Virtually every industrial building in the USA has an air receiver installed somewhere in it. The usual function of an air system is to transmit energy generated at a single source to different areas of a facility. The air receiver stores and delivers air pressure when the compressor is not running, and also serves as a pulsation damper and moisture trap.

Vacuum receivers act in a similar manner, except that the system imparts suction at the point of usage. Bottling and canning plants are examples of facilities where vacuum handling systems are used. Vacuum receivers do not need to be built to meet the ASME pressure vessel code. However, if code construction is required by the user, vacuum testing is required at extra cost.

Because of its compressibility, air can store large amounts of energy which can be dangerous if released suddenly, for example if a vessel ruptures. The rules for the design and construction of air receivers are therefore very stringent, and Hanson air receivers are built and tested strictly to the ASME pressure vessel code.

Most smaller air receivers are made with a platform on top for the compressor and motor to mount on. These are known as "Pump Mounts", and are built to withstand the vibrations of the pump and motor. Some are made for two compressors, with supports that extend to the ground. These are known as "Duplex" units.

Air receivers that are installed separately from the compressor, are called "Remote" units. These are usually bigger in size, and part of a system that can include a dryer and other equipment. To save floor space, they are usually vertical. They can range in size from 30 gallons to 15,000 gallons and larger. However, 240 gallons thru 2000 gallons sizes are more typical.

Hanson Tank manufactures a comprehensive range of industrial air receivers in all sizes and in working pressures up to 3000#, and carry large stocks of both pump mounts and remotes up to 1500 gallons.