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Frequently asked questions about compressed air

It is a resource generated by mechanical processes that compress and store atmospheric air in a reduced space, increasing its pressure and energy.
It is widely used in industries such as the automotive and food industries, to supply pneumatic tools, painting and cleaning processes and even in vacuum packaging applications.
Because it is versatile, it can be used in activities ranging from industrial production to medical and agricultural applications, and is a safe and efficient source of energy.

Although it is relatively safe, incorrect use can pose risks:

  • High pressure can cause damage to equipment and injury to operators. 
  • Leaks can lead to loss of energy and increased operating costs. 
  • The presence of impurities in the air, such as oil or particles, can affect the quality of production and cause wear and tear on equipment.

It is therefore very important that compressed air installations are well designed and maintained in a preventive manner to minimize risks.

Compressed oxygen is a pure gas used in specific applications, such as hospital systems and welding processes. Compressed air, on the other hand, is a mixture of gases that mainly includes nitrogen (78%) and oxygen (21%), among others.
While compressed air is safer and used versatilely in industries, compressed oxygen requires additional care due to its reactive nature and the risk of combustion when in contact with flammable materials.

How this type of system works begins with a compressor taking in atmospheric air, which compresses the air to increase the pressure.
This air is then transported through a network of pipes and fittings aimed at minimizing pressure loss and maintaining air quality to the points of consumption, such as pneumatic tools and production equipment.
The system can include dryers and filters to remove impurities, ensuring that the air is dry and clean before it is used.

Compressed air should generally be used in applications where flexibility and safety are required.
In places with high humidity or remote areas, for example, pneumatic tools powered by this method offer advantages over electrical devices, precisely because they are safer and work more efficiently.
Furthermore, in industrial processes, compressed air is ideal for systems that require variable speed and torque, such as drills and painting equipment.

So-called hospital compressed air is used in various medical functions, such as breathing systems in hospitals, clinics and even for veterinary use.
It guarantees a constant and safe supply of air for mechanical ventilators and other respiratory support equipment.
This type of air must be clean and free of contaminants, requiring a rigorous filtering and drying system to meet health standards.
The reliability of hospital compressed air is vital for the safety and well-being of patients.

In general, the temperature of compressed air is influenced by the compression process, which generates heat due to the increased kinetic energy of the air molecules.
Without proper treatment, the air can have a high temperature immediately after compression, which can vary depending on the pressure and type of compressor used.
One of the ways to avoid damaging sensitive equipment and processes is to use cooling systems to reduce the temperature of the air before use.

Compressed air pressure usually depends on the application and the type of compressor used.
In industrial applications, the pressure usually ranges from 700 kPa (7 bar) to higher values, depending on the needs of the equipment being supplied.
To ensure efficient operation, the working pressure must be properly regulated and the system must be able to handle the capacity without considerable losses, such as leaks that impair performance.

There are different types of compressed air, which vary according to their purity and the way they are generated:

  • Untreated air can contain particles, oil and moisture, making it unsuitable for applications that require high-quality air, such as the food and pharmaceutical industries. 
  • The treated product goes through filtering and drying processes, guaranteeing a level of purity that meets the specific requirements of each application.

In distribution systems, the speed of compressed air can vary depending on the diameter of the pipe and the pressure applied.
In pneumatic cylinders, the operating speed is usually between 1 and 2 meters per second.
The ideal speed must be calculated to avoid excessive pressure loss and to ensure energy efficiency in air transportation.
It is important to note that the choice of speed has a direct impact on the effectiveness of the system and the service life of the connected equipment.

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