Preface

Elsevier Science present the latest edition of this comprehensive work on all aspects of
compressed air. There have been many advances in hydraulic and electric technology in recent
years, yet compressed air still keeps its place as an important medium for power generation,
transmission, and control. Its versatility makes it the ideal choice for many applications for
which no other form of power is as suitable. As in previous editions, the PNEUMATIC
HANDBOOK covers the whole range of pneumatic engineering in one volume. It starts with
the basic principles and properties of air and includes the theory of air compression, the
principles of air treatment and the design of compressors, tools, machinery, actuators, sensors
and valves. Low pressure and vacuum applications are also covered.
The importance of efficiency in the generation and transmission of compressed air is
emphasised throughout and useful guidance is given on the design of factory installations to
achieve this. The author has made a survey of pneumatic equipment available in the UK,
Europe and elsewhere in the world; the latest signifcant developments, wherever produced,
are described. Legislation introduced by the European Community by way of Technical
Directives in respect of safety in the use of compressed air, pressure vessel design, noise control
and environmental control is discussed at length. British, American and ISO Standards are an
important source of design material and reference is made to them throughout the book.
Included is a comprehensive list of Standards, Codes of Practice and Technical Directives.
The book is written with needs of the practical engineer in mind, and only sufficient theory
is included for a proper understanding of the principles involved.
The publishers are grateful for the assistance of manufacturers who have supplied informa-
tion and for the trade associations CETOP, Pneurop, British Compressed Air Society (BCAS)
and the Compressed Air and Gas Institute (CAGI). Acknowledgement is given in the text for
material where it has been used.
Antony Barber
antony.barber@btinternet.com

Acknowledgements
Acknowledgements are due to the following for contributions to particular chapters. When an
illustration ofa proprietory product is used in the text, further acknowledgement is given where
it occurs.

Atlas Copco Desoutter

British Compressed Air Society (BCAS) Flair
British Fluid Power Association (BFPA) Institution of Mechanical Engineers
British Standards Association (BSI) International Standards Organisation
CETOP Pneurop
CompAir Broomwade ultrafilter international
Compair Holman University of Bath
CompAir Maxam Willpower Breathing Air