KAT-500L Air Receiver Tank

Every compressed air system needs a buffer between the compressor and the point of use. The KAT-500L Air Receiver Tank stores compressed air to dampen pressure pulsations, provide reserve capacity for peak demand, and allow moisture to condense and settle before the air reaches downstream equipment. At 500 liters with a 13 bar maximum working pressure, it is sized for small-to-medium industrial systems serving multiple machines or fluctuating demand patterns.

What Does an Air Receiver Tank Actually Do?

• Pressure Stabilization: Acts as a pneumatic buffer, absorbing the pulsations from reciprocating compressors and smoothing out pressure drops during sudden demand spikes. Without a receiver, every demand surge causes the compressor to load/unload rapidly, wasting energy and accelerating wear.
• Reserve Capacity: Stores compressed air during low-demand periods so it is available when needed. A 500L tank at 8 bar stores approximately 4,000 liters of free air — enough to sustain most systems through short peak events without triggering compressor start-up.
• Moisture Separation: As compressed air cools inside the tank, water vapor condenses and collects at the bottom, where it is removed by the integrated drain valve. This protects downstream filters, dryers, and equipment from liquid water carryover.
• Compressor Cycling Reduction: By providing stored air volume, the receiver reduces the number of start-stop cycles on the compressor motor, extending motor life and reducing electrical demand charges.

Construction and Material Quality

• Shell Material: Carbon steel (Q345R pressure vessel grade), formed by cold-rolling and automated submerged arc welding for consistent wall thickness and weld integrity
• Wall Thickness: 5.0 mm, calculated per ASME VIII Div.1 for 13 bar MAWP with appropriate corrosion allowance
• Internal Coating: Epoxy-based anti-corrosion lining protects against internal rust, extending service life and preventing iron oxide contamination of the air system
• External Finish: Powder-coated in industrial blue (RAL 5015), providing UV resistance and mechanical protection
• Orientation: Vertical design minimizes floor footprint (600 mm diameter × 1,850 mm height)

Safety Features and Certifications

Pressure vessels are safety-critical components — a failure can be catastrophic. The KAT-500L is designed and manufactured to international standards with multiple independent safety layers:

• ASME U-Stamp Certification: Design, materials, welding procedures, and quality control audited and certified per ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section VIII, Division 1
• Pressure Relief Valve: Spring-loaded safety valve set at 10% above MAWP (14.3 bar), certified to open fully and reseat properly. Included as standard — never operate without it.
• Pressure Gauge: 100 mm diameter glycerin-filled gauge (0–16 bar range) with isolation valve, mounted at eye level for easy reading
• Drain Valve: Manual ball valve (½" BSP) at the lowest point for daily condensate drainage; automatic drain option available
• Hydrostatic Test: Every tank pressure-tested to 1.5× MAWP (19.5 bar) at the factory before shipment, with test certificate included

Sizing Guide — Is 500L Right for Your System?

• Rule of thumb: Receiver volume should be 6–10 liters per m³/min of compressor capacity. The KAT-500L (500L) is ideal for compressors delivering 50–80 m³/min, or for smaller compressors with highly intermittent demand patterns.
• Reciprocating compressors: Benefit from larger receivers (10+ liters per m³/min) to dampen pulsation — consider 500L for compressors up to 50 m³/min.
• Multiple machine shops: If 3–5 machines operate simultaneously with staggered cycling, 500L provides sufficient buffer to prevent compressor hunting.
• Laser cutting systems: Typically require clean, dry air at stable pressure — 500L provides the buffer needed for rapid valve actuation without pressure droop.

Installation and Commissioning

The KAT-500L ships fully assembled with all connections pre-fitted: 1" BSP inlet/outlet, ½" BSP drain, and ¾" BSP ports for pressure gauge and safety valve. Installation requires a level concrete pad or steel stand (sold separately), connection to the compressor discharge via the inlet port, and routing of the outlet to the downstream air treatment train (filter → dryer → point of use). Allow 300 mm clearance above for safety valve servicing and 500 mm around the tank for inspection access.

Parameter	Value
Volume	500 L
Maximum Working Pressure	13 bar (188 psi)
Test Pressure	19.5 bar
Shell Material	Q345R carbon steel
Connection Size (In/Out)	1" BSP
Dimensions (D × H)	600 × 1,850 mm
Weight (empty)	120 kg
Certification	ASME VIII Div.1