What container does the buffer tank belong to?

Technical note on buffer tank container categories

As an important auxiliary equipment of the air compressor system, the buffer tank properties can be defined based on the following dimensions:

1. Definition of basic functions

Buffer tanks are closed containers used to balance gas pressure fluctuations and achieve energy buffering. In air compression systems, its core roles include:

1. Stabilize supply pressure: Absorb compressor exhaust pulsation through volume adjustment
2. Store compressed gas: Store energy during low gas consumption periods to meet peak demand
3. Reduce equipment starts and stops: Reduce the number of frequent compressor loads/unloads

2. Classification of container categories

According to the “Pressure Vessel Safety Technical Supervision Regulations” and the GB/T 150 “Pressure Vessels” standard, buffer tanks usually fall into the following categories:

1. Low pressure vessel category

• Design pressure range: 0.1MPa≤P<1.6MPa
• Volume specification: Commonly 0.3-5.0 cubic meters

2. Special Function Classification

• It can be divided into: pressure stabilizing buffer tank, gas storage buffer tank, and gas-liquid separation buffer tank
• According to the structure, it can be divided into: vertical buffer tank and horizontal buffer tank

3. Safety design requirements

As pressure-bearing equipment, buffer tanks must meet:

1. Calculation of shell wall thickness: determined based on design pressure, medium characteristics and corrosion allowance
2. Interface configuration standards: Air inlet/outlet ports, drain valves, and pressure gauge interfaces must comply with ANSI B16.5 flange standards
3. Inspection specification: Hydrostatic test is required after manufacturing is completed (test pressure is 1.5 times the design pressure)

4. Application scenario adaptation

1. Basic industrial system

• It is used with a single air compressor, and the volume is usually 1/5-1/3 of the compressor’s displacement.
• Installed between compressor and aftertreatment equipment

2. central gas supply

• As an energy buffer unit for a multi-machine parallel system
• Automatic drainage device and safety valve are required

V. Key points of maintenance and management

1. periodic inspection

• Inspect the tank welds and flange sealing surfaces every six months
• Check the tripping pressure of the safety valve every year

2. media management

• Drain condensate in a timely manner to prevent internal corrosion of the tank
• When the oil content of compressed air exceeds the standard, an oil-water separator needs to be added

The classification described in this description is applicable to conventional buffer tank equipment, and special working conditions (such as high pressure and corrosive media) need to be implemented in conjunction with special design specifications.