An air receiver is a vital component within a compressed air system. While its use is optional, it seriously hinders operational support when it is not used.
Let us break it down – what is an air receiver? It is a pressure vessel or air tank that receives and stores compressed air. As a buffer, the air receiver provides critical air storage and supplies air as needed. This is particularly important in systems with fluctuating air demand. Compressed air in the air tank can satisfy a short-term demand. It also reduces the number of air compressor loading and unloading cycles.
A properly integrated air receiver is crucial for industries with stringent and continuous air pressure requirements. Specific industries, such as automotive, food packaging, and healthcare, rely on air tanks to maintain air pressure and airflow using their stored capacity. They are also energy efficient, allowing compressors to avoid operating non-stop to meet air demand.
How Does an Air Receiver Work?
An air receiver stores compressed air between the compressor and the distribution system. It acts as a buffer when air demand fluctuates. Most Birmingham engineering firms use vertical receivers to save floor space, while horizontal models are common in Scottish workshops where ceiling height is limited.
The receiver can be installed before or after the air dryer. Wet receivers (before the dryer) collect condensate and cool the air. Most need draining twice daily in winter. Dry receivers store treated air and prevent pressure drops during peak usage. The Manchester printing industry typically uses both types to protect sensitive equipment.
A standard 500-litre receiver holds approximately 2.5 kg of air at 7 bar pressure. This allows short bursts of high consumption without the compressor starting unnecessarily. At the Jaguar plant in Coventry, receivers reduce compressor cycling by 35%, extending the service interval from 2,000 to 3,000 hours.
Receivers require annual insurance inspections under UK pressure vessel regulations. The small inspection plate near the bottom of the tank needs to remain accessible. Most maintenance teams paint their receivers blue, though this is a tradition rather than a requirement.
A properly sized receiver helps maintain steady pressure. For general workshop use, the rule of thumb is 5 litres of receiver volume per kW of compressor power. Small tanks lead to rapid pressure swings and increased wear on pressure switches and unloader valves.
Types of Air Receivers
Vertical Air Receivers
Vertical air receivers are quite common. They use less floor space compared to horizontal air receivers. Height limitation is a key consideration. Freestanding receivers also facilitate simpler water and condensate drainage.
Certain industries, including pharmaceuticals and food & beverage, often opt for vertical air receivers due to space-saving benefits and compliance with hygiene standards.
Horizontal Air Receivers
Horizontal air receivers require extra floor space, but they offer increased storage capacities. Height is usually not a cause for concern. Installation against a wall adds greater stability. Maintenance access is typically easier for horizontal setups.
While drainage is a little more involved, accessing any part of the air receiver equipment for maintenance is less problematic.
Special-Use Air Receivers
Special-use air receivers are made from stainless or galvanised steel instead of standard steel. This makes them ideal for applications requiring high air purity.
Industries such as healthcare, food and beverage production, and pharmaceuticals benefit from special-use air receivers to avoid contaminants and other impurities creeping into supplies. These are often designed to meet specific regulatory standards, including ISO 8573-1 Class 0 certification for oil-free air.
Why Use an Air Receiver?
Increased Storage Capacity
Sometimes referred to as air reservoirs, tanks store reserves of air to support unexpected demand spikes and busier work shifts. When the air compressor is off or being serviced, the air receiver feeds pressurised air to where it’s required. As a result, plants and other facilities remain operational. Alternatively, the extra air storage helps meet peak demand beyond the compressor’s maximum output.
Air tanks store reserves of air to support unexpected demand spikes and busier work shifts. When the air compressor is off or being serviced, the air receiver feeds pressurised air to where it’s required. This ensures uninterrupted operations and minimises downtime.
Energy Efficiency
An air receiver prevents the compressor from performing excessive start/stop cycles, reducing wear and substantially cutting energy usage. A well-sized receiver reduces energy consumption significantly, contributing to lower operational costs.
Pressure Stabilisation
A compressed air system benefits from the inclusion of an air tank. It keeps pressurised air at a more consistent pressure level for delivery where it is needed. As a result, pressure drops are better managed and do not cause disruption.
Pressure gauges accurately measure pressure levels. Compressed air is then supplied at the right pressurisation to meet all operational requirements.
System Longevity
Fewer load cycles reduce wear and tear on compressors. As a result, their lifespan is extended.
Condensate may collect inside the receiver rather than the compressor. This supports a longer life for the compressor. Meanwhile, condensate is removed and processed. Moisture build-up inside the air receiver is alleviated using drains to prevent internal corrosion.
Sizing an Air Receiver
An appropriately sized air receiver is determined based on the compressor’s pressure, flow rate, and air needs. Oversized air receivers waste energy and are expensive. Undersized receivers cause additional compressor cycling, are less efficient, and can cause pressure drops.
Changes in air demand from peak to trough, air pressure requirements, and compressor size are important factors. As a rule of thumb, one cubic foot per minute of flow requires one gallon of air storage capacity.
Industry recommendations suggest a general sizing rule: one cubic foot per minute (CFM) of compressor flow requires one gallon of air storage capacity. However, adjustments may be needed based on specific applications and variability in air demand.
J LL Leach has created air system plans for our customers for decades. Let us plan, supply, and install your next compressed air system.
Safety and Compliance for Air Receivers
Air receivers store compressed air under pressure. UK law requires them to comply with Pressure Systems Safety Regulations (PSSR 2000). Most facilities in the Midlands schedule statutory inspections every 26 months through their insurance provider.
Each receiver needs basic safety equipment. This includes a pressure gauge (typically mounted at eye level), a safety relief valve set at 10% above working pressure, and a drain valve. The drain valve at JCB’s Uttoxeter plant requires daily opening during winter to remove collected water.
Regular inspection prevents problems. Corrosion commonly occurs around the bottom drain fitting where condensate collects. HSE inspectors in Leeds report this as the most frequent defect during site visits. Internal inspections often reveal rust scale that can block downstream pipework.
Air receivers must meet specific standards. Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) compliance is shown by a CE or UKCA mark on the manufacturer’s plate. Most UK factories use receivers rated for 11 bar working pressure, with typical operating pressures of 7–8 bar.
Correct sizing matters for system operation. At Cadbury’s Birmingham factory, 2,000-litre receivers serve each production line to buffer demand fluctuations. Engineers calculate the capacity needed based on 6–10 litres per m³/min of compressor output.
Written schemes of examination must be kept on site. These A4 documents typically sit in a plastic folder near the compressor for easy access during HSE visits. The document includes receiver dimensions, safe working limits, and inspection history.
Maintenance Tips for Air Receivers
Here are some basic maintenance tips for air receivers:
Moisture drainage: ensure collected moisture drains successfully to avoid metal corrosion.
Condensate management: collected condensate also needs draining. It may no longer collect inside the compressor as the air tank will take over this duty.
Manage pressure levels: check that air tank pressure meets system requirements.
Safety checks: regularly check the functioning of the pressure release valve. This ensures the air tank can release excess air pressure beyond tank capacity.
Use a maintenance schedule: keep to a professionally managed maintenance plan. In a pinch, use the manufacturer’s guidelines. Safety violations and system degradation can occur when air equipment is improperly maintained.
Advanced systems with automated condensate drains and pressure management sensors can further enhance maintenance efficiency.
Talk with our air receiver experts at J LL Leach for other maintenance suggestions.
Common Applications of Air Receivers
Below are some industries that rely on air receivers:
Energy – Petrochemical and oil refineries use compressed air for air-fed equipment.
Automotive – Tyre air pumps, paint sprayers, and vehicle lifts require pressured air.
Pharmaceutical – Compressed air is used to fill drug capsules and for safe packaging.
Food & Beverage – Air receivers made from stainless steel hold compressed air in a food-safe manner.
General Manufacturing – Plant machinery and pneumatic equipment need compressed air to operate.
Regulations and Certifications
As touched on earlier, air receivers must meet UK safety regulations. Investing in high-quality air tanks is the only sensible approach. Doing so avoids unnecessary dangers and potential legal issues.
Air receivers must meet safety regulations, be fully certified, and be tested regularly. These mandatory tests confirm that the air tank has not degraded, retains structural integrity, holds pressure levels, and does not leak.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Air Receiver
Air receivers store compressed air for when it is required. It is important to get the right-sized air tank because it must meet system pressure and air demand and satisfy all future requirements.
An appropriately sized, fully certified air receiver reduces air compressor wear, extends its life, and lowers operational expenses. Safety is also a factor. Professional advice is required to obtain the most appropriate air receiver for your air system.
Please get in touch today so our team of experts can assist you.
Contact our team today for expert guidance on selecting, installing, and maintaining the ideal air receiver for your application.
FAQ
What does an air receiver do in a compressed air system?
An air receiver stores compressed air between the compressor and distribution pipework. It provides a buffer when demand changes. At Rolls-Royce’s Derby plant, receivers stabilise the system during shift changes when demand drops suddenly. They also collect condensate and cool the air.
This reduces maintenance on downstream equipment such as filters and air tools. Most workshops in Sheffield use vertical receivers to save floor space.
Is an air receiver necessary for my air compressor installation?
Air receivers aren’t always required but help in most industrial setups. They reduce pressure fluctuations and even out demand spikes. A compressor without a receiver will cycle on and off more frequently.
At Smith’s Crisps in Leicester, this led to increased wear on starter contactors that needed replacing every 8 months. Fixed speed and variable speed compressors both benefit from receivers. A common rule of thumb in West Midlands factories is 10 litres of receiver volume per kilowatt of compressor power.
How often should air receivers be inspected for safety?
UK law requires formal written examinations under PSSR. Most insurance companies who perform these inspections work on a 26-month schedule. Daily checks should include the pressure gauge (typically mounted at eye level) and safety valve.
The drain valve needs opening at least once per day in Manchester workshops due to high humidity levels. Larger sites keep a log book where operators initial each day’s drainage. The examination certificate must be kept available—many shops store it in a plastic sleeve bolted to the receiver itself.
