Pneumatic compressed air tank
The pneumatic compressed air tank , also known as the air tank , is an important link in the compressed air chain and can be found in almost all compression systems and in various commercial vehicles and trailers.
function
The compressed air tank fulfills several tasks in the compressed air network of a compression system. Its primary task is to store compressed air that is built up by the compressor. The stored compressed air should temporarily cover the consumption by the customers. This means that the compressor can be on standby for a longer period of time and the motor switches less often, which also protects it. In a compressed air network with piston compressors, due to the design of the compressor, a pulsating volume flow can occur, which can cause errors for some consumers. A compressed air tank smooths out these pressure fluctuations.
As a result of the compression, the moisture in the air precipitates as condensate. Most of the time, this condensate is carried away into the compressed air tank and remains there in the compressed air. Over time, the compressed air cools down as the air tank releases the heat into the environment. As a result, a large part of the condensate is deposited on the container walls and eventually collects on the bottom. From there it can be discharged through a drain valve (condensate separator). Irregular draining can cause corrosion damage in the container. Even slight corrosion damage can lead to a leak in an air tank. In the event of a leak, there is a risk that if the wall thickness around the leak is too small, the compressed air tank may burst if it is used under pressure. This means that the compressed air tank can suddenly tear open, creating a high force that turns the split-off parts of the compressed air tank into dangerous projectiles.
In the commercial vehicle sector, the compressed air tanks are installed in both the tractor unit and the trailer. Its task is to store compressed air (usually up to 120 liters capacity) and thus also to ensure all necessary braking functions, as well as the perfect operation of all auxiliary consumers. Compressed air tanks are available with different numbers of liters, lengths and diameters.
Manufacturing
They are made of aluminum or steel and then they are given a layer of corrosion protection on the outside and inside, so that they are protected against environmental influences on the one hand and protection against the condensate that occurs inside on the other. The two outwardly curved shells are welded onto the cylinder in the middle.
Aluminum air tanks are up to 60% lighter than steel air tanks. The condensate can be drained through an additional valve.
Cultivation
It can be installed horizontally or vertically, you just have to make sure that the drain valve is at the lowest point so that all of the condensate can be separated.
They are attached using a welded-on console that only needs to be screwed on, or using tensioning straps that hold the air tank together with the appropriate console on the trailer or vehicle. The tightening straps must never lie on the weld seams.
The tensioning straps must not be under tension, otherwise the air reservoir can be damaged. If they are attached too loosely, they could slip. It is also advisable to put a protection between the straps and the air tank.
As soon as dents are found in an air tank or rust is noticed, it is no longer TÜV tested and must be replaced.
Individual evidence
- ↑ Pneumatic compressed air tank. Retrieved November 30, 2017 .
- ↑ Pocket book for compressed air operation . 6th edition. Springer Berlin Heidelberg, Berlin, Heidelberg 1936, ISBN 3-662-36261-9 .