Daily and weekly checks
- Drain condensate at least daily on manual drains, or check that the automatic drain is working. Water left in a receiver corrodes the bottom and reduces its capacity.
- Check the pressure gauge reads normally and never above the design pressure on the nameplate.
- Look for leaks, dents, bulges and rust on the shell, welds and connections.
Safety valve
Every receiver needs a safety valve that can discharge the full output of the compressors feeding it, set at or below the receiver's design pressure. The valve must not be isolated from the receiver by a closed valve. Test-lift it periodically where its design allows, and have it re-tested or replaced at the interval required. Never adjust, plug or remove a safety valve to stop it lifting: find out why pressure is rising.
Photographs from Reddy Compressors' own fleet and workshop.
Periodic inspection
Receivers should be examined internally and externally by a competent person, and hydrostatically tested, at the intervals required by the factory and boiler rules that apply to your site and by your insurer. An inspection typically covers:
- Nameplate, design pressure and test certificate.
- Internal corrosion, especially at the bottom and around the drain.
- Wall thickness measurement at suspect areas.
- Welds, nozzles, supports and the inspection opening.
- Safety valve, gauge and drain condition and settings.
Keep a record of each inspection, the readings and the next due date.
When to replace a receiver
- Wall thickness below the minimum allowed for its pressure.
- Pitting or cracking that cannot be accepted by the inspector.
- No nameplate or traceable design data.
- Repairs by welding or drilling of unknown quality.
- The system pressure has been raised above its rating.
Old receivers without documents are a common risk on second-hand and long-running sites. If there is any doubt, take the receiver out of service until it is assessed.
Oil and condensate
Condensate from oil-lubricated compressors contains oil. Route it to an oil-water separator rather than the drain, and keep the receiver's drain line clear so it does not back up.
How we can help
Call +91 99590 60718 or +91 92468 88812, or email reddycompressors@gmail.com.