What Is An Air Receiver?

Air receivers help manage and optimise compressed air systems. Serving as a storage depot, this essential part of any compressed air system functions to meet peak air demands, ensuring a steady supply of compressed air even during high-demand periods. This allows the air compressor to operate more efficiently by releasing pressure from the tank as needed. 

Industries around the globe leverage the power of air receivers to balance air storage and demand. With the right air receiver, even systems with smaller air compressors can supply air at the necessary time and in the volume needed, optimising operations. 

So, let’s dive in and unveil how using an air receiver can revolutionise your compressed air system.

What Is A Compressed Air Receiver Tank?

An air receiver (air tank) is a vessel used to store compressed air. This compressed air storage is crucial in ensuring your system always has air supply at the necessary pressure.

An air receiver tank has three main functions:

• It serves as a buffer to accommodate demand peaks. When your system requires a large volume of air quickly, the air receiver releases its stored air to meet this demand, ensuring that your compressed air system can always respond effectively to changes in demand.
• The air receiver helps to stabilise system pressure. By storing a significant volume of air, the air receiver can respond to fluctuations in system pressure, releasing or collecting air as needed.
• An air receiver can improve air purity because it reduces the amount of moisture in the air. As wet air enters the receiver tank, the moisture condenses and can be removed from the system.

Types of Air Receivers

Wet vs. Dry Compressed Air Storage: What’s the Difference?

Two main types of air receivers, namely wet and dry air receivers, differ based on their placement concerning air dryers.

Wet Air Receivers

A wet air receiver is typically positioned before the air drying system in a compressed air setup. It acts as a temporary storage for the air from the wet tank, which is still in its “wet” state, laden with moisture. One of the key benefits of a wet air receiver is it removes a substantial amount of moisture before it sends the air through the air dryer. This lightens the load for the dryer, enhancing its durability and efficiency. However, wet air receivers must be paired with air dryers to effectively manage moisture and prevent corrosion in downstream equipment.

Dry Air Receivers

On the other hand, a dry air receiver is typically placed after the air dryer in the compressed air system. The air in the tank has already been dried, hence the term “dry” air receiver. Its purpose is to stabilise pressure and provide air ready to use during high-demand periods. A dry air receiver can help maintain steadiness in the air supply, especially for systems using a smaller air compressor. Proper sealing and regular inspections are crucial to maintaining dry air receivers’ integrity and preventing contamination from external moisture. A dry air receiver requires meticulous maintenance to prevent any moisture from entering the tank and contaminating the dried air.

Choosing the type of air receiver depends on the specific needs of your air system, and both wet and dry receivers have unique benefits and limitations.

Air Compressors, Air Receivers and Pressure Regulation

Effective pressure regulation is critical in both air compressors and air receivers. It ensures the smooth operation of the entire compressed air system. Without proper pressure control, a compressor could force out the air too rapidly or too slowly, potentially causing damage or reducing efficiency. 

In air receivers, pressure regulation helps maintain a steady air supply, particularly during high-demand periods. It prevents the system from experiencing abrupt pressure drops that could hinder operational performance. 

Advanced technologies like central controllers can optimise pressure regulation and reduce energy costs significantly.

However, pressure regulation does have its limitations. It requires regular maintenance to keep the system functioning optimally. Despite this, the benefits significantly outweigh the challenges. 

Proper pressure regulation can enhance the longevity of your air system, boost efficiency, and save on energy costs, making it an essential aspect of any compressed air system.

Why Do You Need An Air Receiver?

An air receiver is vital to any compressed air system, providing essential storage to meet fluctuating air demands. By acting as a buffer between the compressor and fluctuating pressure, the air receiver ensures stable air pressure, even when demand spikes, reducing the load/unload cycles of the compressor. Air receivers improve system efficiency and contribute to sustainable operations by lowering energy consumption and supporting energy recovery initiatives where applicable. This helps lower maintenance costs and extends the lifespan of your equipment.

Air receivers also improve air quality by allowing moisture to condense and be drained, ensuring clean air for production processes and systems. Whether used in industrial air applications or smaller setups, an air receiver is key to maintaining efficiency and air distribution. Regularly draining your air receiver is critical for optimal performance and preventing moisture buildup.

Incorporating an air receiver into your compressed air system can lead to significant energy savings, as it minimises compressor startups, reducing overall energy consumption. Choosing the right size and type of air receiver – wet or dry – is crucial for balancing compressed air requirements and maximising system performance.

How to Calculate the Size of Your Air Tank

Choosing the right air receiver size is crucial to maintaining air at the necessary pressure. A typical rule is 3 – 4 gallons per cubic feet per minute (CFM), but factors like compressor output, fluctuating pressure, and specific system needs matter too. When selecting tank size, consider peak demand scenarios, duty cycles, and available space for installation. Customised solutions are often necessary for specialised industrial applications.

• Compressor and the Fluctuating Pressure: a larger air tank helps stabilise compressed air flow during high-demand periods, ensuring steady output without overworking the compressor.
• Loading and Unloading Cycles: a properly sized tank reduces the loading and unloading cycles, extending the compressor’s life and improving efficiency.
• Tank-Mounted Options: larger systems may benefit from tank-mounted configurations, especially where space is limited.

Regular maintenance, like draining to prevent moisture buildup, is essential for ensuring your air receiver provides optimal performance. Selecting the right air receiver size helps balance demand and energy efficiency, resulting in a smoother, more cost-effective operation.

What Type Of Air Receiver Do I Need?

• Vertical Air Receivers: These high-capacity tanks are ideal for larger industrial applications. They require less floor space, making them suitable for compact areas. Their main limitation is the need for a high ceiling clearance. Consider alternative designs or smaller vertical tanks tailored for reduced height for environments with limited ceiling height.
• Horizontal Air Receivers: These tanks offer easier access for maintenance and are generally preferred when ceiling height is restricted. However, they do consume more floor space. However, they consume more floor space, making them less ideal for tightly packed industrial setups.
• Small Air Receivers: Suitable for smaller systems or mobile applications, these are portable and easy to install. However, they hold less air and may not be suitable for high-demand situations. . However, they hold less air and may not be suitable for high-demand situations, particularly in industrial operations requiring continuous air supply.
• Large Air Receivers: Perfect for large industrial applications with high air demand. They can store more air but require more space and intensive maintenance. These receivers also often need advanced corrosion protection coatings to withstand prolonged moisture exposure.

Choosing the correct type of air receiver depends on your specific needs and constraints. Consider the physical space available, the volume of air needed, the need for portability, and the available budget. Evaluate factors such as peak demand, system pressure requirements, and the receiver’s compatibility with your compressor’s output capacity.

Installation and Maintenance

Proper installation and regular maintenance of air storage tanks are essential to ensure an air compressor system’s prolonged and efficient operation. 

When installing an air receiver, the first critical factor is space availability. Since air receivers, especially large ones, require substantial space, the choice of a vertical or horizontal air receiver should be dictated by the room’s dimensions. Additionally, ensure the installation area is level and free from vibrations to prevent mechanical stresses on the tank. Safety is paramount during installation, so ensure the area is dry to prevent the corrosion of the air receiver. 

Maintenance primarily revolves around regular draining to prevent moisture accumulation. This issue becomes more critical in systems without a dry air tank, where wet air storage is a constant threat. A visual inspection of the tank and pressure relief valves should also be conducted periodically to detect signs of wear or damage. Over time, water can condense out of the air stream, leading to rusting and eventual failure. To counteract this, consider using moisture separators upstream of wet air receivers for additional protection. So, regular draining ensures dry compressed air before it enters your system – and that the air is free from particulates that could cause system damage. 

When demand peaks in compressed air require the system to pull air through at a higher rate, moisture has less chance to condense before usage. Despite this, regular draining remains an indispensable maintenance procedure. 

Remember, investing in automated drain systems can improve efficiency and minimise manual intervention, ensuring consistent maintenance practices.

Remember, a well-maintained air receiver is valuable and an investment towards the longevity of your air compressor system.

Safety Considerations

When dealing with air receivers, there are several safety considerations you should take into account:

• Pressure Relief Valves: All air receivers should be equipped with pressure relief valves that function correctly. This safety device ensures excess pressure vents out, protecting the system and personnel. 
• Professional Manufacturing and Installation: The construction and installation of an air receiver are not DIY tasks. Professional manufacturing guarantees that the air receiver is designed and built for the safe storage of compressed air. This includes compliance with material and welding standards to prevent weak points in the structure. Similarly, professional installation ensures the air receiver is set up correctly, minimising the risk of failure during operation.
• UK Regulations: In the UK, the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR) dictate that air receivers must undergo regular inspections by a competent person to ensure their safety. This regulation aims to prevent harmful releases of stored pressure energy in the air receiver, which can occur if the vessel is not appropriately maintained.
• Moisture Management: The air entering the air receiver should be dry to prevent corrosion. Regular draining is necessary as water falls out of the air stream and collects in the air receiver, which could lead to rusting and failure. Installing desiccant or refrigerated dryers can significantly enhance the system’s moisture management.

Observing these safety considerations not only helps extend the lifespan of your air compressor installation but also ensures personnel safety and overall system efficiency.

Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

Air receivers are vital to reduce energy consumption and operational expenses in your air compressor system. By stabilising air pressure, air receivers enable compressors to operate within tighter pressure bands, reducing energy wastage associated with overpressurisation. Specifically, they help elongate the cycles of the air compressor used, which leads to tighter pressure bands. When the demand for air is high, the air receiver can supply air for short-term needs, preventing the compressor from cycling on and off frequently. Longer compressor cycles extend the life of your compressor, meaning fewer maintenance costs and breakdowns.

Another benefit is that the air receiver acts as a temporary storage for compressed air, managing the temperature of the air before it enters the system. This results in less strain on the air dryer since the air going through it is cooler and contains less moisture. This reduces the energy air dryers require, as cooler, less moisture-laden air is easier to process. So dry compressed air is ready to be used more efficiently, resulting in energy savings. 

Need An Air Receiver? Get Expert Help

Air receivers are vital in compressed air systems, providing substantial energy efficiency and cost savings. They ensure a steady supply of air, manage air temperature, and promote a longer lifespan for your installations. 

However, the choice of the right air receiver requires expert knowledge. This is where Control Gear, one of the top suppliers in the UK, comes in. Our specialists are ready to provide solutions tailored to fit your needs. Get the best performance from your air systems. 

Reach out to Control Gear now for expert advice and discover the optimal air receiver for your operation.

FAQ

What is the role of an air receiver in a compressed air system?

An air receiver is an integral part of any compressed air system, acting as a storage tank that provides compressed air at the necessary pressure. It helps to stabilise pressure fluctuations by buffering between the compressor and fluctuating pressure demands. The air receiver also reduces loading and unloading cycles, improving the efficiency and lifespan of the compressor.

How do I choose the right air receiver size for my system?

The size of the air receiver depends on several factors, including the system’s CFM output and demand fluctuations. As a general rule, allow for 3 – 4 gallons per CFM. Choosing the right size ensures the air receiver provides storage to meet air demands during peak periods without overloading the compressor. It is important to consider whether a tank-mounted option would suit your space and operational needs.

How often should an air receiver be drained?

An air receiver should be drained regularly to prevent moisture buildup, which can cause corrosion and reduce system efficiency. Moisture collects at the bottom of the air receiver, so proper draining ensures clean and dry compressed air is stored for use. Regular maintenance helps maintain air quality and extends the life of the air receiver and compressor.