Thursday, May 4
What is Compressed Air & How is it Used?
Everyone learns about the three utilities when we’re kids in school: electricity, water, and gas. Something many people never learn is that there is a fourth utility: compressed air! Living in the modern world, whether we see it or not, compressed air is powering so many operations that allow us to enjoy many of the things we love. From manufacturing goods to powering recreational facilities, or packaging food to providing clean air in a dentist's office, these everyday operations are most likely powered by compressed air.
What Is Compressed Air?
Compressed air is the air around us that gets put under pressure when it enters the compressed air system. As the air becomes pressurized, it creates potential energy that can either be used immediately or stored for later use.
Where Is Compressed Air Used?
Well, it’s pretty much everywhere! Many industries use compressed air to power what they do. There are a wide variety of applications for a number of large industries across the globe:
- Agriculture
- Aerospace
- Automotive
- Brewing
- Cement/Paving
- Chemical & petrochemical
- Climate control
- Food & beverage
- Glass
- Manufacturing
- Medical & healthcare
- Metals & fabrication
- Mining
- Oil & gas
- Packaging
- Painting
- Paper
- Pharmaceutical
- Plastics
- Power generation
- Recreational equipment & facilities
- Textiles
- Wastewater treatment
- Woodworking
…the list goes on and on.
Manufacturing is one of the broader categories that you will most commonly see compressed air being used in many parts of their operations. For example, compressed air can be used to power hand tools, for injection molding of plastics, for spraying off surfaces and products, for blending or mixing substances, for conveying or transporting goods, or so many other actions. And these are just a few actions under one industry compressed air can be found in.
Why Do We Use Compressed Air?
Compressed air, a technology that has stood the test of time, continues to play a vital role in many industries today. Its versatility and reliability make it an indispensable resource for various applications.
Here are several reasons why compressed air is widely utilized all over the world today:
- Efficient Storage: Compressed air can be easily stored and used later, offering flexibility and convenience.
- Power Generation: Compressed air has remarkable power output, making it ideal for driving pneumatic machinery like drills, hammers, wrenches, and grinders.
- Versatility: With a wide range of options available for size, cost, and sound levels, compressed air can serve diverse industries and applications, adapting to specific needs.
- Safety Precautions: In situations where electricity poses risks such as shocks, explosions, fires, or other hazards, compressed air provides a safer alternative.
- Process Automation: Compressed air plays a crucial role in automating processes, enhancing efficiency, and accelerating task completion.
- Cost-Effective Maintenance: Air compressors generally entail lower maintenance costs, providing long-term economic benefits.
- Extreme Temperature Operation: Compressed air enables equipment to function reliably even in extreme temperature environments.
- Lightweight Hand Tools: Hand tools powered by compressed air are lightweight, ensuring ease of use and improved maneuverability.
- Compliance with Standards: Compressed air can deliver power that adheres to stringent cleanliness standards and regulations, particularly in sensitive sectors like food or medical applications.
ZORN'S PROMISE
Zorn is the Midwest leader of custom, engineered compressed air and vacuum solutions. We provide the best customer experience by understanding your applications and needs and offering an unparalleled commitment to customer satisfaction.
Our comprehensive product and service solutions keep you running 24/7.
- Reliable equipment
- Trusted brands
- Seamless, easy installation
- Post-sales support
- Local, 24/7 service
Our compressed air experts look forward to meeting you to discuss your equipment and support needs. Please contact us directly at (262) 695-7000 with any questions or to schedule service for your system moving forward.
Related Resources
- Compressed Air Applications in Water Treatment & Wastewater Treatment
- Going Green with Variable Speed Drive Controls
- Defining Compressed Air Quality
- The Cost of Compressed Air
- Compressed Air Applications in the Glass Industry
- Traveling & Compressed Air
- What Makes My Air Compressor So Noisy?
- Leak Detection Case Study
- Effects the Cold Weather Can Have on Your Compressed Air System
- Designing the Perfect Compressor Room