In a screw compressor setup, an air receiver is an indispensable component of the compressed air system. The air receiver serves on the one hand as a storage vessel for sudden (large) short-term air demands and on the other hand as a buffer to prevent frequent cycling of the compressor.

Large, short-term air demands include the brief use of large impact wrenches or, for example, cleaning filter cloths with a pulse of compressed air. However, an air receiver provides a very limited supply for large consumers. If the system pressure in the compressed air line is too low, it is often not the air receiver (storage) that is too small, but the compressor (supply).
The other function of an air receiver is to limit the number of start-stop cycles as much as possible. If a compressor is correctly selected, it will always supply more compressed air than is consumed. At the same time, it is detrimental for a compressor to start more than six times per hour. The difference between demand and supply is absorbed by the tank. With a correctly sized air receiver, the compressor can steadily reach its target pressure without having to restart immediately. As you will understand, a correctly chosen air receiver is also beneficial for the compressor’s energy consumption.

This function is less important if you have opted for a variable speed (frequency-controlled) compressor. This type of compressor regulates the amount of compressed air to be delivered itself. The operating pressure is entered on the compressor display, and the compressor maintains this pressure as long as it falls within its bandwidth. Therefore, an air receiver for a variable speed compressor is generally smaller compared to a conventionally switched compressor.