Compressed air

Compressed air in vehicle tires and shock absorbers are commonly used for improved traction and reduced vibration.

Brakes applied by compressed air made large railway trains safer and more efficient to operate.

[4] In the 19th century, Paris had a system of pipes installed for municipal distribution of compressed air to power machines and to operate generators for lighting.

[7] Air under moderately high pressure, such as is used when diving below about 20 metres (70 ft), has an increasing narcotic effect on the nervous system.

[8] In land-based applications, SCBAs, UEBSS (USA), and EBBS (EU) provide breathable air for emergency responders, industrial workers, and military personnel in hazardous environments.

To enhance operational safety and efficiency, Kee Connections Buddy Breather coupling[9] allows users to share air in emergency situations.

This coupling system enables firefighters or other SCBA users to connect their breathing apparatuses, providing life-saving air support when needed.

In industry, compressed air is so widely used that it is often regarded as the fourth utility, after electricity, natural gas and water.

Drain valves may be installed at multiple points of a large system to allow trapped water to be blown out.

Air compressor station in a power plant
Technical Illustration of portable single-stage air compressor
Two-stage air compressor assembled on a horizontal tank and equipped with a Joule-Thomson (JT) type refrigerated compressed air dryer