Compressed Air and Abrasive Consumption

Nozzle
Orifice
Pressure at the Nozzle (psi) Air (In cfm)
Abrasive
& HP requirements
50 60 70 80 90 100 125 140
No. 2
(1/8")
11
.67
67
2.5
13
.77
77
3
15
.88
88
3.5
17
1.01
101
4
18.5
1.12
112
4.5
20
1.23
123
5
25
1.52
152
5.5
28
1.70
170
6.2
Air (cfm)
Abrasive (cu.ft./hr
& Lbs/hr)
Compressor hp
No. 3
(3/16")
26
1.5
150
6
30
1.71
171
7
33
1.96
196
8
38
2.16
216
9
41
2.38
238
10
45
2.64
264
10
55
3.19
319
12
62
3.57
357
13
Air (cfm)
Abrasive (cu.ft./hr
& Lbs/hr)
Compressor hp
No. 4
(1/4")
47
2.68
268
11
54
3.12
312
12
61
3.54
354
14
68
4.08
408
16
74
4.48
448
17
81
4.94
494
18
98
6.08
608
22
110
6.81
681
25
Air (cfm)
Abrasive (cu.ft./hr
& Lbs/hr)
Compressor hp
No. 5
(5/16")
77
4.68
468
18
89
5.34
534
20
101
6.04
604
23
113
6.72
672
26
126
7.40
740
28
137
8.12
812
31
168
9.82
982
37
188
11.0
1100
41
Air (cfm)
Abrasive (cu.ft./hr
& Lbs/hr)
Compressor hp
No. 6
(3/8")
108
6.68
668
24
126
7.64
764
28
143
8.64
864
32
161
9.60
960
36
173
10.52
1052
39
196
11.52
1152
44
237
13.93
1393
52
265
15.6
1560
58
Air (cfm)
Abrasive (cu.ft./hr
& Lbs/hr)
Compressor hp
No. 7
(7/16")
147
8.96
896
33
170
10.32
1032
38
194
11.76
1176
44
217
13.12
1312
49
240
14.48
1448
54
254
15.84
1584
57
314
19.31
1931
69
352
21.63
2163
77
Air (cfm)
Abrasive (cu.ft./hr
& Lbs/hr)
Compressor hp
No. 8
(1/2")
195
11.60
1160
44
224
13.36
1336
50
252
15.12
1512
56
280
16.80
1680
63
309
18.56
1856
69
338
20.24
2024
75
409
24.59
2459
90
458
27.54
2754
101
Air (cfm)
Abrasive (cu.ft./hr
& Lbs/hr)
Compressor hp

*Consumption rates are based on abrasives that weigh 100 pounds per cubic foot.

  • For nozzle sizes 3/8” to ½”, blast machines should be equipped with 1-1/4” or larger piping and inlet valve to prevent pressure loss.
  • Air requirements were measured by a flow meter under actual blasting conditions, and are therefore lower than figures for air alone, with no abrasive.
  • Horsepower requirements are based on 4.5 cfm per horsepower.
  • Figures are for reference only, and may vary for different working conditions. Several variables, including metering valve adjustment, can affect abrasive flow.
(Resource: Clemco Blast Off 2(Your Guide to Safe and Efficient Abrasive Blasting)
* indicates required
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