Compressed Air Basics
By CasUpdated Jan 2026 5 pages in this sectionA good understanding of the basics of compressed air is very important for keeping your system running well, and it helps with troubleshooting problems.
Every compressor is different. But the main principles always stay the same, and the main parts and their functions are also always the same. With just a little knowledge about compressed air, compressors and their parts, you will be able to solve many problems yourself.
How compressed air is made: the whole journey. Follow the air through the whole system: from the ambient air around us, through the compressor, the dryers and filters, the air receiver and the piping system, to the machine or tool that does the work. Every step links to the page that covers it in detail.
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- Compressed Air Units: Pressure, Volume, Capacity The main units of measurement used in compressed air land: pressure, volume, and capacity.
- Compressed Air Rules of Thumb Quick estimations: compressor size, air receiver size, piping size, and yearly energy costs.
- Pressure Drop The significance of pressure drop in compressed air systems.
- Free Air Delivery (FAD) One of the most important units in compressed air systems.
Compressed Air Basics: free 7-day email course. An introduction to compressed air systems: all the basics you need to know about compressed air, in a quick 7-day course. Straight to the point, with easy to understand language, and with actionable steps for you to improve your compressed air system today. More info & enroll