An air receiver, sometimes referred to as a compressed air tank, is an integral part of any compressed air system. The main purpose of this is to act as temporary storage to accommodate the peaks of demand from your system and to optimize the running efficiency of your plant.
Function of air receiver
our air compressor installation can, in theory, run without a receiver. However, not having one in your compressed air system can increase the loading and unloading cycles on the compressor, making it work harder. It’s important to remember that load/unload cycles will depend on the demand fluctuation within your facility.
Air receivers, also referred to as vessels or tanks, play a crucial role in the function of air receivers in a pneumatic system. They are used to store compressed air before it enters the piping system or equipment. In simpler terms, the function of the air receiver is to act as a buffer mechanism between the compressor and the fluctuating pressure caused by changing demand.
Some air compressors are "tank-mounted," meaning they come as a package and are mounted on top of the air receiver. This type of setup is highly preferred in facilities where space is at a premium. Having a tank-mounted compressor can save both space and reduce the initial installation costs associated with commissioning a stand-alone dryer. This setup is most commonly seen with smaller compressors, typically up to 26kW or 35 HP. Larger air compressors are not suitable for tank-mounted options as they become top-heavy and could pose a safety risk.
The function of an air receiver tank in a pneumatic system is essential for maintaining efficiency and extending the lifespan of your compressor by reducing excessive cycling and ensuring consistent air pressure.
Types of air receivers
There are various types of air receivers available to meet specific application needs. Among the most common are wet air receivers and dry air receivers.
Wet air receivers are installed between the compressor and the air dryer. They store untreated compressed air and play a key role in improving the dryer’s performance by helping to remove moisture before the air enters the system. This step ensures better efficiency in the drying process.
Dry air receivers, on the other hand, store treated compressed air and are typically placed after the compressor and air dryer. Their primary function is to maintain the integrity and quality of the dried air, ensuring consistent system performance and reliability.
How to properly size air receivers?
In previous articles, we discussed best practices on “how to size an air compressor”, as proper sizing is important to meet the demand your facility requires. When it comes to sizing of an air receiver, a good rule of thumb to remember is to allow 3-4 gallons for each CFM or 10-15 liters for each liters/second of compressed air depending on the type of an air compressor used and the application. Similar to sizing of an air compressor, there are a number of factors that should be considered in identifying the right size of air receiver for your installation. It is highly recommended to consider the following factors:
- Minimizing pressure fluctuations/drops: An air receiver can be used to minimize pressure fluctuations that could impact the production process and the quality of your end product. Selecting the right air tank for your compressor requires you to be mindful of two values: your compressor's output pressure and what your application needs at the point of use. Note that the compressed air stored in your air receiver is only useful as long as its pressure is sufficient for the process that uses it. This is why it is important to consider the duration (in minutes) that the air receiver can supply air at the necessary pressure for your end-user / equipment.
- Meeting short-term peak air demands: If the demand for compressed air changes drastically throughout the day, it is important to account for the spikes in the demand to ensure the system pressure does not drop below an acceptable level. An air receiver provides storage to meet short-term peak air demands that the compressor cannot meet. Depending on the time of day, the shift pattern, or even unusual demand (e.g. occasional use of a sandblaster or an abrasive media blaster), your air requirement may vary. It is important to fully understand the application and the amount of CFM or liters/second of air required, as well as the expected peaks of your system, as it dictates what flow of compressed air is needed to avoid shortages for any part of your process.
- Energy considerations: Using an air receiver can help reduce the energy consumption of your compressed air system by enabling load/unload (fixed speed) compressors to operate on a longer cycle and with tighter pressure bands. Having a properly sized tank and more air than is required will reduce the potential of trim compressor starting up to meet increased flow demand, which can have substantial savings on your energy consumption. This will also prevent pressure fluctuation and frequent motor starts while providing steady pressure and extending the life of the compressor.
- Safety considerations: If needed, an air receiver will provide a supply of air to enable production processes and systems to be safely shut down in an emergency situation.
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