Compressed Air Receivers

When demand is high, compressed air receivers help safeguard your compressed air supply.

Acts as a buffer storage tank to supply compressed air during periods of peak demand
Helps stabilise system pressure for more consistent equipment performance
Improves compressor efficiency by reducing excessive start/stop cycles
Supports a more reliable and energy-efficient compressed air system

Air Receivers

Compressed air receivers — also known as air compressor tanks or compressed air tanks — are essential components of any compressed air system. Their primary role is to act as a temporary storage vessel for compressed air, holding it until it is required by the system.

The stored air provides a valuable buffer when demand on the system increases, ensuring there is always sufficient compressed air available to maintain efficient operation. For example, when air tools or equipment are used, the compressed air is drawn directly from the receiver rather than immediately from the compressor.

When demand reduces, the compressor then refills the receiver tank, storing compressed air ready for the next period of use. This process helps stabilise system pressure, improve efficiency and reduce unnecessary compressor cycling.

BENEFITS OF A

COMPRESSED AIR RECEIVER

Piston compressors offer a number of benefits that make them a popular choice for many businesses and workshops:

Pressure Stabilization

Stabilizes pressure peaks and provides a stable airflow.

Storage

Acts as temporary storage to help handle high air consumption.

Pulsation Reduction

Reduces fatigue on pipework and other components by acting as a pulsation dampening device.

Velocity Reduction

The higher the velocity of the gas has a direct negative impact on the pressure that can be achieved.

Temperature Reduction

Acts as a secondary heat exchanger.

Condensate Separation

Condensate is caused when the water vapour within a compressed air system cools and returns to a liquid state. The receiver acts as a cooling device to achieve this.

What Size Air Receiver Do I Need?

Choosing the correct size air receiver is important for maintaining a stable and efficient compressed air system. The receiver tank acts as a buffer between your compressor and the demand from tools or equipment, helping to smooth pressure fluctuations and provide stored air during short periods of high demand.

As a general guideline, a compressed air receiver should typically provide between 6–10 litres of storage per litre per second of compressor output, or roughly 3–5 gallons of storage per CFM of compressor capacity. This ensures there is enough stored air to stabilise pressure and prevent the compressor from constantly cycling on and off.

For example:

10 CFM compressor → 30–50 gallon receiver
20 CFM compressor → 60–100 gallon receiver
50 CFM compressor → 150–250 gallon receiver
100 CFM compressor → 300–500 gallon receiver

However, the ideal receiver size can also depend on factors such as:

Peak air demand from equipment
Length and layout of pipework
Pressure stability requirements
Whether additional storage is needed for process equipment

In larger systems, multiple receivers may be installed to provide additional storage and improve overall system performance.

If you're unsure what size air receiver your system requires, the team at Airmatic Compressors can assess your compressed air system and recommend the most suitable solution.

Vertical vs Horizontal Air Receivers

Airmatic Compressors can supply and install both vertical and horizontal air receivers. While both perform the same function within a compressed air system, the most suitable option will often depend on the available space at your site.

Vertical air receivers are typically the preferred option where floor space is available and there is sufficient roof height. Their upright design allows them to make better use of vertical space while maintaining a relatively small footprint.

Horizontal air receivers, on the other hand, are often chosen where ceiling height is limited or where the installation needs to fit beneath pipework, platforms or existing equipment. Their lower profile makes them well suited to sites where vertical clearance is restricted.

Selecting the right configuration helps ensure the receiver fits seamlessly into your compressor installation while making the most efficient use of the space available.