Sequence of air compression system equipment.

It should be the latter, but there is usually a small buffer tank behind the air compressor as well

In our setup, there is a buffer tank after the molecular sieve and before it reaches the users; this is mainly to stabilize the pressure in the nitrogen pipeline system and ensure proper operation for the users.

Is there a buffer tank behind that air compressor?

The air compressor unit should be equipped with a small buffer tank

Here’s a suggestion: it would be best to clarify this, or refer to the previous schematic diagram. The purpose of installing a buffer tank needs to be clear, as some devices can also serve as buffer tanks, such as air-cooled towers. If one is learning to operate equipment rather than focusing on design, it is best to go to the actual site, follow the procedures of the equipment in use, draw a flowchart, or use an existing one; start by learning the procedures and then move on to understanding the principles behind them. If it’s a rote, block-like approach to learning like this, it is not effective for learning things of this kind. “The function of the “buffer tank” here is mainly to stabilize the air flow; for example, piston-type systems require airflow stabilization. If it is centrifugal, it is not necessary. If the equipment following it are air-cooled towers and other types of tower vessels, it can help stabilize the airflow. This buffer tank can also play a role in storing energy, but not to a significant extent; otherwise it would be called a gas storage tank or an energy storage device. The order in which they are used is determined by the underlying principles. For reference.

If the equipment requires a large amount of gas, a gas storage tank is usually installed, or it is placed at a distance from the air compressor

The second one is recommended. When the air compressor stops, the pressure drop from the buffer tank to the user is low.