Why would you need air with oxygen and nitrogen? Over two centuries ago, Englishman George Medhurst invented the world’s first-ever motorised air compression system. People mainly used this system in the mining industry. However, today there are several uses of compressed air. The global market was estimated to be worth over AUD43 billion in 2020, according to Mordor Intelligence. Below are the most common applications of compressed air:
Cleaning Tools
This includes maintenance power washers and similar tools. Air compression is used to provide enough power to operate the cleaning tools. This increases the units’ efficiency, which is critical to get better results and requires less manual power.
Theme Parks
When you visit local theme parks, you might have experienced the power of air compressors without even realising it. That’s because many rides like roller coasters include safety features requiring air compression, including the brakes and gates.
Animatronic characters are another application that you might experience at theme parks. These air systems are used to make the figures move.
Paint Atomization
This process is essential for transferring liquid paint efficiently to the target object. The term “atomisation” refers to utilising an applied force to break up paint and other bulk liquids into tiny droplets. A stream of air can then direct the droplets to the target object.
Spray guns use air compression to stream high-velocity air onto the surface. The process creates droplets of different sizes.
Underwater Diving
Air compression is used to create breathing gas that divers use. The diver often carries the air in a high-pressure cylinder. Another application is through a surface air line that contains lower pressure. Yet another option is a “diver’s umbilical.” All of these systems are important to provide air to the underwater diver. It’s essential to know the pros and cons of the systems.
Tire Inflation
This is among the most well-known uses of air compression systems. Whenever you inflate your vehicle’s tires at gas stations, you’re using such systems. This is among the common uses of such systems.
Here’s how the air pumps work. There’s a piston inside, and two-way valves—one for the vehicle tire, and the other one goes to the outside.
If the operator pulls up the pump, then the pressure inside drops. This process pulls in outside air while closing the bike tire’s valve. Then when the operator pushes down the piston again, the air inside gets compressed. The process is quite basic yet effectively operates the air pump.
Bus Operation
A bus’s suspension, brake system, and airbags all use air compression. These are important mechanical components that help the bus to operate effectively.
Besides that, air compression is also used to produce various bus parts. They include the sanding of exhaust pipes and seat fabric. These are all important components of the bus that contribute to its operation.
Firefighters/Industrial Workers/Mine Rescue
These applications use a similar system as underwater divers. Such workers are exposed to hazardous environments, so it’s important to provide them with breathable air.
Equipment producing compressed air can have several applications. They include air pumps, vehicle brakes, and paint guns. It’s essential to find a company that provides the right type of service for your need.
You can also read How to choose the right fire protection.
