Compressed air, though invisible, is a powerful and versatile resource used throughout everyday life. It plays a vital role across many industries and technologies. Its uses range from directed air flows to energy that drives countless devices.
The industrial story of compressed air begins in the 18th century with the first compressors; widespread use accelerated in the 19th century with the advent of the steam engine.
Today, we benefit from numerous processes and inventions made possible by compressed air, from food and cars to electronic devices and household items. Compressed air is a primary energy source for pneumatic tools such as drills and grinders, and it is widely used in medicine to provide pressure for medical equipment. In food production, it also helps with packaging and conveying, underscoring how universal and important this resource is.
Applications of Compressed Air
Electronics industry
Compressed air is used to clean electronic components that cannot be treated by conventional methods. In particular, it is applied to clean printed circuit boards after manufacturing.
Chemical Industry
In chemical production, compressed air is widely used to regulate key processes such as controlling temperature, pressure and liquid level.
Construction
In construction — particularly in marine and offshore settings — compressed air is applied in a variety of tasks.
Recycling
Across recycling operations, compressed air is used at many stages, from sorting through to reprocessing.
Pharmaceutical industry
Compressed air plays a key role in pharmaceuticals, supporting numerous technological steps needed to create and process dosage forms. Its roles improve efficiency, safety and product quality.
Oil Extraction Industry
Compressed air is important in oil and gas production, enabling various critical operations that improve extraction efficiency and help keep processes safe.
Petrochemical Industry
Compressed air is extensively applied in petrochemicals, where it helps optimise and safeguard production. It is used to regulate temperature, pressure and liquid level — parameters essential for stable, efficient plant operation.
Food Industry
Compressed air is widely used in food processing for a range of tasks, ensuring efficiency, safety and product quality.
Automotive industry
Compressed air is used at many stages of vehicle manufacturing — from welding and painting to tyre production and seat upholstery. It also features in suspension systems, pneumatic braking and steering, and it helps trigger airbags.
Agriculture
Compressed air is widely used to distribute feed on farms and to spray crops with fertilisers. In these processes, it ensures even distribution of nutrients and improves treatment quality, ultimately supporting yield and efficiency. It can also clean equipment and serve in automation systems.
Metalworking
To achieve melting temperatures, furnaces are supplied with hot air. It is used to stoke converter, open-hearth and blast furnaces, ensuring efficient metal smelting.
Medicine
Modern medicine uses compressed air as part of gas mixtures for various procedures. Mixtures are adjusted to specific conditions and requirements. Compressed air is applied to treat respiratory failure in therapeutic, infectious-disease and intensive-care wards, and in operating theatres, it supports patient breathing under anaesthesia. It also powers medical devices such as ventilators, pneumatic instruments and dental units.
Operation of Industrial Plants
Compressed air is employed widely in factories for cleaning, shot-blasting, spray finishing, cooling and heating.