Choosing the right conveyor system has a decisive influence on the quality, efficiency and stability of coating and application processes.
One question that comes up particularly often is:
Should a pressure tank or a pump be used?
Whilst both systems are used for material handling, they differ significantly in terms of how they work, their areas of application and their performance.
Material pressure over time
Pressure tank:
------------------------------------ (constant)
Pump:
~ ~~~ ~~ ~~~~ ~~~ ~ (fluctuating)
The diagram illustrates the fundamental differences:
Whilst a pressure tank enables constant, pulsation-free delivery, pumps operate more flexibly, albeit with a more variable pressure profile.
A pressure tank is ideally suited to applications involving a constant demand for material, sensitive media and the need for absolutely uniform, pulsation-free delivery.
Pumps really come into their own in flexible applications, where higher pressure is required, or where materials are changed frequently.
→ The fundamental differences lie primarily in the pumping behaviour and the process design.
Pressure tank
✓ constant
✓ gentle
✓ stable
Pumpen
✓ flexibel
✓ hoher Druck
✓ variabel
→ Pressure tank = Stability | Pump = Flexibility
A pressure tank is a closed system designed to convey materials using constant pressure. It ensures a smooth, pulsation-free feed of material and is ideally suited to coating and application processes.
Inside the pressure tank, the material is pressurised by compressed air and conveyed to the application point at a constant pressure.
Typical characteristics:
→ Ideal for processes where a consistent feed rate and reproducible results are crucial.
→ The material flows without fluctuations in pressure.
→ Because of the nature of the process, the material remains largely unaffected, so that delicate structures and properties are preserved.
→ The pressure tank operates as a closed system.
→ The material can remain in the system for a long period of time without its properties changing significantly.
→ Pressure tanks offer a clear advantage when processes need to be run in a stable, reproducible and material-friendly manner.
In many industrial applications, pressure tanks have proven to be the better choice, especially when constant process conditions are required.
A pressure tank is recommended if:
A pump is superior when:
Typical applications:
Airspray application
Adhesive application
sensitive coating processes
For many of these applications, a pressure tank is the most efficient solution. Particularly when the focus is on consistent results and process stability.
→ Both systems have their own specific strengths. The optimal solution always depends on the specific process requirements.
Criterion | Pressure tank | Pump |
Delivery pressure | constant, without pulsations | variable |
Process stability | very high | depending on the system |
Flexibility | rather low | high |
Material change | less suitable | very suitable |
sensitive materials | ideal | limited |
Circulation | only with additional technology | easily possible |
pressure range | limited (~ 6 bar) | high |
→ Pressure tanks offer maximum stability and consistent results, whilst pumps have a clear advantage in flexible applications.
Despite their numerous advantages, pressure tanks reach their technical limits in certain applications, depending primarily on pressure requirements, material properties and process design.
A pressure tank releases material under constant pressure, thereby ensuring a smooth, pulsation-free feed without fluctuations in the material flow.
Absolutely uniform, pulsation-free conveyance combined with gentle handling of the material.
where high pressures, frequent material changes or circulation are required.
Ideal for sensitive media such as adhesives, UV-curable materials or reactive substances.
The choice between a pressure tank and a pump depends very much on the specific application:
In many industrial applications, it is evident that:
When the focus is on consistent results and process reliability, a pressure tank is often the better choice.
Are you unsure which system is right for your application?
Our experts will help you make the right choice - tailored to your specific materials, processes and requirements.
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