Technology: Terms and Concepts

The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed. A Dictionary of Earth Sciences Further reading

compressed air

The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed. | 2011 | Copyright

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 | | 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. 26 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "compressed air." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (May 26, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O13-compressedair.html

AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "compressed air." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Retrieved May 26, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O13-compressedair.html

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Free newspaper and magazine articles

	Compressed air cost saving -- whose responsibility? Magazine article from: British Plastics & Rubber; 1/1/2001
	Keeping dried compressed air dry. (Technology: Compressed Air/Maintenance). Magazine article from: Plant Engineering; 9/1/2002
	Is your compressed air system all wet? Magazine article from: Plant Engineering; 3/31/1999