Air Receivers

Air Receivers

Air receivers are tanks used for compressed air storage and are recommended to be in all compressed air systems. Using air receivers of unsound or questionable construction can be very dangerous. Therefore, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) has developed a code regarding the construction of unfired pressure vessels, which has been incorporated into many federal, state, and local laws. This particular code is ASME Code Section VIII Division 1. Air receivers should always meet or exceed this code in addition to any other state, municipal, or insurance codes that may apply.

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How to size an air reciever tank.

The ASME also approves the receiver accessories. They are equipped with a safety valve, which is set at a pressure lower than the working pressure for which the air receiver was stamped and at a higher pressure than the operating pressure, to safeguard against excessive pressure. In addition, receivers have a drain valve to eliminate accumulated moisture. They also have pressure gauges, handholes or manholes, and a base for vertical air receivers. Standard receivers are designed for horizontal or vertical mounting.

Air receivers serve several important purposes:
  • Decrease wear and tear on the compression module, capacity control system and motor by reducing excessive compressor cycling.
  • Eliminate pulsations from the discharge line.
  • Separate some of the moisture, oil and solid particles that might be present from the air as it comes from the compressor or that may be carried over from the aftercooler.
  • Help reduce dew point and temperature spikes that follow regeneration.
  • Offer additional storage capacity made to compensate for surges in compressed air usage.
  • Contribute to reduced energy costs by minimizing electric demand charges associated with excessive starting of the compressor motor.
The benefit of extra storage capacity alone outweights the additional cost of this component.