Air Compressor Efficiency in Auto Refinishing
Written by Chris Lampe, STAR4D Program Manager at the Iowa Waste Reduction Center, University of Northern Iowa. Compressed air is one of the most important utility requirements of an automotive shop. Compressed air is used throughout many processes and applications including pneumatic tools and spray guns. Improperly sized hoses, fittings, and quick-disconnect couplings often result in large pressure drops. These losses require higher system pressure to overcome the pressure drop, thus resulting in wasted energy. Most air tools, such as impact wrenches and sanders are rated at 80-90 pounds per square inch gauge (PSIG) inlet. Spray equipment, such as gravity feed