Air receivers are an integral and important part of any compressed air system. Typically they are sized at 6-10 times the flow rate of the system. So, if a compressor has a rating of 25 scfm at 100 psig, their receiver tank should be 150 cubic feet minimum. In a compressed air system, a receiver tank provides the following benefits:
- The receiver tank acts as a reservoir of compressed air for peak demands.
- The tank will help remove water from the system by allowing the air a chance to cool
- The tank minimizes pulsation in the system caused by a reciprocating compressor or a cyclic process downstream.
Much like a water reservoir provides water during times of drought and stores water during the wet times, an air receiver compensates for peak demand and helps balance the supply of the compressor with the demand of the system.
Receiver tanks are required by law to have a pressure relief valve and a pressure gauge. The relief valve should be set to 10% higher than the working pressure of the system.
It is also important to install a drain on the tank either manual or automatic, to remove water from the system. A coalescing filter and air dryer are best placed downstream of the receiver tank.
Great site! I would also say that system pressure control and energy efficiency are just as important. keep up the good work
www.airpowerequip.com
Posted by: pat becker | June 30, 2009 at 08:52 AM
Excellent blog, Dave.
If you care to send me press releases on your products, or give me permission, I'll be happy to post your info on my site with a link back to your URL or email address.
Cheers,
Bill
Posted by: Bill | June 24, 2008 at 08:39 PM