Compressed air is kept at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure, and the energy it creates can be used in countless applications such as industrial processes and personal protection. In industry, it is so broadly used, it is sometimes classified as the fourth source of energy.
Industrial processes that utilise compressed air include:
- Powering pneumatic equipment and tools
- Food and beverage packaging
- Spray painting
- Abrasive blasting
- Injection moulding
- Glass manufacturing
- Construction
In addition to industrial processes, compressed air is used in breathing applications, such as air-fed personal protection and scuba diving equipment. The air used in these breathing applications is created separately to that used in industrial applications, as there are greater air quality requirements.
