What is Compressed Air?
Compressed air is all around us, but what is it exactly? Let us introduce you to the world of compressed air and the basic workings of a compressor.
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To understand the workings of compressed air, a basic introduction to physics can come a long way. We start by explaining the structure of matter. In the second part you will learn more about the four different states of matter and its molecules.
Atoms held together by chemical bonding are called molecules. These are so small that 1 mm3 of air at atmospheric pressure contains approx. 2.55 x 1016 molecules.In principle, all matter can exist in four different states:
- the solid state
- the liquid state
- the gaseous state
- the plasma state
In the solid state, the molecules are tightly packed in a lattice structure with strong bonding. At temperatures above absolute zero, some degree of molecular movement occurs. In this state, there is as vibration around a balanced position, which becomes faster as the temperature rises. When a substance in a solid state is heated so much that the movement of the molecules cannot be prevented by the rigid lattice pattern, they break loose, the substance melts and it is transformed into a liquid. If the liquid is heated further, the bonding of the molecules is entirely broken, and the liquid substance is transformed into a gaseous state, which expands in all directions and mixes with the other gases in the room. When gas molecules are cooled, they lose velocity and bond to each other again to produce condensation. However, if the gas molecules are heated further, they are broken down into individual sub-particles and form a plasma of electrons and atomic nuclei.
Compressed air is all around us, but what is it exactly? Let us introduce you to the world of compressed air and the basic workings of a compressor.
To understand the workings of compressed air, a basic introduction to physics can come a long way. We define the different physical units for measuring pressure, temperature and thermal capacity. Learn more.
To understand the workings of compressed air, a basic introduction to physics can come a long way. Let us take a look at the physical units for measuring work, power and volume rate of flow. Learn more.
Atlas Copco (India) Ltd.
Compressor Technique
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