What is Compressed Air?
Compressed air is used all around us in everyday life. It can be used in the form of blowing air or as an energy source, from the air in a balloon, riding a roller coaster to visiting the dentist.
Compressed Air is often called “The Fourth Utility” because it is an essential element to millions of businesses around the world. Compressed air is a gas mixture, which mainly consists of nitrogen (78%) and oxygen (21%). When compressed, the air is still made up of the same mixture of gases, however, it will have been forced into a smaller space, bringing the molecules closer together. The energy that gets released when doing this is equal to the energy required to force the air into the smaller space. In other words, it stores the energy for future use.
How is air compressed?
Air is compressed by air compressors. Air compressors draw in air at an inlet valve, they then compress the air to the required volume and release the pressurised air through the discharge valve into a storage tank. They’re powered by an engine that turns electrical energy into kinetic energy.
Benefits of compressed air?
- Low maintenance costs
- Can handle high loads over long periods without the risk of overheating
- Easy to store
- Energy efficient
- Can be used in manufacturing processes that demand a high level of cleanliness
Where is compressed air used?
DID YOU KNOW?
Compressed air has been used by man since at least the 3rd Century BC. The Greek inventor Ctesibius used compressed air in an alarm clock and in a cannon that shot arrows. His protege, Hero, used it to open the gates at the Temple of Alexandria.