Wet Air Storage

Compression heats air to 150-200C. Aftercooler drops temperature condensing significant moisture. Wet receiver stores this moisture-laden air providing residence time for liquid water separation before air enters dryers. Term "wet" distinguishes from dry receiver after treatment.

Receiver Design

Horizontal or vertical pressure vessel with hot air inlet from aftercooler, moisture settling zone with automatic drain, air outlet to dryer, pressure relief valve, pressure gauge. Volume sized for compressor capacity and system demand.

Operating Pressure

Matches compressor discharge typically 100-200 psig. Design pressure per ASME codes provides safety margin. Operating temperature typically 30-50C after aftercooler though receiver rated higher if cooling fails.

Moisture Separation

Cooled air contains condensed water droplets. Receiver provides residence time for gravity separation. Water settles to bottom collecting at drain point. Simple settling more effective than trying to dry wet air directly.

Material Selection

Carbon steel construction suitable for compressed air with moisture. Internal surfaces exposed to wet conditions require proper material selection or coating. Drain system handles condensate containing compressor oil. External coating protects atmosphere.

Condensate Handling

Automatic drains activated by level or timer remove accumulated water and oil mixture. Condensate routes to oil-water separator for treatment before disposal. Regular drainage prevents liquid carryover damaging dryers.

Pulsation Dampening

Reciprocating compressor discharge contains pressure waves. Receiver volume dampens pulsations smoothing flow to downstream equipment. Protects dryer and piping from vibration and pressure cycling.

Applications

Industrial compressed air systems before desiccant or refrigerated dryers, instrument air compressor discharge, plant air distribution, and any compressed air requiring drying treatment.

Surge Capacity

Volume absorbs demand variations reducing compressor cycling. Provides buffer between compression and consumption. Larger vessels improve system stability and compressor efficiency.

Pressure Control

Compressor loading based on receiver pressure. Start-stop or modulation maintains pressure band. Proper settings balance compressor wear against pressure stability.

Dryer Protection

Removing bulk moisture before dryer extends desiccant life in adsorption dryers. Reduces load on refrigeration dryers. Pre-separation critical for dryer performance and longevity.

Performance Benefits

Provides essential surge capacity after compression. Removes bulk moisture protecting dryers. Dampens compressor pulsations. Reduces dryer operating costs. Simple proven air storage technology.

Construction Standards

Design per ASME Section VIII Division 1 with U-stamp. Relief valve sized for compressor capacity. Drain system adequate for condensate rates. Complete documentation with pressure vessel calculations.

ERGIL wet air receiver vessels provide reliable surge capacity and moisture separation in compressed air systems before drying equipment.