Compressor installation at high altitude
Compressor installation at high altitude
(OP)
Hi, this may have been asked previously, but... I have a compressor rated for 1500 SCFM (14.7 psia, 60 F), that will be installed at 3,369 ft above sea level (12.93 psia). The discharge pressure of the compressor is 105 psig, so at standard conditions my volumetric flow rate would be about 195 ACFM (as calculated).
My assumption is that the volumetric flow rate from the compressor is going to be decreased. I've used Crane Tech Paper No. 410, as well as other sources, but most of them deal with standard conditions and not installations above or below sea level.
I've calculated that the 1500 SCFM will actually be reduced to 1,320 ACFM at the inlet. Using the ACFM as the input to the compressor, I get an output of 171.4 ACFM at 105 psig. Anyone know if this is in the ballpark?
I'm not looking for confirmation on the numbers, only on the theory that at higher altitude, the compressor will have a reduced discharge volumetric flow rate.
My assumption is that the volumetric flow rate from the compressor is going to be decreased. I've used Crane Tech Paper No. 410, as well as other sources, but most of them deal with standard conditions and not installations above or below sea level.
I've calculated that the 1500 SCFM will actually be reduced to 1,320 ACFM at the inlet. Using the ACFM as the input to the compressor, I get an output of 171.4 ACFM at 105 psig. Anyone know if this is in the ballpark?
I'm not looking for confirmation on the numbers, only on the theory that at higher altitude, the compressor will have a reduced discharge volumetric flow rate.





RE: Compressor installation at high altitude
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RE: Compressor installation at high altitude
RE: Compressor installation at high altitude
Bud Trinkel, Fluid Power Consultant
HYDRA-PNEU CONSULTING
RE: Compressor installation at high altitude
At 12.93 @60, the compressor will move 1500 CFM. When adjusted for pressure, it will move 12.93/14.7*1500=1319.4 SCFM and still 1500 ACFM.
At the discharge you will get 1319.4 SCFM at 117.93 psia and we will assume 60f, so the ACFM = 1319.4/117.93/14.7= 164.5 ACFM
RE: Compressor installation at high altitude
If the machine will compress 1500 SCFM at sea level then it will produce 1500 ACFM at sea level, and it will produce 1319 ACFM at your elevation.
David
RE: Compressor installation at high altitude
You need to solve the efficiency issues at the high altitude for the engine and the compressor by consulting the vendor. They have plenty good information to make everything suit for your needs. If the engine-compressor system is alrady available you still need to consult the maker or their representative.
Ibrahim Demir