Why Is a Tank Important When Using an Air Compressor?

Posted on: November 17, 2020

If you have a compressor of any size, you should be using a tank along with it. Air compressor tanks are more than accessories — they are practical additions to your system that provide immediate value for any size unit in any application.

The Value of Using an Air Compressor Tank

Equipping your air compressor with a suitable tank offers multiple advantages. They offer even more when installed and maintained by a trusted provider to ensure continued performance and lasting operation. However large your system is, using an air compressor tank will deliver capabilities that you start benefiting from right away:

  • Maintaining constant pressure: Air compressors use pistons to create pressurized air. The piston goes up to compress the air and comes down to release it. This cyclical operation delivers compressed air in pulses that can make working much more challenging than it needs to be. A tank dampens pulsation, providing a steady flow of compressed air at constant pressure. Uniform airflow makes it easier to work and reduces wear on your machine.
  • Storing compressed air: Air compressor tanks are air reservoirs, and they are available in a wide range of sizes to accommodate your needs. There are air compressor tanks suitable for use with virtually any compressor type, with models capable of holding as much volume as you need to keep your business moving. Having a reservoir helps you meet peak demand while ensuring enough supply for dependable and continuous air delivery.
  • Preventing unnecessary wear: Compressor motors activate automatically when the system senses a need for air. If you are running a system without a tank, your motor will work overtime to keep up with demand. Compressor tanks provide a simple goal for the system to reach, reducing cycles and preventing excessive loading or unloading of air into the system. You’ll also wind up saving on your energy costs since you’re powering up less often.
  • Removing condensation: Atmospheric air contains water in vapor form. Water vapors often contain trace amounts of impurities like dust and oil. When your system compresses the air, these vapors cool, turning into condensation that enters your system. As contaminants build, performance goes down, meaning that you will eventually have to replace your unit. Tanks will collect condensation into moisture traps you can quickly drain.

What Are Air Compressor Tanks Made Of?

In most cases, air compressor tanks are made from steel, with an exterior coating to prevent corrosion. Steel tanks are cost-effective, durable and can withstand tough environments, making them versatile enough for use in virtually any commercial or industrial application.

Find the Right Air Compressor Tank for Your System

To take advantage of the benefits that come with having an air compressor tank, contact Quincy Compressor. We have the experience and selection to pair you with an air compressor tank that meets all your requirements, or to help you add another tank to your air compressor for improved performance. For help over the phone, please call (251) 937-5900.