Compressed Air Requirements & Abrasive Consumption
Consumption rates are based on abrasives that weigh 100 lbs. per cubic foot.
Nozzle
Orifice
Pressure at the nozzle
 Air , Power and Abrasive Requirements
50 60 70 80 90 100 125
No. 2 1/8" 11
67
2.5		 13
77
3		 15
88
3.5		 17
101
4		 18.5
112
4.5		 20
123
5		 25
152
5.5		 Air (cfm)
Abrasive (lb / hr)
Compressor (hp)
No. 3 3/16" 26
150
6
 30
171
7		 33
196
8		 38
216
9		 41
238
10		 45
264
10		 55
319
12		 Air (cfm)
Abrasive (lb / hr)
Compressor (hp)
No. 4 1/4" 47
268
11		 54
312
12		 61
354
14		 68
408
16		 74
448
17		 81
494
18		 98
608
22		 Air (cfm)
Abrasive (lb / hr)
Compressor (hp)
No. 5 5/16" 77
468
18		 89
534
20		 101
604
23		 113
672
26		 126
740
28		 137
812
31		 168
982
37		 Air (cfm)
Abrasive (lb / hr)
Compressor (hp)
No. 6 3/8" 108
668
24		 126
764
28		 143
864
32		 161
960
36		 173
1052
39		 196
1152
44		 237
1393
52		 Air (cfm)
Abrasive (lb / hr)
Compressor (hp)
No. 7 7/16" 147
896
33		 170
1032
38		 194
1176
44		 217
1312
49		 240
1448
54		 254
1584
57		 314
1931
69		 Air (cfm)
Abrasive (lb / hr)
Compressor (hp)
No. 8 1/2" 195
1160
44		 224
1336
50		 252
1512
56		 280
1680
63		 309
1856
69		 338
2024
75		 409
2459
90		 Air (cfm)
Abrasive (lb / hr)
Compressor (hp)
  • For nozzle sizes 3/8" to 1/2", blast machines should be equiped with 11/4" 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.