Can two air compressors work at the same time and transmit air? Can we share one air tank?

In industrial production, it is feasible for two air compressors to share a gas tank when working at the same time, provided that specific conditions are met and safety regulations are paid attention to. The following professional analysis is conducted from three dimensions: feasibility, configuration requirements, potential risks and solutions:

1. Feasibility analysis
It has been verified through practice that the common air storage tank design can effectively reduce the fluctuations in air supply pressure when multiple air compressors jointly supply air. When multiple pneumatic equipment on the working surface is started at the same time, the large-capacity air storage tank can avoid instantaneous pressure drop and ensure that the moisture in the compressed air is fully separated from the lubricating oil, thus ensuring stable operation of the pneumatic equipment. This configuration is especially suitable for scenarios where continuous stable air supply is required, such as automated production lines or pneumatic tool cluster operations.

2. Configuration requirements

1. Capacity matching principle
   The volume of the air storage tank needs to be scientifically selected based on the air compressor displacement. The empirical formula shows that:

• When the exhaust volume of a single air compressor Q ≤ 6 m ³/min, the volume of the air storage tank V = 0.2Q;
• When 6 m ³/min <Q ≤ 30 m ³/min, V = 0.15Q;
• When Q> 30 m ³/min, V = 0.1Q.
  During actual selection, it is recommended to increase the volume by 20%-30% to cope with sudden gas demand. For example, when two air compressors with a displacement of 10 m ³/min are used together, it is recommended to configure an air storage tank with a volume of not less than 3 m ³.

2. Pressure matching requirements
   The design pressure of the air storage tank must be ≥ the maximum discharge pressure of the air compressor. If the rated exhaust pressure of the air compressor is 1.0MPa, the design pressure of the air storage tank should be 1.6MPa, and it should be equipped with safety accessories such as pressure gauges and safety valves. The opening pressure of the safety valve should be set to 1.05-1.1 times the design pressure and verified once a year.

3. Potential risks and solutions

1. Risk of vibration fatigue
   If the exhaust pipes of multiple air compressors use right-angle connections or reducers, lateral thrust may be generated due to airflow pulsation, resulting in fatigue cracking of the support legs of the air storage tank. Solutions include:

• Use flexible joints or metal hoses to connect pipes to absorb vibration energy;
• Add a buffer tank between the air compressor and the air storage tank to reduce airflow impact;
• Pipe layout avoids 90° sharp bends and adopts large radius bends for transition.

2. Risk of overpressure carbon deposition
   A three-level pressure protection mechanism needs to be established:

• Level 1 protection: The air compressor has a built-in pressure switch that automatically stops when the exhaust pressure reaches the rated value;
• Secondary protection: Install a pressure regulating valve on the inlet pipe of the gas storage tank to maintain stable pressure in the tank;
• Three-level protection: Bursting discs are installed on the top of the air storage tank to relieve pressure urgently in case of extreme overpressure.
  At the same time, the exhaust temperature needs to be controlled:
• The exhaust temperature of reciprocating air compressor should be ≤160℃;
• The exhaust temperature of screw air compressor should be ≤110℃;
• Check the pressure difference of the oil and gas separator every month, and replace the filter element when it exceeds 0.1MPa.

3. Water Quality Management Requirements
   An automatic drain valve needs to be installed at the bottom of the air storage tank, and it is recommended to automatically drain water every 2 hours. For use environments with high humidity, a pre-cold dryer should be installed at the outlet of the air compressor to control the pressure dew point of the compressed air at 2-10℃ to reduce the generation of condensed water in the tank.

4. Maintenance and management specifications

1. Daily inspection items:

• Observe whether the pressure gauge reading is within the normal range;
• Confirm that the lead seal of the safety valve is in good condition;
• Check the foundation of the air storage tank for settlement or cracking.

2. Regular testing requirements:

• Conduct a comprehensive inspection every 3 years, including wall thickness measurement, magnetic particle testing and air tightness test;
• Stress analysis is carried out every 2 years to ensure that the bearing capacity of pipe supports and hangers meets the requirements.

It is completely technically feasible for two air compressors to share an air storage tank, but the four principles of capacity matching, pressure matching, vibration control and safety protection must be strictly followed. Through scientific configuration and standardized maintenance, the stability of the gas supply system can be significantly improved, the service life of equipment can be extended, and energy consumption can be reduced by 15%-20%.