Out of thin AIR

摘要

Most of us readily understand how compressed air is created. Getting that compressed air to the workstation effectively is where most major problems occur. This is the "design" part of compressed air systems where many service professionals could use some help. Compressed air is defined as a large volume of air in a small volume of space. Where does it come from, where should it go and how do you get it to go there? The "Cycle of Air" is to start with ambient air at normal pressure. The air compressor converts it to high pressure, the receiver tank stores it and piping takes it to where it is needed. Once the equipment has done its work, it is released to become ambient air at normal pressure again. This all seems straightforward and easy to understand. Not quite. Knowing the facts, data, limitations and benefits of all the components in the system is required to complete the "Cycle of Air" effectively and efficiently with a minimum of problems for the shop operator. This makes the difference between compressed air being an effective, useful utility or being an ineffective, inefficient and troublesome nuisance.