Product group 07
The compressor produces air, the tank manages it. The right volume keeps the compressor from cycling on unnecessarily and stabilizes pressure in the line.
Vertical compressed air tank · safety valve and condensate drain
Why it's needed
The tank isn't just storage; it's a balancing element that protects the compressor, dries the air and stabilizes pressure.
On a line without a tank, or with an undersized one, the compressor constantly loads and unloads. This cycle is what wears down the motor, contactor and lubrication system the most. Adequate volume extends run time and reduces the number of start cycles.
The tank steps in during sudden spikes in consumption. It provides the pressure stability that pneumatic equipment and automation components need to run reliably.
As compressed air cools, the moisture in it condenses. Since velocity drops inside the tank, water collects at the bottom and is drained; the load on the dryer decreases.
Oversizing the compressor for brief high-demand periods is expensive. A properly sized tank absorbs that peak; a smaller compressor becomes sufficient.
The pulsing flow at the compressor outlet strains fittings and connections if fed straight into the line. The tank absorbs that fluctuation.
An air tank is pressure equipment. It must have CE marking, PED compliance and a manufacturing file; there's also a periodic inspection obligation once in service.
Types
Selection is based on available floor space and where the air needs to go.
Takes up a small floor footprint, condensate collects at the bottom. The standard solution for compressor rooms.
For spaces with limited ceiling height. Some types can also have a compressor mounted on top.
Rust from the interior surface isn't acceptable in food, pharmaceutical and paint-shop lines. A coated or stainless body is required.
Selection criteria
Volume alone isn't enough; pressure class and fittings are part of the selection too.
Compressor capacity
Free air delivery. This is the starting point for the volume calculation; roughly three to four times the capacity in liters is a common baseline.
m³/min or l/min
Consumption profile
Continuous or intermittent? If there are sudden, high peaks, volume is selected based on the peak, not average consumption.
Continuous / peaking
Operating and design pressure
Based on line pressure and the safety valve setting. On an 8-bar line, an 11-bar design is typical.
bar
Layout and location
Vertical or horizontal, indoor or outdoor? Outdoor installation needs corrosion protection and freeze prevention.
Vertical / horizontal + location
Body finish and interior coating
Painted steel is standard; galvanized or stainless is used in food and pharmaceutical lines. The surface the air contacts is decisive.
Painted / galvanized / stainless
Condensate drain type
A manual valve is cheap but easily forgotten. An automatic level-controlled drain is far safer in operation.
Manual / automatic
Fittings list
Safety valve, pressure gauge, ball valve and drain. Safety valve capacity is selected based on the compressor.
Valve capacity + fittings
Installation clearance and doorway size
The tank's mounting location, service clearance and entry doorway width. A tank that doesn't fit is a common problem.
Layout + doorway size
You don't need all of it. We'll work out anything missing together with you.
Create a quote requestFAQ
The four questions we hear most often at the quote stage.
The common starting assumption is three to four times the compressor's free air delivery per minute, in liters. But that's just a starting point. If your consumption has short, high peaks, a tank sized to the average won't be enough at those moments. Share your consumption profile and we'll size the volume accordingly.
No — if anything, it eases the load on the compressor and helps with condensate separation. The practical limits are space, upfront cost and the tank's fill time. An oversized tank does extend initial start-up time. Generally, going one size up is a safer call than staying one size down.
An automatic condensate drain. There are level-controlled and timer-based types; the level-controlled type has a lower operating cost since it doesn't waste air. Given that accumulated water corrodes the tank bottom from the inside and can even carry rust into the air line, it's an investment that pays back quickly.
Yes. Compressed air tanks fall under pressure equipment; they need to be delivered with CE marking and a manufacturing file, and are subject to periodic inspection in service. The tanks we supply come with full documentation; the periodic inspection is the facility's responsibility.
Next step
Share your compressor capacity and consumption profile, and let's work out the right volume and fittings.