Plant engineering calculator · Updated 17 September 2026
Air Compressor Sequencing Calculator — Base/Trim Split, Loading & kW
Screen a base-plus-trim compressor sequence from plant demand, fixed-speed base capacity/power and VSD trim capacity/power. Reports base machines required, trim flow, trim loading, estimated system kW and specific power.
Inputs
Live results
- Base compressors online 2
- Base flow 400 m³/h
- Trim flow 100 m³/h
- Trim loading 50%
- Estimated package power 118.125 kW
- Specific power 14.175 kW per m³/min
Formula and method
Nbase=floor(demand/baseCapacity) subject to trim capacity; trimFlow=demand−Nbase×baseCapacity.
Worked example
A 500 m³/h demand with 200 m³/h base machines and a 200 m³/h trim machine runs two bases plus 100 m³/h trim.
Engineering assumptions and limits
- This is a steady-demand screening model, not a dynamic pressure-control simulation.
- Use measured package kW and flow maps for investment decisions; VSD power is approximated with entered minimum-power fraction plus proportional load.
Frequently asked questions
What does this Air Compressor Sequencing Calculator calculate?
Screen a base-plus-trim compressor sequence from plant demand, fixed-speed base capacity/power and VSD trim capacity/power. Reports base machines required, trim flow, trim loading, estimated system kW and specific power.
Is this a final equipment selection?
No. Use the result for engineering screening, then verify vendor data, controls, operating cases, codes and project design criteria.
Why does the calculator show intermediate values?
Intermediate values expose the governing load and assumptions, making bad units or unrealistic operating conditions easier to spot before selection.