How many CFM for 1/2" diaphragm pump

[doocat]

I need to get appropriate sized compressor and looking for input on CFM.

Thanks, Craig

[Mel]

I would like to know as well.

[jmayerl]

I have a 8 gallon 2 HP compressor for my 1/4" air pump on a half bank. It cycles every few minutes but is adequate.

[wiam]

The pump manufacturer should be able to provide that info. What model/make are you referring to? I am guessing we are talking on a filter press? My pancake compressor runs my 3/8 Warren/Rupp if that gives you any reference for a 1/2 pump

[Sugarmaker's dad]

We have a Porter Cable 20 gallon 1.6 hp compressor running our 1/2" diaphragm pump on a double bank 10" press. It is more than adequate. I would suggest that you use a ball valve plus a needle valve. The needle valve allows you to fine -tune the pump's speed. The ball valve allows you to stop and start the pump without needing to adjust the speed each time. The system works great. Much superior to the gear pump we used previously.
We like to run the pump slow and steady and keep the pressure under 20 psi.

[WESTVIRGINIAMAPLER]

You running air filter inline before diaphragm pumps?

[Sugarmaker's dad]

No air filter or dryer, just a needle valve to throttle the pump speed.

[Mel]

We have a Porter Cable 20 gallon 1.6 hp compressor running our 1/2" diaphragm pump on a double bank 10" press. It is more than adequate. I would suggest that you use a ball valve plus a needle valve. The needle valve allows you to fine -tune the pump's speed. The ball valve allows you to stop and start the pump without needing to adjust the speed each time. The system works great. Much superior to the gear pump we used previously.
We like to run the pump slow and steady and keep the pressure under 20 psi.

Do you know the cfm ratings of the compressor?

[nymapleguy607]

I have a cobalt 8 gallon compressor that rates about 5cfm at 40psi. I am running a 1/2" air pump. The compressor has an air regulator built in so I just set it to 45psi and left it there for the season. I have a valve before the motor to control the speed of the pump.

[Sugarmaker's dad]

6.2 cfm@40 psi/5.3 cfm@90 psi. The regulator is set at 50 psi. The key is to install the needle valve on the air inlet because the needle valve allows you to precisely control the pump speed.