Air Receiver Fittings and Safety Devices
(a) Four Fittings on an Air Receiver:
- Inlet Connection: This fitting allows compressed air from the compressor to enter the receiver for storage.
- Outlet Connection: This fitting allows compressed air to flow out of the receiver to supply downstream equipment.
- Drain Valve: This valve allows for manual or automatic draining of condensate (water) that accumulates at the bottom of the receiver due to moisture in the compressed air.
- Pressure Relief Valve: A safety device that automatically releases compressed air if the pressure within the receiver exceeds a preset safe limit.
(b) Description of Two Air Receiver Safety Devices:
- Pressure Relief Valve:
- Function: This valve acts as a last line of defense to prevent the air receiver from rupturing due to excessive pressure.
- Operation: The relief valve remains closed under normal operating pressure. If the pressure within the receiver rises above the set point due to a malfunctioning pressure regulator, compressor over-pressurization, or other issues, the valve opens. This allows compressed air to escape from the receiver until the pressure falls below the set point. The valve then automatically closes and seals again.
- Safety Relief Valve (Optional):
- Function: In some cases, an additional safety relief valve might be used alongside the pressure relief valve. This valve typically has a higher pressure rating than the pressure relief valve and serves as a backup safety measure.
- Operation: The safety relief valve functions similarly to the pressure relief valve. It remains closed under normal operation and opens automatically to release compressed air if the pressure exceeds its much higher set point. This additional layer of safety ensures the receiver doesn’t rupture even in case of a malfunctioning pressure relief valve.
Additional Note:
Some air receivers may have additional fittings depending on the specific application. These might include:
- Level Gauge: Provides a visual indication of the condensate level within the receiver.
- Temperature Gauge: Monitors the temperature of the compressed air within the receiver.
- Pressure Gauge: Indicates the air pressure within the receiver for monitoring purposes.
It’s crucial to maintain these safety devices and fittings properly to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the compressed air system.