Compressed air systems play an important role in most manufacturing operations, but because of the significant energy required to compress and push the air, the air system must be as efficient as possible. Awareness and utilization of compressed air storage is good way to improve the reliability of your equipment and manufacturing efficiency at your plant. When used properly, compressed air storage can contribute to not only extensive savings on energy expenses, but also increased overall operating performance of your compressed air system by reducing the severity of the compressor’s duty cycle.
Aside from the air receiver tanks that we are used to seeing in the plant, it is important to know that in many cases, the compressed air piping itself plays a role in contributing to compressed air system stability… which ideally is a 1-2 psi pressure variance, but in the real world it is typically a 5psi variance. Below is the formula we use to calculate the volume of air that is stored in the main pipe header. The number derived from this calculation, when added to the volume of the receiver tanks located after the filters and dryers will give you a good idea on you compressed air system’s storage capacity.
By understanding a few fundamentals compressed air storage, you can greatly increase your potential to supply large amounts of flow at an increased rate, reduce the demand on your system and increase system pressure stability. Through that pressure stability…it may also reduce energy costs, by allowing you to turn off a compressor if necessary.
Request an easy to use receiver volume calculator by emailing info@airmaticcompressor.com