Calculation sequence
Step-by-step method
- Confirm the calculation boundary, units, and source of every input.
- Apply the displayed equation to the entered values.
- Review the result against governing criteria and documented uncertainty.
PlumbingIntermediateCompressed Air
Compressed-Air Receiver Duration Calculator
Estimate ideal receiver support time between two gauge pressures at a constant net standard demand.
Why it matters: A transparent formula keeps the user-entered hydraulic, gas, or storage basis available for technical review.
Calculated result
Engineering evaluation
Ideal receiver support time (t_r)163.265 min
- Usable standard-air volume (V_s)
- 136.054 ft³
Engineering interpretation
The ideal receiver pressure range supports the net standard demand for 163.2653 minutes.
Important limitations
- Ideal isothermal receiver screen only. Compressor response, heat transfer, control bands, pressure losses, receiver rating, safety relief, moisture, and demand variation are omitted.
Engineering knowledge center
Understand the calculation—not just the answer
Governing relationships
V_s=V(P_1−P_2)/P_atm
t_r=60V_s/Q_n
Current substitution
V_s=100×(100−80)/14.7=136.0544; t_r=163.2653 min.
Equation legend
Inputs and calculated quantities
- V
- Receiver volume — ft³ or m³
- P_1
- Initial gauge pressure — psig or kPag
- P_2
- Final gauge pressure — psig or kPag
- P_atm
- Atmospheric pressure — psi or kPa
- Q_n
- Net standard-air demand — scfm or m³/min
- t_r
- Ideal receiver support time — min
- V_s
- Usable standard-air volume — ft³
Applications
How this calculation is used
Building design
Screen a documented system relationship without embedding a protected design table.
Construction
Check submittal and field values using the same visible inputs.
Commissioning
Reconcile measured and scheduled conditions before professional disposition.
Quality controls
Assumptions and limitations
Assumptions
- Inputs describe one documented system boundary and compatible operating condition.
- All values use the displayed symbols and one consistent unit system.
Limitations
- This screen does not establish code compliance, final design, equipment selection, or acceptance.
- Adopted codes, local criteria, manufacturer data, uncertainty, and professional judgment remain controlling.
Field use
Verification procedure
- Identify the calculation boundary and source of each input.
- Record representative values with compatible pressure, temperature, flow, and time bases.
- Review the result against the adopted criteria, manufacturer data, and uncertainty.
Common engineering mistakes
- Mixing standard and actual gas volumes or gauge and absolute pressures.
- Treating an arithmetic screen as a code-sizing table or hidden acceptance criterion.
Technical basis
References and source standards
- International Plumbing CodeAdopted edition and local amendments govern; protected sizing tables are not reproduced.
- American Society of Plumbing EngineersPlumbing engineering-method context; verify licensed references and project criteria.
- NIST SI and Unit GuidanceUnit and dimensional-conversion basis.
Engineering calculation disclaimer
These engineering tools are provided for educational, preliminary evaluation, field verification, and commissioning support. Results depend on the accuracy of user-entered information and the assumptions stated for each calculation. Every colored status and comparison is a screening indicator only; project criteria, contract requirements, applicable codes, manufacturer instructions, measurement uncertainty, and authorized engineering judgment govern. The tools do not replace project-specific engineering analysis or the judgment of a licensed professional engineer.
Read the full use and limitation statement