Buffer Function

Reciprocating air compressors create pulsating discharge with pressure waves. Buffer vessel dampens pulsations smoothing flow to downstream equipment. Provides volume cushion absorbing demand variations reducing compressor start-stop cycling.

Moisture Separation

Compression heats air to 150-200C. Aftercooler drops temperature condensing significant moisture. Buffer vessel provides residence time for liquid water separation before air enters dryers. Simple gravity knockout removes bulk water protecting desiccant or refrigerated dryers.

Vessel Design

Horizontal or vertical pressure vessel with hot air inlet from aftercooler, moisture settling zone, automatic drain removing condensate, air outlet to dryer, pressure relief valve, pressure gauge. Simple construction focuses on volume and basic separation.

Operating Pressure

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

Pulsation Dampening

Reciprocating compressor discharge contains pressure waves at cylinder firing frequency. Vessel volume and acoustic properties attenuate pulsations protecting downstream piping, instruments, and equipment from vibration and fatigue.

Material Selection

Carbon steel construction suitable for compressed air with moisture. Internal surfaces exposed to wet conditions. Drain system handles condensate containing compressor oil and contaminants. External coating protects against atmospheric corrosion.

Condensate Handling

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

Applications

Industrial compressed air systems before desiccant dryers, refrigerated dryer feed buffering, instrument air compressor discharge, plant air distribution, and any compressed air application requiring surge capacity and initial moisture removal.

Capacity Sizing

Volume provides 1-5 minutes storage at operating pressure. Larger vessels reduce compressor cycling improving efficiency. Balance between capital cost and operational benefits. Application-specific calculation determines optimal size.

Pressure Control

Compressor loading and unloading based on vessel pressure. Start-stop or modulation control maintains pressure band. Proper settings minimize compressor wear while meeting air demand.

Performance Benefits

Dampens compressor pulsations protecting system. Removes bulk moisture before drying equipment. Provides surge capacity stabilizing pressure. Reduces compressor cycling extending equipment life. Simple proven technology.

Construction Standards

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

ERGIL wet compressed air buffer vessels provide essential surge capacity and moisture separation in compressed air systems after compression.