What Is FAD in Air Compressors? Free Air Delivery Explained

Free air delivery is the actual usable air flow a compressor delivers, measured at inlet conditions and re-expressed to atmospheric pressure. It is the fairest way to compare machines.

What FAD Means

  • FAD is the volume of air delivered at the discharge, recalculated to inlet conditions.
  • It is measured in CFM or m³/min.
  • It is always lower than theoretical displacement.

Why It Matters

  • Compressors of the same power can have very different FAD.
  • FAD at your working pressure determines if the machine fits.
  • Compare FAD, never just motor power.

How It Is Measured

  • Using a calibrated flow meter on the discharge.
  • Corrected to standard temperature and pressure.
  • Documented on the data sheet for each model.

Is FAD the same as displacement?

No. FAD is the actual delivered flow after losses, while displacement is the theoretical swept volume.

Talk to an Engineer

Contact Panrui with your flow, pressure and air quality requirements to get a recommendation and factory quote for your project.