Technical resources / Performance transparency
CAGI Air Compressor Data Sheets
CAGI data sheets help engineers, plant managers and equipment buyers compare air compressor performance using consistent reporting formats. Learn what the numbers mean, why independent verification matters and how to find the right Sullivan-Palatek industrial or portable compressor sheet.
Understanding the standard
What Is CAGI and Why Does It Matter?
The Compressed Air & Gas Institute (CAGI) is an industry association focused on the performance, safety and technical standards of compressed-air equipment. CAGI-developed reporting formats help buyers evaluate manufacturers' published compressor performance on a more consistent basis.
Sullivan-Palatek is a CAGI member and is listed by CAGI among the manufacturers publishing standardized rotary and portable compressor data sheets. This involvement supports transparent technical comparison; association membership should not be confused with independent testing of every model.
01 / Membership
Industry Participation
CAGI members support the development and use of equipment performance standards and industry education.
02 / Standardization
Comparable Data Sheets
Published airflow, pressure, power and other rating data follow defined formats and applicable test conditions.
03 / Verification
Independent Testing
CAGI's voluntary Performance Verification Program independently checks ratings for qualifying participating equipment. Look for the verification seal on the applicable sheet.
Learn more from the Sullivan-Palatek CAGI membership profile and CAGI Performance Verification Program. The rotary compressor verification program currently covers 5-200 HP qualifying models; a standardized sheet for a larger compressor does not itself establish program verification.
Practical selection guidance
How to Read and Compare CAGI Compressor Ratings
The point is not to compare a single number in isolation. Match your required airflow, operating pressure and duty cycle before evaluating efficiency or total operating cost.
Airflow (CFM)
How much air the compressor is rated to deliver under the sheet's stated conditions.
Operating Pressure (PSI)
The pressure at which the rating is measured. A comparison at different pressures may be misleading.
Specific Power
Input power per unit of delivered airflow, commonly kW per 100 CFM, at a defined pressure.
Isentropic Efficiency
A pressure-aware efficiency measure shown on applicable rotary compressor sheets to assist like-for-like comparisons.
A Better Compressor Comparison
Begin with the facility's actual CFM demand, required PSI, operating hours and demand variability. Compare sheets at equivalent test conditions, then account for controls, storage, air treatment, distribution pressure drops and maintenance. A CAGI sheet is a useful technical reference, not a guarantee of actual site energy savings.
Model-specific performance resources
Find Sullivan-Palatek CAGI Data Sheets
Select the equipment category first. Each page retains the published data-sheet links organized by model and rated pressure.
01 / Industrial Electric
Industrial Electric Air Compressors
Access fixed-speed and variable-speed rotary screw compressor data sheets by horsepower, family and rated PSI.
Browse industrial compressor CAGI sheets02 / Portable & Utility Mount
Portable Diesel Air Compressors
Find portable wheel-mount and utility-mount compressor data sheets, including model, rated CFM and operating pressure.
Browse portable compressor CAGI sheetsFor standardized compressor ratings, CAGI references the applicable ISO 1217 testing framework. Independent verification applies only to eligible program models; verify the seal and current CAGI directory before describing any individual compressor as independently tested.
Answers & guidance
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a CAGI air compressor data sheet?
A CAGI data sheet presents manufacturer-published air compressor performance in a common format so buyers can compare rated air delivery, operating pressure and energy-related measurements under stated test conditions.
Is being a CAGI member the same as having every product independently verified?
No. CAGI membership is an industry affiliation. Its voluntary Performance Verification Program separately tests specified participating models. Look for the program verification seal and check CAGI program information when verification matters.
What does specific power tell me about compressor efficiency?
Specific power expresses input power relative to delivered airflow, commonly in kW per 100 cfm at a stated pressure. Compare the metric only when measurement and operating conditions are compatible.
What is isentropic efficiency on a CAGI data sheet?
Isentropic efficiency is a pressure-aware efficiency measure used on applicable rotary compressor data sheets. It can help compare similarly sized compressors whose rated discharge pressures differ slightly.
Do CAGI performance sheets replace an air system assessment?
No. Published test ratings provide one comparison point. Compressor selection should also reflect site demand, operating pressure, duty cycle, air quality, controls, distribution losses and actual operating conditions.
From the data sheet to the complete system
Plan Your Compressed Air System
CAGI ratings inform equipment comparison. System performance also depends on selecting the correct compressor, dryer, filtration, storage and controls for the application.