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Guide: Understanding compressed air flow and pressure for dry ice blasting and abrasive blasting
For dry ice blasting and abrasive blasting operations, the compressor is far more than a simple accessory: it's the engine of your productivity. This guide helps you choose the ideal power based on FAD flow, and compressed air pressure, actually usable as well as pressure drops.
Two useful shortcuts to choose an appropriate compressor (FAD + margin) and verify the pressure actually available at the nozzle.
Why the "right flow" always depends on compressed air pressure
At equal engine power, available air flow decreases as you increase working pressure. With dry ice blasting as with abrasive blasting, having "bar rating" isn't enough: you need the corresponding air volume, at the right speed, under load!
Field example
A compressor rated at 2 900 l/min at 7 bar can drop to 2 100 l/min at 10 bar. Result: unstable nozzle pressure, irregular output rate, declining performance.
Expert tip
Never size "at the limit". Plan a margin of 25% to 30% to compensate for speed variations and pressure drops.
clean result without marking or "over-aggression". stable pressure at the nozzle, under load, for the entire duration of the operation.
Intake flow vs delivered flow: mistake #1
Many users rely on the "intake flow" shown on certain technical sheets. That's a trap:
- Intake flow : theoretical value calculated at the compressor inlet.
- Delivered flow (FAD — Free Air Delivery) : useful value, corresponding to air actually available at output.
To size your installation, always base it on FAD (delivered flow) — it's what determines your machine's actual performance.
Pressure drop: hoses, fittings, filters, lengths
Air produced by the compressor never reaches the nozzle intact. Every meter of hose, every fitting, every filter creates a pressure drop.
- Length: beyond 20 meters, the pressure loss becomes significant.
- Diameter: a hose that's too narrow "chokes" the flow; use a hose diameter suited to your FAD. We recommend 1-inch diameter compressed air hoses for high flow rates.
- Humidity: moisture-laden air increases resistance and can disrupt abrasive blasting (clumping, clogging), and your dry ice blasting operations.
"Nozzle" flow: what really matters
Performance is decided in the final meters: air line, regulation, then flow transformation by the nozzle. On optimized setups, the double Venturi effect (abrasive blasting) helps stabilize the jet and improve operating efficiency.
The double Venturi device draws in some ambient air and increases the useful flow at impact point, which promotes jet stability.
Quick reference: dry ice blasting vs abrasive blasting
These values are operational guidelines. Size based on FAD flow and maintain a margin (pressure drops + variable speeds).
| Equipment | Min. recommended flow (FAD) | Ideal pressure | Recommended compressor (examples) |
|---|---|---|---|
| NanoGom Nozzles 2–4,5 mm |
≈ 1 300 l/min | 4 to 7 bars | ≈ 1 300 / 2 000 l/min (depending on setup) |
| Raptor Nozzles 2–5,5 mm |
≈ 2 500 l/min | 5 to 7 bars | ≈ 3 000 l/min (recommended margin) |
| XP02 Cryo “soft” |
≈ 1 400 l/min | 7 bars | ≈ 1 300 / 2 000 l/min (depending on losses and uses) |
| ATX nano-E | ≈ 3 100 l/min | 6 bars | ≈ 3 000 to 5 000 l/min |
| ATX25-E / ATX25-P | ≈ 7 000 l/min | 7 to 12 bars | ≈ 11 000 to 12 000 l/min (high margin) |
Practical case: how to verify on your compressor
To validate sizing, use the dynamic pressure :
- test.
- Connect your machine and open projection to maximum.
- Watch the pressure gauge during impact.
- If pressure drops sustainably below the target, you lack flow (or your line is too restrictive).
If pressure stays stable, your sizing is consistent.
Exclusive Cryoblaster® technical diagram: Air → Nozzle → Surface
Performance chain (simplified view)
Impact & surface
FAQ — Flow, pressure and sizing
Expert advice: field-oriented, to avoid sizing errors and achieve stable nozzle performance!
Can I use a [[NUM]] [[NUM]] l/min compressor for a machine requiring [[NUM]] [[NUM]] l/min?
Yes, but only for very light work (dust removal, light cleaning). For stripping, the missing flow results in unstable dynamic pressure, irregular output rate, and clear drop in effectiveness.
Which value should I look at: intake flow or delivered flow (FAD)? Base it ondelivered flow (FAD)
. Intake flow is a theoretical value; FAD is what reflects air actually available, so your actual nozzle performance.
Why does pressure drop during projection when the compressor is set to 7 bar? dynamic pressure Because under load, pressure depends on flow actually available. If FAD is insufficient or if the air line creates too much loss (hoses too long, diameter too small, restrictive fittings, saturated filtration), pressure
drops at projection.
From what hose length do pressure drops become significant? Beyond about20 meters
, pressure loss often becomes notable. The most effective correction is to increase diameter, limit restrictions ("full flow" fittings) and ensure good condensate management.
What flow margin should I plan for? 25% to 30%Ideally
Advice
Questions? Not sure about your choice? Contact us at [[NUM]] [[NUM]] [[NUM]] [[NUM]] [[NUM]]
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