Receiver Purpose

Compressed air systems experience variable demand from equipment cycling. Receivers absorb flow variations preventing excessive compressor starts reducing wear and energy consumption. Provide backup air supply during brief compressor outages maintaining critical operations.

Vessel Configuration

Horizontal or vertical pressure vessel with compressed air inlet from compressor or dryer, outlet to distribution system, automatic drain removing condensate, pressure gauge, safety relief valve, isolation valves. Simple storage volume sized for application requirements.

Operating Pressure

Typical 100-200 psig matches industrial compressor discharge. Design pressure per ASME codes usually 25-50% above operating. Pressure regulators downstream reduce to equipment requirements typically 80-100 psig for tools, lower for instruments.

Capacity Sizing

Volume provides surge capacity reducing compressor cycling. Rule of thumb 1-5 gallons per scfm compressor capacity. Larger receivers better for reciprocating compressors with pulsating output. Application-specific calculation balances cost versus performance benefits.

Material Selection

Carbon steel construction per ASME Section VIII suitable for compressed air service. Internal surface exposed to moisture from compression. Drain system handles condensate. External coating protects against atmospheric corrosion.

Moisture Management

Compression process generates condensate from atmospheric humidity. Aftercoolers remove bulk moisture before receiver. Automatic drains at vessel bottom remove accumulated water preventing corrosion and downstream contamination. Daily to weekly drainage typical.

Pressure Control

Compressor loads and unloads based on receiver pressure. Start-stop control for smaller systems. Modulation or variable speed for larger installations. Control band typically 10-20 psi differential optimizing efficiency while meeting demand.

Applications

Manufacturing facilities for pneumatic tools and equipment, automotive shops, construction sites, food processing plants, textile mills, printing operations, and any industrial facility requiring compressed air utility.

System Integration

Receiver positioned after compressor and aftercooler, before drying equipment and distribution. Multiple receivers possible for large systems. Proper sizing and location optimize overall system performance.

Pulsation Dampening

Reciprocating compressors create pressure pulsations. Receiver volume dampens these waves protecting downstream piping and equipment from vibration fatigue. Particularly important for large reciprocating units.

Emergency Capacity

During compressor failures, receiver volume provides temporary air supply. Minutes of capacity enable safe equipment shutdown or switchover to backup compressor. Critical for facilities where air loss causes safety issues or production damage.

Performance Benefits

Reduces compressor cycling extending equipment life. Smooths pressure for consistent equipment operation. Provides emergency backup during outages. Removes moisture protecting downstream systems. Simple proven compressed air storage.

Construction Standards

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

ERGIL air receiver vessels provide essential compressed air storage stabilizing utility systems and extending compressor life in industrial facilities.