial tool stands out above all others is your air compressor. But knowing what size air compressor for fluid film application can be confusing due to various models and sizes available in today’s market.
Whether it’s a small jobsite or a large industrial facility, we’ll go over all of the considerations one should understand when determining adequate air pressure and volume needed in order to achieve superior performance with fluid film products. So buckle up, let’s get started!
What Size Air Compressor For Fluid Film
For fluid film, you’ll need an air compressor with a CFM rating of at least 3-5 and a PSI rating around 40-60. HP should be in the 2-3 range, and the tank size should be around 3-5 gallons or higher.
What Is A Fluid Film?
Fluid Film is a lubricant and rust inhibitor created by Eureka Chemical Company. Its main ingredient is lanolin, animal oil derived from wool-bearing animals such as sheep, goats, and rabbits. It also contains zinc, calcium carbonate, various emulsifiers and stabilizers.
Fluid Film is used for lubrication, corrosion protection and rust prevention on a wide range of surfaces including metal, wood, rubber and plastic. It can be applied to both moving parts (such as hinges) or stationary parts (such as nuts and bolts). With this versatility in mind, it’s important to understand what size air compressor you will need for fluid film application.
Types of Fluid Films:
There are two main types of fluid film available:
1- Aerosol Spray Cans
2- Non-Aerosol Spray Cans
1- Aerosol Spray Cans:
These are perfect for small jobs like lubricating door hinges and applying rust inhibitor. They come with a built-in air compressor and therefore no additional air pressure is required.
2- Non-Aerosol Spray Cans:
These are ideal for larger applications such as automotive, industrial and agricultural use. They require an external air compressor to pressurize the fluid film and atomize it into fine particles for optimal coverage.
What Size Air Compressor for Fluid Film Application?
The size of the air compressor for fluid film is often dependent on a few factors including the type of sprayer you’re using, the nozzle size, the distance from which you need to be able to spray, and how much lubricant you plan on using.
In general, any air compressor with a tank capacity of 3 gallons or more should be able to handle the task. If you’re spraying from a distance such as in an agricultural setting, you may need something larger like 5 gallons or more.
The ideal pressure output should be between 40-60 psi, depending on the nozzle size and distance of the spray. If you’re using a non-aerosol sprayer, then the pressure should be at least 40psi to ensure proper atomization of the fluid film.
7 Important Factors to Consider When Selecting an Air Compressor for Fluid Film:
When selecting an air compressor for fluid film application, there are a few important factors to consider, such as:
1. PSI Rate:
The pressure output of the air compressor affects how far and wide you can spray your fluid film product as well as its atomization quality. The pressure should be between 40-60 psi depending on the nozzle size and distance of the spray.
2. Horsepower:
The horsepower rating of your air compressor is important for larger jobs as it helps to determine how much air can be delivered by your unit in a given period of time. A higher hp rating would indicate more power and less downtime.
3. Tank Size:
The size of your air compressor tank would depend on how much lubricant you plan to use or the maximum amount the job requires. A larger tank capacity will provide more air volume for better coverage, whereas a smaller tank will work best for smaller jobs and lower air output requirements.
4. CFM Air Output:
The cubic feet per minute (CFM) indicates the rate at which air is being delivered. For fluid film application, it should be between 3-5 CFM depending on the size of your nozzle and distance you need to spray.
5. Flow Meter:
This device measures the amount of air being delivered over a given period of time and helps ensure that your compressor is operating consistently and efficiently.
6. Duty Cycle:
Your duty cycle will determine how long your air compressor can run continuously before needing to rest or cool down. If you plan on using your unit for continuous applications, then look for a model with a higher duty cycle rating.
7. Portability:
If you plan on taking your air compressor to various job sites, then look for one that is lightweight and portable. This will make it easier to transport and use as needed.
Choosing the right size air compressor for fluid film application can be confusing due to the variety of sizes and models available in today’s market. We hope this guide has helped you understand what you need to consider when selecting an air compressor for fluid film application. When properly chosen and used, your air compressor will help ensure a quality finish and optimal coverage for any project
Frequently Asked Questions
Question #1
What size air compressor do I need for fluid film application?
The size of the air compressor for fluid film is dependent on a few factors including the type of sprayer you’re using, the nozzle size, the distance from which you need to be able to spray, and how much lubricant you plan on using. In general, any air compressor with a tank capacity of 3 gallons or more should be able to handle the task. If you’re spraying from a distance such as in an agricultural setting, you may need something larger like 5 gallons or more.
Question #2
What is the ideal pressure output for fluid film application?
The ideal pressure output should be between 40-60 psi, depending on the nozzle size and distance of the spray. If you’re using a non-aerosol sprayer, then the pressure should be at least 40psi to ensure proper atomization of the fluid film.
Question #3
What horsepower rating would I need for larger jobs?
The horsepower rating of your air compressor is important for larger jobs as it helps to determine how much air can be delivered by your unit in a given period of time. A higher hp rating would indicate more power and less downtime.
Question #4
How large should my tank capacity be?
The size of your air compressor tank would depend on how much lubricant you plan to use or the maximum amount the job requires. A larger tank capacity will provide more air volume for better coverage, whereas a smaller tank will work best for smaller jobs and lower air output requirements.
Question #5
What does CFM tell me about an air compressor?
The cubic feet per minute (CFM) indicates the rate at which air is being delivered. For fluid film application, it should be between 3-5 CFM depending on the size of your nozzle and distance you need to spray.
Question #6
Is a flow meter necessary when using an air compressor?
While not necessary, a flow meter can help to ensure that your compressor is operating consistently and efficiently over time. This device measures the amount of air being delivered over a given period of time which can help to determine if any adjustments need to be made when using an air compressor for fluid film application.
Question #7
What does “duty cycle” mean?
The duty cycle on an air compressor is the amount of time it can run continuously without needing to rest or cool down. If you plan on using your unit for continuous applications, then look for one with a higher duty cycle rating.
Question #8
Is portability important when selecting an air compressor?
Portability may be important depending on where you plan to use your unit. If you plan on taking it with you to various job sites, then look for one that is lightweight and portable. This will make it easier to transport and use as needed.
Question #9
Are there any safety features I should consider?
Safety should always be a priority when operating an air compressor. Look for models with overload protection such as automatic shut offs that can help to prevent damage in the event of an emergency. Additionally, you may want to consider insulation or casing around the unit for added safety.
Question #10
What type of maintenance does an air compressor require?
Routine maintenance is important for keeping your air compressor working efficiently and safely over time. This can include oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication, and inspections of hoses and other components. Be sure to consult the user manual for more specific instructions on how to properly care for your unit.
Question #11
Are there any other tips or advice I should keep in mind when selecting an air compressor?
Take into account the type of work you plan on doing before selecting a unit. For example, if you’ll be using it for heavy-duty applications such as with a sprayer or large nozzle, then look for one with a higher power output and larger tank capacity. Additionally, always make sure that your unit is compatible with the lubricant or fluid film product you’re using. This will help ensure that your equipment works as effectively and efficiently as possible.
Question #12
What is atomization of the fluid film?
Atomization is the process of breaking down a liquid into small particles or droplets. This can be done with an air compressor by forcing air through a nozzle and increasing the pressure, which helps to create an even application of the lubricant or fluid film product. Atomization is important for achieving consistent results when using any type of lubricating product.
Question #13
What are some other applications of an air compressor?
Air compressors can be used for a variety of tasks beyond just fluid film application. They can be used to power tools such as nail guns, staplers, and paint sprayers. Additionally, they can help to inflate tires, clean surfaces with compressed air, remove rust from metal objects, and much more!
Conclusion:
An air compressor is an essential tool for any job that requires the use of a fluid film lubricant. It’s important to select the right size and power output based on your specific needs, as well as make sure it is compatible with the product you plan on using. Additionally, regular maintenance and safety features should be taken into consideration before making your purchase. Knowing what size air compressor for fluid film application and how to properly use it can help ensure that your equipment works efficiently and safely over time.