2. Receiver tank

The air is compressed slowly in the compressor. But since the pneumatic system needs continuous supply of air, this compressed air has to be stored. The compressed air is stored in an air receiver as shown in Figure 6.1.2. The air receiver smoothens the pulsating flow from the compressor. It also helps the air to cool and condense the moisture present. The air receiver should be large enough to hold all the air delivered by the compressor. The pressure in the receiver is held higher than the system operating pressure to compensate pressure loss in the pipes. Also the large surface area of the receiver helps in dissipating the heat from the compressed air. Generally the size of receiver depends on,

• Delivery volume of compressor.
• Air consumption.
• Pipeline network
• Type and nature of on-off regulation
• Permissible pressure difference in the pipelines

Fig.6.1.2 Air receiver