Can compressed air kill you? can it kill a fly?
You have questions and we have answers.We will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about compressed air.
The same air you breathe in and out is compressed into a smaller size and kept under pressure.When you force atmospheric air into a smaller volume, the molecules take up less space and the air is compressed.
The amount of space in the air doesn't change when it's compressed.
The air is trapped in a cylinder, tank, or similar container and the space in that tank becomes smaller.
The air is trapped in this smaller state, waiting to expand again, until it is ready for use.
A reciprocating air compressor pushes the air down in a cylinder.This is a reference image from Encyclopedia Britannica.
There are other ways to force air into a smaller space.There are many styles of air compressor on the market, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.The air compressor uses dual spinning screws to push the air down.
You can read about the differences between the two.Regardless of the mechanisms used, air is always compressed by taking atmospheric air and squeezing it down to make it less dense.
When you are crammed in a busy elevator, the door suddenly opens and everyone rushes out.The same thing is done by compressed air.While the molecule in compressed air can be trapped in a smaller space, they don't necessarily want to be, and they will spread apart as quickly as possible the first second they are able to.That causes pressure.
When compressed into a smaller state, atmospheric air can be forced up to 6004 PSI (414 bar) of pressure.Science determines how pressurized air becomes.
Pressure, volume, and temperature are proportional according to these three laws.One or two of the others will change if you change one variable.
Air volume and air pressure can be adjusted when applying this formula to an air compressor.The flow rate for compressed air can be as little as 3.5 feet per minute.
Most people don't need to memorize or use this formula.Science will take care of the rest if you set your air compressor to your desired pressure.
The hot air is caused by the air being forced closer together during compression, which causes the molecule movement to generate heat.
The air that leaves an air compressor is usually cooler than the air inside the compression chamber.Most air compressor designs include aftercoolers to reduce the temperature of the compressed air because hot air can be dangerous and increases the amount of water in the air stream.
Depending on the application, the compressed air that leaves an air compressor system can be hundreds or even thousands of degrees.
Air tools and production equipment can be powered by compressed air.Many industries use these tools and equipment, including construction, tire service, mechanical repair, maintenance, factory production, industrial processes, and vehicle safety systems.The roller coasters use compressed air.
A steady stream of air is needed for a task.There are tons of industries that use compressed air in their production of goods and services.
There are many reasons why compressed air is a popular energy source.The main benefits of compressed air are:
You can find out why customers love compressed air here, if you need more convincing.
The fourth utility is compressed air.Air that is compressed is a fundamental part of our modern world.Most modern manufacturing processes and modern civilization rely on it.
Most products we use today were made using compressed air at some point in the process.About 10% of the global energy used in industry is compressed air.
The main difference between compressed air and other power sources is that users can easily generate their own air, and have a choice in the way that air is generated.There are a lot of different needs.Many applications in different environments are dependent on pneumatic air, and air compressors can be configured (with the right accessories) to compress air to a specific pressure, at a certain flow and quality.
Clean, safe, simple and efficient are some of the qualities of compressed air.When compressed air is used as a utility, there are no dangerous exhaust fumes or harmful by-products.It is not a pollutant.
If air receiver tanks aren't properly maintained, compressed air can be dangerous.Operators should always follow manufacturer's guidelines.
It is possible for an air receiver tank to explode.It is very rare and occurs when operators don't look after their air receiver tank.
There are many causes of air compressor tank explosions.The water in the tank can cause a problem if operators don't drain it.
Poorly manufactured products or manufacturing defects are the second most common cause of an air tank explosion.An air receiver tank without a proper pressure relief valve might explode.These types of explosions should be prevented by working with an air receiver tank manufacturer.
canned air, those small cans of compressed air used to clean electronics and computer equipment, is not the real thing.The chance of causing an explosion is higher with canned air.
The video on The Backyard Scientist's website shows an impressive reaction between hot water and difluoroethane, a chemical often found in canned air.
It is very unlikely that compressed air will cause an air receiver tank to explode.Tanks that are drained and maintained pose no risk to their operators.
When used correctly, compressed air is safe.It can be dangerous to use compressed air in unconventional ways.
These occurrences are possible even though they are extremely rare.These injuries are preventable because there is no reason to point compressed air at a person.You will be safe if you don't clean your clothes, blow dust around, or hit your friend with compressed air.
People can be killed by canned air.The chemicals in the canned air are the real threat.It is not a good idea to inhale chemicals.