The 100 litres on a sandblaster refer to the size of its pot, so to how much abrasive it holds. They say nothing about the air it uses. The compressor is chosen from the nozzle: with a 5 mm nozzle, plan on a 15 kW screw compressor; with a 6 mm nozzle, a 22 kW screw compressor.
What the 100 litres mean
A blast pot is a pressure vessel that holds the abrasive. The bigger it is, the longer you blast before refilling. A 100 litre pot is a common size for workshops and mid-sized jobs.
Air flow depends on the nozzle diameter. A 100 litre pot can take several nozzles: check the one fitted and the ones the manufacturer offers. Our page on the sandblasting compressor lists typical air use by diameter.
Why a garage compressor will not do
People often assume that a piston compressor with a 100 litre tank goes with a 100 litre sandblaster. Let us run the numbers.
A 100 litre tank dropping from 8 to 6 bar releases about 100 × (8 − 6) = 200 litres of air. A 5 mm nozzle uses about 1,500 L/min. The tank's reserve lasts 200 ÷ 1,500 × 60 = 8 seconds. After that, only the compressor's flow counts.
The piston compressors in our E series are built for intermittent use. Sandblasting blows non-stop for hours: it needs a screw compressor, designed for continuous duty.
Sizing by nozzle
| Nozzle | Typical air use | With 25% margin | Suggested model |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 mm | ≈ 1,500 L/min | ≈ 1,900 L/min | K 150, 2.2 m³/min at 8 bar |
| 6 mm | ≈ 2,400 L/min | ≈ 3,000 L/min | S 220 PM, 3.6 m³/min at 8 bar |
| 8 mm | ≈ 4,000 L/min | ≈ 5,000 L/min | Two machines or S series on quotation |
The margin covers nozzle wear, as the abrasive opens up the bore, and the blow gun used to clean parts. Always check the figure given by your sandblaster's manufacturer.
Which compressor for your case?
A workshop with no air network
The K 150 combines a screw compressor, a 340 L receiver, a refrigerated dryer and filtration. With a 5 mm nozzle, you set it next to the blast pot and the air arrives dry with nothing else to add.
A workshop that already has a receiver and dryer
The S 150 delivers the same flow as the K 150, 2.2 m³/min at 8 bar, as a standalone compressor. For a 6 mm nozzle, move up to the S 220 PM and pair it with a receiver, a dryer and filters.
A 5 mm nozzle today, 6 mm tomorrow
If you expect to fit a larger nozzle, choose the S 220 PM straight away. It is variable speed: with a 5 mm nozzle it slows down and uses less energy.
Traps with a 100 litre pot
Moisture in the pot. Water from the compressed air settles in the abrasive. It clumps, the metering valve blocks and the blast becomes uneven. A refrigerated dryer and an automatic condensate drain on the receiver prevent most stoppages. More on this in water in compressed air.
Pressure at the pot. The pot and nozzle need 6 to 7 bar. Set the compressor to 8 bar and keep the hose short and large-bore.
The wrong process. If you strip wood, soft stone or aluminium, soft blasting may suit better. Read soft blasting vs sandblasting before you buy.
To compare models, use the configurator, then send your sandblaster's data sheet with a quote request.
For your trade: Compressor for sandblasting.