connect 2 compressors for higher CFM

[livetoride60]

Hi - has anybody out there ever hooked two air compressors together to get higher CFM? I've read that if you hook the tanks together and the total resulting CFM is both of the individual CFM ratings added together.

So I just got my 2nd 3HP 60 gallon compressor today. Both are used and I have a total of $550 in them. I'm thinking when I hook them together I should get 20-22 CFM @ 90psi out of the total system, as each do 10-11 individually.

Just wanted to do a sanity check with you all.

Thanks.

 

[snorky18]

You are correct about the CFMs adding up, 2 seperate 10CFM compressors gives you 20 CFM. Not the most energy efficient method, but sometimes cheaper to purchase.

Probably most larger tire shops you've been to have at least 2 if not 3+ compressors hooked up. Gives more CFM, and gives you some redundancy (one goes down for repair/maintenance, others pick up the slack).

IIRC you are supposed to adjust the pressure switches (or buy a new switch with the right range) so one kicks on at a lower pressure than the other. Someone who knows more than me about the specifics will probably be around shortly with more details/reasoning.

 

[mjozefow]

To my understanding it will work fine. The only issue is getting the compressors to cycle properly, as the pressures that switch them on may be different.

 

[OccupantRJ]

Just adjust the pressure switches a few psi different from each other, so they won't start at the same time. It's easier on your electrical system. I use 3 running at one time for my blast cabinets, if I have a time consuming blast job.

RJ