Compressed air is everywhere – you may just not recognize it! This post is going to make clear what compressed air is and how it is produced.
What is Compressed Air?
Whether you realize it or not, compressed air is engaged in every facet of our lives, from balloons at birthday parties to the air in the tires of our vehicles and bikes. Probably when producing the cellphone, tablet or PC you’re seeing this on.
The primary ingredient of compressed air is – air! Air is a gaseous mixture, meaning it is comprised of many various gases. Primarily these are oxygen (21%) and nitrogen (78%).
The air temperature is directly proportional to the mean active energy of these gases. Meaning that the air temperature is going to be high when the mean active energy is large (and the particles move more quickly). The temperature is going to be low when the active energy is minute.
Compressing the air makes the particles move more quickly, increasing the temperature. This is referred to as “heat of compression”. Compressed air is basically forcing it into a smaller area and as an outcome bringing the particles closer together. The energy that gets discharged when doing this is equal to the energy necessary for forcing the air into the smaller area. Basically, it retains the energy for future use.
Say a balloon for instance. By inflating the balloon, air gets forced into a smaller area. The energy retained in the compressed air inside the balloon equals the energy required to inflate it. When the balloon is opened and the air gets released, it dispels this energy causing it to fly away. This is also the primary rationale of a positive displacement compressor.
Compressed Air is a Perfect Way for Storing and Transmitting Energy.
It’s adaptable, versatile and somewhat safe compared to other ways of storing energy, like batteries and steam. Batteries are cumbersome and have a restricted charge period. Steam, in contrast, is not economical or user friendly (it gets incredibly hot). When you compare compressed air to electricity, nevertheless, electricity is more economical. If this holds true, why use compressed air?
The temperature of the air is completely comparable to the mean kinetic energy of its particles. Basically, when the particles move faster, the air temperature increases. When they get slower, the temperature decreases.
How Does Air Compression Work?
When compressing air, you force its particles into a smaller space. This extended denseness makes the particles move faster, increasing their kinetic energy and, consequently, the temperature. This is referred to as the “heat of compression.” Basically, you’re retaining energy in compressed air for later use by forcing it into a smaller area.
Take the instance of a balloon: when you blow it up, you’re forcing air into a smaller area. The energy retained in the compressed air inside the balloon is equal to the energy you used to blow it up. When releasing the balloon, the compressed air is discharged causing it to fly away. This is the comparable rationale that positive displacement compressors utilize to compress air.
However, in What Way Does Compressed Air Compare to Electricity?
Whereas electricity is typically more cost-efficient, compressed air has its own benefits, particularly in industrial environments where safety, power, and adaptability are vital.
As altitude rises, atmospheric pressure and air density diminishes. Meaning there are fewer air molecules in each volume, which directly impacts on the compressor’s capability to intake air. Meaning an air compressor at a higher altitude is going to create less compressed air in comparison to one running at sea level.
Why Do We Use Compressed Air?
One of the most vital reasons for utilizing air compression rather than electricity is safety. In applications in which equipment is overworked, electrical equipment can pose a safety risk. Electrical shocks or fires could happen damaging property or injuring employees. Compressed air and air powered tools can be utilized under a lot of conditions, like on wet surfaces or in areas that have high humidity.
Additionally, Compressed Air is More Adaptable.
It is easier to use in isolated areas such as mines and project locations. Air tools operate cooler and have the benefit of changeable speed and torque. Think of rock drills or comparable impact type tools. It would be just about impossible to produce a similar force with electricity, particularly in isolated areas.
Equipment powered by compressed air is also lighter. They can be manufactured with materials that make them lightweight and more ergonomic; therefore, balancing the cost of air with cost of labor because of reduced employee fatigue when using these lighter instruments.
Lastly There’s the Cost.
The cost of compressed air can be as high as seven to eight times that of electricity. Nevertheless, the equipment designed to use compressed air is lower in cost. Fewer parts are used because of the simplicity of design. Additionally, pneumatic tools are typically rugged and last longer in production settings.
Willing Service Corporation Offers A Full Range Of Industrial Air Compressors For Sale Nationwide!
Willing Service is proud to sell air compressors nationwide. You can choose the brand, model, and size you need for your purposes and we will ship it straight to your shop or business. Shop industrial air compressors online and get it touch with us today by giving us a call at (602) 246-6940.