For Cost Effective Operation

High Pressure Air Storage Systems

Should an application require the use of storage, a properly sized air storage system offers many benefits to a high pressure compressed air system. Each high pressure compressed air application must be reviewed carefully to determine the best type and size of storage. By engineering the compressor and storage as a complete system, the cost of equipment and the operational and maintenance costs can be reduced.

The main purpose of a storage system is to serve as an air reservoir to handle constant, sudden or unusually high demands for air which can exceed the compressor’s capacity. Storage protects the compressor from the direct demands of the system and prevents short cycling of the compressor and motor. Thus, the compressor works consistently within a certain pressure range provided the compressor and storage system have been sized correctly for the application. Storage will also dampen or eliminate pressure pulsations from the compressor’s discharge line and from the system, thus protecting the compressor and the system from potential damage. Storage can precipitate some of the moisture from the compressed air that may be carried over from the compressor’s aftercooler or a defective separator or dryer.

The size of the storage system required for a particular application will depend upon:

A. Air consumption of the system
B. Capacity of the compressor
C. Deadband of the compressor’s final pressure switch

BAUER recommends that the compressor does not start more than 4 times per hour. Thus the compressor can operate long enough during each load cycle to allow it to attain normal working temperature. If the compressor is allowed to short cycle, moisture can precipitate out of the compressed air inside of the compressor and emulsify the oil.

Buffer storage can be sized by the following formula:

VR = 58 × (QC / ΔP)

where:

Multiple receivers can be used for applications that require a large volume of storage.

The chart summarizes the deadband of the compressor’s final pressure switch for the various pressure ranges covered by BAUER Industrial Compressors.

Air receivers for storage are available to meet the code requirements of either the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (A.S.M.E.) or the Department of Transportation (D.O.T.)

Consult BAUER for storage with multiple banks.

The chart below lists recommended water volumes for buffer storage with respect to compressor capacity, working pressure and the deadband of the final pressure switch.

					Compressor Capacity - SCFM
					10	20	30	40	50	60	70	80	90	100	150	200	250
					Storage Water Volume - SCF
	500		125	Calculated Volume	4.6	9.3	13.9	18.6	23.2	27.8	32.5	37.1	41.8	46.4	69.6	92.8	116.0
	1000		150	Calculated Volume	3.9	7.7	11.6	15.5	19.3	23.2	27.1	30.9	34.8	38.7	58.0	77.3	97.0
	5000		750	Calculated Volume	0.8	1.5	2.3	3.1	3.9	4.6	5.4	6.2	7.0	7.7	--	--	--
	6000		900	Calculated Volume	0.6	1.3	1.9	2.6	3.2	3.9	4.5	5.2	5.8	6.4	--	--	--

This chart is for reference only. Intermittent periods of high system demand may require additional storage volume. Consult BAUER to confirm your storage volume requirements.

Technical Data for Typical Air Receivers

Working Pressure PSIG	Water Volume SCF	Water Volume Gallons	Capacity @ max. Pressure SCF	Dimensions Ø - Length INCH	Weight LBS
All values are approximate and subject to change. Weight is for empty receiver.
ASME Receivers
500	9.8	73	345	18 - 72	450
500	17.4	130	610	24 - 72	650
500	32.1	240	1130	30 - 84	1250
500	53.5	400	1880	36 - 98	1975
500	86.9	650	3060	42 - 120	3750
1000	9.8	73	680	18 - 72	750
1000	32.1	240	2240	30 - 84	2380
Dimensions are for bare receiver only, excludes legs or skirt and saddle.
ASME Receivers
5000	1.47	11	436	9 9/16 - 54	400
6000	1.47	11	491	9 9/16 - 54	400
7000	1.47	11	537	9 9/16 - 54	400
Dimensions are for bare receiver only.
DOT Receivers
4500	1.59	11.9	444	9 5/16 - 55	145
5000	1.59	11.9	472	9 3/8 - 56	160
6000	1.53	11.4	509	9 9/32 - 55	190
Dimension includes shutoff valve.