compressed air

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compressed air

compressed air air whose volume has been decreased by the application of pressure. Air is compressed by various devices, including the simple hand pump and the reciprocating, rotary, centrifugal, and axial-flow compressors . Compressed air exerts an expansive force that can be controlled and used in various devices including tires, air brakes, caissons, and diving suits. As a source of power it is used to operate pneumatic tools , e.g., pneumatic hammers and drills and spraying equipment. It is widely employed for cleaning dust and dirt out of mechanical equipment. It is used also in mining, tunneling, and the manufacture of explosives, since it is not a fire hazard. Compressed air is in readily available supply and is easily stored and transported.

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compressed air

A Dictionary of Earth Sciences | 1999 | | Â© A Dictionary of Earth Sciences 1999, originally published by Oxford University Press 1999. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

compressed air Air under pressure. This may be used in tunnels to balance the pressure of water in the ground and so control groundwater. Compressed air is also widely used to drive machinery in mining and tunnelling operations, e.g. in rock drills and ventilation fans.

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AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "compressed air." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 9 Nov. 2009 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "compressed air." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (November 9, 2009). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O13-compressedair.html

AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "compressed air." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Retrieved November 09, 2009 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O13-compressedair.html

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