What kind of container is the buffer tank

Technical note on the buffer tank container category

as an important auxiliary equipment of the air compressor system, the container properties of the buffer tank can be defined according to the following dimensions:

1. Basic Function Definition

the buffer tank is a closed container used to balance the fluctuation of gas pressure and realize energy buffer. In the air compression system, its core role includes:

1. stable supply pressure: absorption of compressor discharge pulsation by volume adjustment
2. storing compressed gas: Storing energy to meet peak demand during periods of low gas consumption
3. reduce equipment start and stop: reduce the number of compressor frequent loading/unloading

classification of 2. containers

according to the Safety and Technical Supervision Regulations for Pressure Vessels and GB/T 150 Pressure Vessels, buffer tanks usually belong to the following categories:

1. category of low pressure vessel

• design pressure range: 0.1MPa ≤P< 1.6MPa
• volume specifications: common for 0.3-5.0 cubic meters

2. special function classification

• according to the purpose can be divided into: pressure buffer tank, gas storage buffer tank, gas-liquid separation buffer tank
• according to the structure can be divided into: vertical buffer tank, horizontal buffer tank

3. safety design requirements

as pressure equipment, the buffer tank shall meet the following requirements:

1. calculation of shell wall thickness: determined according to design pressure, medium characteristics and corrosion allowance
2. interface configuration standard: air inlet/outlet, drain valve and pressure gauge interface shall conform to ANSI B16.5 flange standard
3. inspection specification: hydraulic pressure test shall be carried out after manufacturing (the test pressure is 1.5 times of 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 displacement.
• Installed between compressor and aftertreatment equipment

2. centralized gas supply system

• as an energy buffer unit for multi-machine parallel systems
• to be equipped with automatic drainage device and safety valve

key points of 5. maintenance management

1. periodic inspection

• check the tank weld and flange sealing surface every six months
• check the tripping pressure of safety valve every year

2. media Management

• timely discharge of condensed water to prevent internal corrosion of the tank
• when the oil content of compressed air exceeds the standard, an oil-water separator shall be added.

The classification mentioned in this instruction is applicable to conventional buffer tank equipment, and special working conditions (such as high pressure and corrosive medium) shall be implemented in combination with special design specifications.