Generally instrumentation will estimate air consumption based on valve counts, like CVs, On-off valves,analyzers, etc. Each type of instrument consumes different amount of air, and you may need to check with your instrument supplier for those. As dcasto pointed out, you need to assume some percentage of them modulating simultaneously. If the percentage is too high, you'll overdesign the system. If it's too low, then....My experience tells 30-40% would be adequate.
After all above steps, you calculated only instrument air. Some margins need to be added over the top for Air leakage, Future development, and plant air only if plant air comes from the same compressor. 10-15% for air leakage and 30- 40% for Future aren't unusual. If insufficient info available, assume plant air identical to instrument air. Plant air less than 200 SCFM is unusual!
Sun