The Use Of Air Receiver Tanks

An air receiver tank is one of the most under-appreciated champions in your compressed air system. It provides storage for short spikes in demand that an air compressor cannot handle.

They also reduce energy consumption and pressure fluctuations. To maximise the benefits of your air receivers, it must be properly sized for your system. 

Store Compressed Air

Air receiver tanks are a key component of any compressed air system. They help to minimize unstable peaks in pressure and reduce energy consumption by increasing the amount of time that your air compressor can run at full load. Without an air receiver tank, your compressor must constantly load and unload, resulting in frequent motor starts and reducing the life of your air compressor.

Air receivers can also store compressed air for short periods of high demand, such as when a sandblaster or other air-powered tool requires a quick burst of compressed air for up to 30 seconds. 

Reduce Energy Consumption

Air receivers are an essential component of compressed air systems, which are used in many industrial facilities to power tools, clean work spaces, and assemble products. The air receiver stores compressed air from the compressor and helps stabilise pressure in the system when demand is high. It also serves as a moisture trap and pulsation damper.

A properly-sized air receiver tank can help reduce energy consumption by evening out peaks in compressed air demand. This means that you can run the compressor for shorter periods of time, reducing your energy bills and increasing its lifespan.

Pressure Fluctuations

Air receivers help to reduce unstable peaks in compressed air demand by providing storage capacity. They are typically sized to match the initial pressure of the compressor with a rule of thumb being 4 gallons of storage for each compressor HP (horsepower). They also help to reduce energy consumption by enabling load/offload and fixed speed compressors to operate on longer cycles and tighter pressure bands, increasing their lifespan.

Air receiver tanks are best stored indoors in an area that stays above freezing temperatures year-round. Outdoor storage can cause them to ice up and rupture, which is dangerous to personnel and equipment.

Safety Device

Air receiver tanks should be fitted with a safety (pressure) relief valve, a pressure gauge and an automatic drain system to prevent liquid accumulation inside the vessel. They should also have a pipe lug opening or manhole for inspection. The maximum allowable working pressure of the tank should never be exceeded, except for when it is being tested.

Corrosion is the most common cause of air receiver tank failure. If corrosion causes the walls of the vessel to thin, the tank may rupture or explode with explosive force. This can cause extensive damage to equipment and infrastructure and severe injury or death for nearby workers.