The air pressure tank is one of the basic elements of the compressed air network. From the article you will learn what features a compressor tank should have and whether it is needed in your company.
Air pressure tank - what is it and what is it used for?
A compressed air tank is a commonly used element in compressed air systems. It is used to store compressed gas produced by the compressor. Pressure tanks are indispensable in all systems where air intake is uneven or varied. They allow you to maintain the correct pressure in the network.
Compressor tanks are available in vertical and horizontal versions. The location of the tank does not affect its operation, but at the same time it may be of great importance to the user due to ergonomics - a vertical tank requires less space for location. In companies where there is a small and medium demand for compressed air - e.g. in car or paint workshops, 200 l pressure tanks or 500 l air tanks will work well. In large industrial plants, it is recommended to install larger 1000 l pressure tanks, or even those that provide over 15m3 of capacity.
As we have already indicated, the use of a compressor tank is crucial for the proper and efficient operation of the compressed air installation. In addition to maintaining the required system pressure provided by the accumulated compressed gas, the use of a compressed air tank allows you to reduce pressure pulsation in the compressed air system. It also has a positive effect on stabilizing the operation of compressors. At the same time, it helps to cool the temperature of the compressed air and allows the separation of condensate from the compressed gas.
Where compressor tanks are used
Air tanks are used in every industry where the use of compressed gases is required. They are commonly installed in small, medium and large production and service plants. A free-standing compressed air tank is usually installed in installations located in large production plants. In smaller service plants, the compressor tank is usually mounted directly next to the compressor (compressor on the tank). They are used in mechanical, paint and car workshops, as well as in carpentry and upholstery workshops. In fact, it is difficult to find a branch in industry where compressed gases are not used as an energy transfer medium.
How the compressor tank is constructed
The air pressure tank must be a device that ensures full safety of use, hence the technical parameters ensuring its tightness and durability are important. Compressor tanks are most often made of carbon or acid-resistant steel. They must have strong welds made in accordance with European Union quality standards. The tubular shape with oval bottoms ensures even pressure distribution inside. After connection, each air tank must be reported to the Office of Technical Inspection in order to obtain a decision - a permit for its operation.
The compressed air tank must have a safety valve that allows you to limit the pressure. Another piece of equipment used when operating compressor tanks is a condensate drain that allows the water-oil mixture to be drained from the tank.
How to choose an air tank for a compressed air system
When choosing a tank for a compressor, you should consider several parameters. The first is the volume, which should be adapted to the needs of a specific plant in terms of maintaining a specific pressure in the system. At the same time, the air tank must be adapted to the compressor's capacity, outlet pressure and frequency of compressed air use.
