Calculating the Working Pressure

Normally, the highest pressure determines the requisite installation pressure and other equipment will be fitted with pressure reducing valves at the point of consumption. In more extreme cases, the method can be uneconomical and a separate compressor for special needs can be a solution. It should also be kept in mind that the pressure drop quickly increases as flow increases. If a change in consumption can be expected, it makes economic sense to adapt the installation to these conditions. Filters and special dust filters, have a low initial pressure drop, but become clogged over time and are replaced at the recommended pressure drop. This factor will enter into the calculation. The compressor's flow regulation also causes pressure variations and therefore must also be included in the assessment. It may be appropriate to perform calculations using the following example: It is the primarily the end consumer application along with the pressure drop between the compressor and the consumer that determines the pressure the compressor will need to produce. The working pressure can be determined by adding the pressure drop to the system, as shown in the example above.