To increase the efficiency of work using compressed air, the vast majority of compressor units use receivers - tanks for storing air under the required pressure. Receivers of 50, 100 liters and even more can be used depending on the intensity of work.

What is a receiver in a compressor for?

The compressor receiver performs several important functions:

1. It stabilizes the air pressure that is supplied to the working area (differences in pressure values ​​are inevitable, since a single operation cycle of any compressor assumes a suction phase and an air discharge phase).
2. Provide the supply of compressed air for some time in case of interruptions in the operation of the compressor, or when an additional consumer is connected to it.
3. Cleaning the air from the accumulating condensate, since the increased humidity of the air, which increases with an increase in its pressure, leads to intensive corrosion of the steel parts of the compressor.
4. The accumulation of compressed air in the receiver for the compressor leads to a subsequent decrease in the total vibrations in the system, which, in turn, reduces the overall noise level and reduces the level of loads on the base of stationary units.

When performing work related to the production of compressed air in especially large quantities, the standard receiver may not be enough. For example, when sandblasting surfaces with a large area, in order not to purchase a more powerful compressor, an additional receiver is often used.

The presence of the receiver, in addition, allows the compressor to be used periodically, i.e., to reduce its consumption of electrical energy.

Structurally, the receiver for the compressor is a sealed tank with a certain capacity. For mobile compressors, receivers up to 50 ... 100 liters are used, for stationary ones - up to 500 ... 1000 liters. It is supplied with air-cleaning filters, condensate drains and shut-off valves for connection to the main unit and to a working device that consumes compressed air - a nozzle, a spray gun, etc.

The tank is made of steel, made of corrosion-resistant steels of the 10KhSND or 16GA2F type. In exceptional cases, for compressors of especially low power, the receivers can be plastic or even high-strength rubber.

The arrangement of receivers can be horizontal or vertical. The first is used in mobile units, the second - in stationary ones. Each variety has its own advantages and disadvantages. In particular, in vertical receivers it is easier to drain condensate, but horizontal receivers are more compact and require shorter pipelines.

How to choose the optimal receiver parameters?

In addition to capacity, the receiver for the compressor is also characterized by:

1. Limit values ​​of air humidity.
2. Operating conditions (allowable difference in external ambient temperatures -15 ... + 40 ° C and relative humidity no more than 75 ... 80%).
3. Requirements for the installation site (away from heat sources, combustible and explosive materials, as well as in an atmosphere contaminated with mechanical particles - for example, near circular saws).

The requirements of PB 03-576-03 (rules for the design and safe operation of pressure vessels) also prohibit the operation of receivers that have not passed the verification of the operability of the tank walls, as well as those with external surface defects - cracks, dents, traces of atmospheric corrosion.

The choice of characteristics of the receiver for the compressor is made as follows. The required compressed air consumption, duration of its consumption, minimum and maximum pressure values ​​are set. Further, using the standard tables of online calculation (for example, //www.kaeser.ru/Online_Services/Toolbox/Air_receiver_sizes/default.asp) determine the required parameter. For example, with the initial data of the air flow rate of 0.1 m 3 / min, the duration of the peak load during operation for 5 minutes, the permissible pressure drop of at least / maximum 3/4 atm, the optimal volume of the receiver tank will be 500 liters.

This method is focused on the time it takes to completely empty the receiver. There is also a simplified, tabular methodology that correlates the volume of the receiver with the power consumption of the compressor. The ratios used in practice are as follows:

• For a compressor with a capacity of up to 5 kW - up to 100 liters;
• For a compressor with a capacity of up to 10 kW - up to 300 liters;
• For a compressor with a capacity of up to 20 kW - up to 550 hp.

It is recommended to obtain intermediate values ​​by interpolation. There are also experimental dependencies. For example, the capacity of the receiver tank cannot be less than the compressor capacity for 8 seconds of its continuous operation. In particular, with a compressor air consumption of 400 l / min, the volume of the tank will be at least:

V = (400 × 8) / 60 = 53.33 (L)

Additional receiver for the compressor with your own hands

A number of jobs in the household or in a small workshop require an increased consumption of compressed air, which a conventional household compressor cannot cope with. One of the solutions is to install an additional receiver for the compressor. Such a device can be purchased (the price of the issue, depending on the volume, is 12,000 ... 15,000 rubles), or you can make it yourself. Moreover, most of the offered models of receivers are focused on standard compressors, which explains the high price for them.

Depending on the estimated volume (it is easier to connect an additional receiver in series to the main one), a liquefied gas cylinder or a fire extinguisher body can be adapted for manufacturing.

A cylinder for a homemade receiver is first cleaned of gas residues. For this, the inlet valve must be removed (the use of a power tool is unacceptable, since gas residues may remain in the cylinder). Further, the container is filled with water and settles for a day. After that, tubular splitters for hoses can be welded into the cylinder, although threaded plugs with reliable gaskets can also be provided. The reservoir is painted with weather-resistant paint.

A manometer can be installed in the finished receiver, and a condensate drain can be installed in the bottom of the cylinder. The size of the condensate drain must be matched to the compressor capacity, its working pressure and the size of the connecting thread. Prices for steam traps - within 2500 ... 3000 rubles.

The finished additional receiver, mounted for stability on a tripod welded from a steel bar, looks like the one shown in the photo.

When using the considered device, the following must be taken into account:

• Installation of a condensate drain on an additional receiver is required;
• Before loading, it is necessary to check the compressor motor for the possibility of its operation with an additional receiver. To do this, the compressor drive is turned on at idle speed, and the actual parameter difference is checked with the help of a flow meter during a long (more than 20 min) switch-on. If the pressure does not fall below the minimum set, then an additional receiver can be operated;
• If the pressure drops, you will have to reduce the desired turn-on duration from the standard 75 ... 80% to 50 ... 60% (at lower values, it is impractical to use a homemade receiver).

As strange as it may seem, a receiver from a gas cylinder is a popular and important thing for many people. Directly the receiver should be a certain container, which was originally created for storing gases or liquids under pressure in it. The receiver cannot be made from plastic containers! An excellent and only correct option, as well as completely safe, is a receiver from a 50 liter gas cylinder, since the container itself is capable of withstanding heavy loads.

How to make a receiver from a gas cylinder

In order for the work to proceed correctly and the final product to be completely safe in operation, it is very important to know, before starting work, how to make a receiver from a gas cylinder. The first thing that is required is to directly prepare the container, tools and stock up on time, since it may take several hours to manufacture the receiver according to all the rules.

The pressure switch is an important element as it will regulate it in the finished unit. Also among the spare parts there should be a pressure gauge designed for 10 atm. A gas cylinder has been used as a receiver for more than a year, so on the Internet you can find many detailed plans and drawings for its creation, if there is no experience in such work yet.

When all the tools are assembled, the next stage begins - assembly, namely, carpentry work. First of all, it is necessary to prepare the cylinder, unscrew or cut off the valve to reduce the pressure inside, then rinse with water in large quantities to remove the remnants of the contents from the walls. Thus, the future receiver from a gas cylinder is ready for further work. After the cylinder is prepared, you will need to find a wooden base; if there is nothing else, ordinary chipboard will do. After that, you will need to weld two legs to the cylinder, just for the subsequent convenient attachment of the cylinder to the prepared wooden base.

In order to create a receiver from a gas cylinder with your own hands, you will need to clean the old paint in order to clean up the rust, if any, since it worsens the condition of the cylinder, and therefore its reliability. Assembling and debugging the structure as a whole can take several days, so it is best to immediately see what the finished receiver looks like from a gas cylinder, the photo can also be found on the network.

It is important to note that if everything is done according to the rules, then it will take more time not to manufacture the receiver, but to find the parts and components necessary for operation. It is necessary to purchase such parts and assemblies as a check valve, an electrical contact relay and a pressure regulator, preferably with a water trap and a filter. A well-assembled receiver for a compressor from a gas cylinder will serve for a long time and will not cause concern to the owner.

A check valve is a necessary thing, as it allows the motor to start quietly and smoothly even with high pressure inside the system. If it is not installed, then the structure will simply hum and not start. This behavior can cause overheating of the entire structure, so it is important to pay special attention to this. An electrical contact relay allows you not to experience problems with turning the unit on and off when certain air pressure values ​​are reached, a pressure regulator with a water sump, as well as a built-in filter and pressure gauge, allows you to set the desired operating pressure and not worry about the purity of the available air flow.

Thus, a receiver from a gas cylinder will require special knowledge and skills from a person, but it will ensure the uninterrupted operation of the unit, provided that it is assembled in accordance with safety standards and requirements. If your own knowledge is not enough or there are doubts, it is better to choose a good training video, or consult with a specialist to avoid trouble in the process of using an unreliable design. Attention to detail is the key to success, this truth is also true in relation to the receiver and should be carried out especially carefully.

It is not necessary to buy a compressor for painting or pumping up wheels - you can make it yourself from used parts and assemblies taken from old equipment. We will tell you about structures that are assembled from scrap materials.

In order to make a compressor from used parts and assemblies, you need to prepare well: study the diagram, find on the farm or buy some parts. Let's consider several possible options for self-construction of an air compressor.

Air compressor from refrigerator parts and fire extinguisher

This unit works almost silently. Consider a diagram of the future design and make a list of the necessary units and parts.

1 - a tube for filling oil; 2 - starting relay; 3 - compressor; 4 - copper tubes; 5 - hoses; 6 - diesel filter; 7 - gasoline filter; 8 - air inlet; 9 - pressure switch; 10 - crosspiece; 11 - safety valve; 12 - tee; 13 - receiver from a fire extinguisher; 14 - pressure reducer with a manometer; 15 - moisture oil trap; 16 - wall inlet

Required parts, materials and tools

The main elements are: a motor-compressor from a refrigerator (better than made in the USSR) and a fire extinguisher cylinder, which will be used as a receiver. If they are not available, then a compressor from an inoperative refrigerator can be looked for in repair shops or at metal collection points. A fire extinguisher can be purchased on the secondary market or attracted to the search for acquaintances at work who may have decommissioned OHP, ORP, OU for 10 liters. The fire extinguisher cylinder must be emptied safely.

In addition, you will need:

• pressure gauge (as for a pump, water heater);
• diesel filter;
• filter for a gasoline engine;
• pressure switch;
• electric toggle switch;
• pressure regulator (reducer) with a pressure gauge;
• reinforced hose;
• water taps, tees, adapters, fittings + clamps, hardware;
• materials for creating a frame - metal or wood + furniture wheels;
• safety valve (to relieve excess pressure);
• self-locking pneumatic inlet (for connecting, for example, to an airbrush).

Another viable receiver came from a tubeless car wheel. Extremely budgetary, although not very powerful model.

Receiver from wheel

We invite you to watch a video about this experience from the author of the design.

A compressor is an irreplaceable thing in the household, in the country. This is especially true for those who have their own workshop and love tinkering or doing airbrushing. Of course, you can go and buy this unit on the market, but often its price is quite high, which makes it difficult to buy. But, of course, there is a way out - to make a compressor with your own hands.

You don't need much for this, although you will have to buy something. Many probably have an old refrigerator that does not fit into the interior. While still in working order, he goes to the dacha, where he stands and rusts, or to the trash heap. So, his compressor will be the main part of the future installation. An ordinary old fire extinguisher or a small gas cylinder that has served its life is suitable as a receiver - this is not such a problem, since almost everything is gasified almost everywhere. In a specialized store, you will need to purchase adapters, relays pressure, pressure regulator with pressure gauge, air filter and water separator filter.

Installation does not involve complex work.

If a compressor, made by hand from scrap materials, assumes a receiver from gas cylinder, then it is necessary to remove the remaining propane. To do this, open the valve, put the bottle upside down, then fill it with water and turn it over again. After that, the procedure with water must be repeated, but leave the tank in its normal position - let the remaining gas escape. Then you need to make outlets on the receiver: this is done by conventional drilling and tapping in fittings and adapters. A self-assembled compressor assumes hose connections (oxygen, high pressure). The outlet at the end of the receiver is being finalized - a pressure gauge is installed, and in it is an outlet to the working hose. In addition, the receiver must be equipped with an upper platform if the engine itself is on top. Such a hand-made compressor will take up less space. And the installed wheels will give it maneuverability.

How the compressor works

The principle of its operation is simple. Its main part is the engine, thanks to which air is pumped into the receiver. The receiver, in turn, is equipped with a valve that prevents it from escaping. This creates air pressure. The compressor is equipped with a sensor that prevents overpressure in the receiver, and the relay automatically turns off the engine. This helps to avoid an explosion and, therefore, not only damage to the mechanism, but also harm to human health. According to this design, you can make various compressors, it all depends on the capabilities and ingenuity: the larger the receiver, the more power the engine requires. Compressors from refrigerators, if they are paired, are capable of working with a gas cylinder with a capacity of 50 liters and a pressure of up to 16 atmospheres.

How to connect the compressor to the network?

The electrical part consists of such parts as a starter, a trip relay, a terminal block for connecting wires. Power is supplied from a regular network, which allows the compressor to be used in any place where there is a regular outlet.