An air compressor is a machine that is used to power pneumatic tools and systems by compressing and pressurising air. An air receiver tank is a part of the air compressor that is used to store the compressed air until it is delivered to the tools.
In this comprehensive blog, we will explore the basics of air receiver tanks including their types, working, and benefits. We will also learn how to select the right-sized air receiver tanks.
A] What is an Air Receiver Tank?
The air receiver tank is a compressed air receiving device that offers temporary storage of compressed air to fulfil demands quickly. It provides a steady and consistent flow of air with a high flow rate. The air receiver tank acts as a buffer medium between changing demands and the compressor to efficiently cater to fluctuating needs. It plays a vital role in prolonging the life of air compressors by reducing the loading and unloading cycles. The air receiver tank is also known as a compressed air tank, air receiver, air tank, vessel or tank.
B] Types of Air Receiver Tanks
1. Wet Air Receiver Tank
A wet tank is a type of air receiver tank that is positioned between the compressor and air dryer system. It stores moisture-containing compressed air produced by the air compressor and condenses it. It allows moisture and contamination to settle down, offering clean and dry air to various pneumatic systems. Moreover, It acts as a primary moisture separator to reduce the load on the air dryer, boosting the efficiency and life of the compression systems. A wet tank also aids in stabilising the air pressure fluctuation by providing a constant air flow rate throughout the cycle.
2. Dry Air Receiver Tank
A dry tank is a type of air receiver tank that is positioned after the air dryer. It stores dried air and offers a steady air supply throughout the pneumatic system. It maintains constant air pressure by utilising its stored compressed air. Doing so stabilises the sudden drops in pressure, facilitating seamless and uninterrupted industrial operations. Dry tanks also play a vital role in safeguarding the air dryer by reducing overburden caused by the sudden surge in compressed air demands. The dry air compressor receiver tank comprises various safety features such as a safety relief valve, pressure gauge, and gauge snubber, to protect systems from inevitable causes.
C] Working of Air Receiver Tank
An industrial air receiver tank is a vital component of any compression system, providing a reservoir for storing and releasing compressed air for sudden or future use. Its primary function is to stabilize the pressure in the system, ensuring a consistent supply of compressed air to various applications.
The air compressor draws ambient air and compresses it to a higher pressure. This compressed air is then directed into the air receiver tank. Inside the tank, the air is stored at a higher pressure. It helps to meet the fluctuations in the system caused by sudden air demand. Consequently, the receiver tank allows the compressor to run less frequently, reducing wear and tear and improving business efficiency.
D] Benefits of Industrial Air Receiver Tanks
1. Constant Pressure Management
As the air compressor releases compressed air in pulses, it causes the system to be overburdened in case of intermittent demands. A compressed air receiver consists of a reservoir that stores compressed air to offer constant and throughout pressure management. It offers a solid ground for maintaining consistent airflow and pressure throughout the pneumatic system. It prevents sudden pressure fluctuation, safeguarding connected tools and systems.
2. Compressed Air Storage
As we discussed, an air tank consists of a reservoir that stores compressed air and releases it constantly to the piping system or pneumatic system. Since the air compressor struggles while fulfilling the sudden surge of air demands, the compressor receiver tank offers stable ground. It efficiently handles intermittent demands by releasing stored compressed air at a constant airflow rate.
3. Wear and Tear Prevention
Frequent loading and unloading cycles brutally hamper the working of the air compressor and cause severe wear and tear to the compression system. It significantly reduces working efficiency and may cause financial loss. A compressor receiver tank drastically minimises wear and tear by reducing the loading and unloading cycle of the air compressor. It also eliminates the need for a frequent restart for minute uses such as quick sandblasting and using an air blower for cleaning purposes.
4. Condensation Removal
Ambient air utilises by the air compressor comprises various contaminated contents such as dust, oil and moisture. These impurities reduce the working efficiency of the air compressor and increase load over other compression systems. When compressed air is stored in the tank’s reservoir, it settles down the contamination and condensate moisture. Doing so facilitates effective condensation removal and supplies contamination-free and moisture-free compressed air.
E] Steps to Properly Size Air Receiver Tanks
1. Air Compressor Output
Evaluating air compressor output is vital to properly size the air receiver tanks. As per the compliances, you have to have a minimum of 10 to 15 litres of tank volume for each cubic foot per minute (CFM). For instance, if you have a 90 CFM-rated air compressor, then you need 900 to 1400 litres of compressed air stored in the receiver tanks.
2. Peak Usage Consideration
Assess how much-compressed air your penumatic systems demand in cubic feet per minute during peak usage. Choose those receiver tanks that provide enough volume to meet the peak demands. If it lacks, it is not a suitable tank as it will waste energy and hamper your operations in the long run.
3. Assess Air-Flow Consistency
If you have installed an air compressor system that constantly fluctuates during increased demands, you need an air receiver tank. The receiver tank stabilises operations by releasing stored compressed to the air system, ensuring uninterrupted and smooth industrial operations. Businesses can also opt for extra-storage receiver tanks to further stabilise the in-house operations.
4. Piping Diameter
Evaluating your piping diameter and choosing receiver tanks accordingly will give you more space to store compressed air. A large diameter will store more air while shorter diameter pipes won’t. Always choose those receiver tanks that have large pipe diameters and perfectly integrate with your air compressor.
5. Air Compressor Types
There are mainly two types of air compressors: reciprocating air compressors and rotary air compressors. Reciprocating air compressors require a separate air receiver tank to store compressed air. On the other hand, a rotary air compressor usually doesn’t need a receiver tank as it provides a consistent air flow rate throughout the pneumatic system. Therefore, assess your air compressor type and choose accordingly.
Conclusion
Air receiver tanks are excellent storage extensions for storing compressed air to fulfil the intermittent demands of industrial processes. It allows businesses to run their operations without interruption by providing consistent airflow and air pressure. However, choosing the right air receiver is crucial for efficient operations. Consider the discussed steps to choose the right receiver tanks for your business.
Bimpex India is a leading and renowned air compressor distributor, offering efficient industrial air compressors that suit your business needs. Contact us today for further queries!