Air Receiver Inspections - AS3788
Air Receiver & Pressure Vessel Inspections Perth & Western Australia
Air receivers are pressure vessels that store compressed air under pressure and form an important part of many industrial compressed air systems. Like other pressure equipment, air receivers require appropriate inspection and maintenance throughout their service life to ensure they remain in a safe and serviceable condition.
AirGen Australia carries out hundreds of in-service air receiver inspections throughout Western Australia each year.
Our trained in-service inspectors assess air receivers in accordance with the applicable requirements of AS/NZS 3788 – Pressure equipment – In-service inspection, and AirGen can assist with WorkSafe WA plant registration where registration is required.
Our service includes inspection documentation and for your records, together with ongoing inspection reminders so you know when the next inspection is due.
Why Do Air Receivers Need to Be Inspected?
An air receiver is continually subjected to internal pressure during normal operation. Over time, its condition can be affected by corrosion, moisture, operating conditions, vibration, physical damage and deterioration of associated components.
One of the most common concerns is internal corrosion.
Compressing atmospheric air produces condensate within a compressed air system. Some of this moisture can collect in the air receiver. If condensate is not effectively removed, corrosion can progressively reduce the thickness of the receiver wall.
External corrosion can also occur, particularly where receivers are installed outdoors, exposed to moisture or chemicals, or located in environments where water can accumulate around the vessel or its supports.
Regular inspection provides a means of identifying deterioration before it develops into a more significant safety or reliability issue.
What Is AS/NZS 3788?
AS/NZS 3788 – Pressure equipment – In-service inspection provides guidance and requirements for the inspection and assessment of pressure equipment while it is in service.
The standard is used for a range of pressure equipment, including compressed air receivers.
In-service inspection is intended to determine the condition of pressure equipment and identify deterioration, defects or other factors that could affect its continued safe operation.
WorkSafe WA identifies AS/NZS 3788 as an applicable standard for the periodic inspection of pressure equipment.
Does My Air Receiver Need to Be Inspected?
Businesses operating pressure equipment have obligations to ensure that the equipment is maintained and remains safe for use.
WorkSafe WA guidance states that periodic pressure vessel inspections should be undertaken by a trained person at a frequency set out by AS/NZS 3788.
The appropriate inspection requirements and intervals can depend on factors including:
- vessel design
- age and condition
- operating pressure
- service environment
- manufacturer requirements
- previous inspection findings
- corrosion history
- operating conditions
- applicable regulatory requirements.
If you are unsure of the inspection requirements for your air receiver, AirGen can review the vessel information and advise on the appropriate inspection requirements.
What Does an Air Receiver Inspection Include?
The scope of an inspection depends on the receiver, its condition, inspection history and the type of inspection being undertaken.
An in-service inspection may include assessment of:
- general external condition of the receiver
- evidence of external corrosion or deterioration
- internal condition and corrosion where applicable
- vessel shell and ends
- welded areas
- nozzles and connections
- signs of leakage
- vessel supports and mounting
- anchoring arrangements
- drain connections and condensate removal
- pressure gauge and associated fittings
- pressure relief or safety devices
- manufacturer's data plate and vessel identification
- evidence of physical damage
- evidence of previous repairs or modifications
- previous inspection records and documentation.
Where deterioration or defects are identified, further assessment or testing may be required before the receiver can be considered suitable for continued service.
External and Internal Air Receiver Inspections
Air receivers can require both external and internal inspections.
External Inspection
An external inspection assesses the accessible external surfaces and associated components of the receiver.
This may identify issues such as corrosion, leakage, damaged supports, deterioration of connections, physical damage or other conditions that may affect the safe operation of the vessel.
Internal Inspection
Where required and where suitable access is available, an internal inspection allows the internal surfaces of the receiver to be assessed.
Internal inspection is particularly important because moisture and condensate can cause corrosion that may not be visible from outside the vessel.
The required inspection type and interval will depend on the vessel and its operating history.
Corrosion and Condensate
Condensate management is an important part of maintaining an air receiver.
Water accumulating within a receiver can promote corrosion of the internal vessel surfaces. Progressive corrosion can reduce the thickness and integrity of the pressure-retaining wall.
Receivers should therefore have an appropriate method of condensate removal, such as a manual or automatic drain.
Automatic drains should also be maintained and checked for correct operation. The presence of an automatic drain does not remove the requirement of a manual drain or to inspect the receiver.
Where corrosion is identified during inspection, additional assessment may be necessary to determine the remaining condition of the vessel.
Pressure Relief Valves
Pressure relief devices are an important safety component of a compressed air system.
Their purpose is to protect pressure equipment against over-pressure conditions by relieving pressure if predetermined limits are exceeded.
The presence and condition of the pressure relief valve forms part of the overall assessment of an air receiver installation.
Pressure relief valves also require appropriate inspection, maintenance and testing.
AirGen Australia provides pressure relief valve testing services as part of our pressure equipment services.
Air Receiver Supports and Installation
The condition of the receiver itself is only part of the inspection.
Supports, mounting arrangements and associated connections can also affect the safe operation of pressure equipment.
Poorly supported or inadequately secured pressure vessels may move or place additional loads on pipework, nozzles and connections. Corrosion of receiver feet, mounting brackets and support structures can also affect the integrity of an installation.
These areas should therefore form part of an appropriate pressure vessel inspection and maintenance program.
Does My Air Receiver Need to Be Registered With WorkSafe WA?
Not every air receiver has the same registration requirements.
Under Western Australian WHS requirements, certain pressure vessels categorised as Hazard Level A, B or C under AS 4343 require individual plant registration with WorkSafe WA, subject to the exclusions contained within the regulations.
The hazard level of a pressure vessel is determined using factors including the type of pressure equipment, contents, operating pressure and vessel size.
Many industrial air receivers may fall within the plant registration requirements.
If your receiver requires registration, AirGen can assist with the WorkSafe WA registration process.
Inspection Records and Logbooks
Maintaining accurate pressure equipment records is an important part of managing an air receiver throughout its working life.
AirGen provides inspection documentation to assist customers in maintaining a history of their equipment.
Records may include information relating to:
- vessel identification
- inspection dates
- inspection findings
- condition of the receiver
- identified defects
- recommendations
- registration information where applicable
- future inspection requirements.
Maintaining these records also allows changes in vessel condition to be monitored over successive inspections.
Never Miss an Inspection
Managing inspection dates across multiple pieces of pressure equipment can be difficult, particularly on sites with numerous air receivers.
AirGen maintains inspection records for our customers and can notify you when your next air receiver inspection is approaching.
For businesses with multiple receivers or sites, this provides a straightforward way of managing recurring inspection requirements without relying solely on internal reminders.
Air Receiver Inspections Across Western Australia
AirGen Australia is based in Wangara, Western Australia, and provides air receiver inspection services throughout the Perth metropolitan area and across WA.
We inspect hundreds of air receivers each year across a wide range of industries and applications, from individual workshop compressors through to larger industrial compressed air installations.
Our inspection service is available regardless of the manufacturer of the air compressor or air receiver.
AirGen can also incorporate air receiver inspections into an existing compressed air preventative maintenance or service agreement, allowing the compressor, air treatment equipment and pressure equipment inspection requirements to be managed together.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should an air receiver be inspected?
Inspection intervals depend on the receiver, manufacturer requirements, operating conditions, inspection history and assessment by a competent person. WorkSafe WA guidance states that periodic pressure vessel inspections should be undertaken at the frequency set out by AS/NZS 3788.
What is AS/NZS 3788?
AS/NZS 3788 is the Australian/New Zealand Standard covering the in-service inspection of pressure equipment. It provides requirements and guidance for assessing pressure equipment during its operational life.
Does every air receiver need WorkSafe registration?
No. Registration requirements depend on the classification of the pressure vessel. In WA, pressure vessels categorised as Hazard Level A, B or C under AS 4343 generally require individual plant registration, subject to regulatory exclusions.
AirGen can assist in determining whether registration is applicable to your receiver.
Can you inspect an air receiver that AirGen didn't supply?
Yes. AirGen can inspect air receivers regardless of the compressor or receiver manufacturer or who originally supplied the equipment.
Does an air receiver have to be taken out of service for inspection?
This depends on the type of inspection required. Certain inspections can be performed externally, while an internal inspection requires the receiver to be safely isolated, depressurised and prepared for access.
AirGen can advise what preparation is required when arranging the inspection.
What happens if corrosion or a defect is found?
The appropriate action depends on the type and extent of the defect. Further examination, testing or engineering assessment may be required to determine whether the receiver remains suitable for service.
A pressure vessel should not simply be repaired without considering the applicable pressure equipment requirements and the suitability of the proposed repair.
Why is water inside an air receiver a problem?
Moisture contained in compressed air can condense and collect inside the receiver. If it is not adequately removed, the water can contribute to internal corrosion and progressive reduction of the receiver wall thickness.
Maintaining effective condensate drainage is therefore an important part of air receiver maintenance.
Can AirGen assist in the WorkSafe registration?
Yes. Where registration is required, AirGen can assist with the WorkSafe WA plant registration process and the associated inspection documentation.
Book an Air Receiver Inspection
If you operate an air receiver and are unsure when it was last inspected, whether it requires WorkSafe registration, or when its next inspection is due, contact AirGen Australia.
Our team can review your equipment and help determine the appropriate inspection requirements.
AirGen Australia Pty Ltd
Unit 1/67 Windsor Road
Wangara WA 6065
Phone: 08 9409 9623
Email: service@airgenaustralia.com.au
Air Receiver Inspections | AS/NZS 3788 | WorkSafe WA Registration | Perth & Western Australia
