Air receivers, commonly referred to as vessels or tanks are used to store compressed air before it enters into the piping system and or equipment. In simpler terms, air receivers act as a buffer mechanism between the compressor and the fluctuating pressure caused by the changing demand.

An air receiver can be used to minimize pressure fluctuations that could have an impact on 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 which 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.

: 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, 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.

Using an air receiver can help reduce 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 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.