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Essay / Compressor Essay - 1307
Almost every industrial company has at least two compressors, and in an average-sized factory there can be hundreds of different uses for compressed air. Uses include powering pneumatic tools, packaging and automation equipment, and conveyors. Pneumatic tools tend to be smaller, lighter, and more navigable than electric motor tools. They also distribute smooth power and are not damaged by overloading. Air tools have the ability to control many variable speeds and torques, and can reach a preferred speed and torque very quickly. Additionally, they are often chosen for safety reasons as they do not produce sparks and have low heat build-up [3]. Although they have many advantages, air tools are generally much less energy efficient than electric tools. Many manufacturing industries also use compressed air and gas for combustion and processing operations such as oxidation, fractionation, cryogenics, refrigeration, filtration, dehydration and aeration. Compressed air also plays an important role in many non-manufacturing sectors, including transportation, construction, mining, agriculture, recreation and services.