Two numbers matter: PSI (pressure, which drives particle speed and profile) and CFM (volume, which keeps that pressure while air leaves the nozzle). If CFM is short, pressure collapses, cleaning rate falls, and abrasive use climbs.
Industry practice is to size the compressor for the nozzle you will run, plus reserve because the bore wears larger. BLAST APEX pots list compressed-air need at 80 psi. Field target is often 90-100 psi at the nozzle, so pick the next CK/XL model up rather than an exact match.
BLAST APEX pot vs CK/XL compressor (headroom for wear and hose)
| Pot | Nozzle | Catalogue air | Practical compressor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model 150 | 5 mm | 45 CFM | CKPM-15A · 60 CFM |
| Model 301-R | 6 mm | 85 CFM | CKPM-30A · 125 CFM |
| 501-R / 601-R | 8 mm | 135 CFM | CKPM-40A · 166 CFM |
| 901-R / 1001-R | 10 mm | 250 CFM | XLPM-75A · 341 CFM |
| 2001-R | 12 mm | 300 CFM | XLPM-75A / XLPM-100A |
CK and XL machines are 10 bar (145 PSI) class screw compressors. Pressure at the tank is not pressure at the nozzle. Every 15 m of undersize hose and every tight bend steals PSI. Dry air (aftercooler + receiver drain) also matters: wet air packs the pot and ruins coatings even when CFM looks correct.