In many compressed air systems, receiver tanks are an overlooked component. While compressors and end-use devices often get the most attention, a properly sized receiver tank can dramatically improve system performance, efficiency, and reliability—especially when operating compressed air devices such as those from EXAIR.

Understanding why receiver tanks are important and how to size them can help prevent pressure fluctuations, reduce compressor cycling, and ensure that air-powered devices like vortex tubes, air amplifiers, and air knives operate at their optimal performance.

What Is a Receiver Tank?

A receiver tank (also called an air receiver) is a storage vessel that holds compressed air before it is delivered to the system. It acts as a buffer between the compressor and the demand side of the system.

Think of it as a shock absorber for compressed air demand. When demand spikes suddenly, the receiver tank supplies stored air, so the compressor does not need to instantly ramp up.

Why Receiver Tanks Are Important

1. Stabilizing System Pressure

Many compressed air applications—especially precision devices like those from EXAIR—perform best when the supply pressure remains stable. Without a receiver tank, short bursts of demand can cause pressure drops that reduce device effectiveness.

2. Reducing Compressor Cycling

Frequent compressor starts and stops can:

• Increase energy consumption
• Increase wear on compressor components
• Reduce system reliability

Receiver tanks provide stored compressed air, allowing the compressor to run fewer but longer cycles, which improves efficiency.

Basic Receiver Tank Sizing

Receiver tanks are typically sized based on:

• Compressor output (CFM)
• System pressure range
• Allowable pressure drop
• Duration of air demand spikes

A commonly used rule of thumb:

3–5 gallons of receiver capacity per CFM of compressor output

Example:

Compressor output: 100 CFM

Recommended receiver tank:

• 300–500 gallons

However, for systems with intermittent high-flow devices like air knives or amplifiers, additional storage may be beneficial.

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Receiver Tank Calculation Example

A more precise calculation can be used when determining storage needed for peak demand.

Formula:$$V = \frac{T \times C \times P_a}{P_1 – P_2}$$V=P1​−P2​T×C×Pa​​

Where:

• V = receiver volume (cubic feet)
• T = time (minutes) air is needed
• C = air demand (SCFM)
• P₁ = maximum system pressure (psia)
• P₂ = minimum system pressure (psia)
• Pₐ = atmospheric pressure (14.7 psia)

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Example Scenario

An application uses:

• EXAIR Super Air Knife
• Air demand: 60 SCFM
• Peak usage duration: 30 seconds (0.5 minutes)
• System pressure drop allowed: 100 PSI → 90 PSI

Converted pressures:

• P₁ = 114.7 psia
• P₂ = 104.7 psia

Calculation:$$V = \frac{0.5 \times 60 \times 14.7}{114.7 – 104.7}$$V=114.7−104.70.5×60×14.7​ $$V = 44.1 \text{ cubic feet}$$V=44.1 cubic feet

Convert to gallons:$$44.1 \times 7.48 = 329 \text{ gallons}$$44.1×7.48=329 gallons

Recommended receiver tank: ~330 gallons

This ensures the air knife can run for 30 seconds without causing system pressure to drop below the acceptable range.

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Where to Install Receiver Tanks

Most systems benefit from two receiver tanks:

Primary Receiver

Located near the compressor.

Purpose:

• Reduce compressor cycling
• Provide bulk storage

Secondary Receiver

Located near high-demand equipment like:

• Air knife stations
• Blow off systems
• Cooling devices

This provides localized air storage for equipment like EXAIR compressed air products, preventing pressure drops across long piping runs.

Receiver tanks are one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to improve compressed air system performance. For facilities using high-performance compressed air products from EXAIR, a properly sized receiver tank ensures these devices operate at their maximum efficiency and effectiveness.

Jordan Shouse, CCASS

Application Engineer / Sales Operations Engineer

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