What Is an Air Duster?
An air duster is a pneumatic tool that blows off dust and debris by blowing compressed gas such as chlorofluorocarbon.
Some tools are called air guns or air blowers, which blow compressed air from a compressor, while others are cans filled with compressed air or gas.
Air guns and air blowers are used not only for cleaning but also for blowing away moisture and drying. Canned products are generally enclosed with alcohol or other liquids to increase their cleaning power.
Uses of Air Dusters
Air dusters are used not only for craft and commercial purposes but also for household use.
The following are examples of uses:
- Cleaning computer keyboards.
- Cleaning printers, scanners, and other printing equipment.
- Cleaning on control boards.
- Cleaning dust from the body.
- Cleaning camera lenses and glasses.
Cleaning narrow grooves that are difficult to reach.
Principle of Air Dusters
Air dusters are mainly divided into two types: compressed air type and compressed gas type.
- Compressed Air Type
Air is compressed by a compressor or other device and released by an air gun. The air is released by pulling the trigger attached to the air gun.
There are also products that manually generate compressed air. Air is released by pushing hard on the rubber grip. While less powerful than compressors, they are less expensive. Manual products are also called air blowers. - Compressed Gas Type
This type releases compressed liquefied gas, such as chlorofluorocarbon gas. In the past, many CFC gases were used, but in recent years, non-CFC types have become mainstream due to environmental considerations.
Most non-CFC types use dimethyl ether gas. While they have a low greenhouse effect, they are flammable and must be handled with care.
Other Information on Air Dusters
1. How to Use Air Dusters
Compressed gas is required to use air dusters.
Air guns and air blowers use a compressor to produce compressed air, which is then blown out through a hose. Therefore, it can be used without restrictions as long as the compressor is running. In addition, when used in conjunction with a dehumidifier, dry compressed gas can be purified for effective drying.
When using an air gun, it is important to note whether the compressor is oil or oilless. Oilless compressors are appropriate when handling items such as food products since oil-based compressors contain trace amounts of oil mixed in with the compressed air.
Can-type compressors are limited in the amount of compressed gas and liquid they can contain, but they have the advantage of being portable.
2. Selection of Air Dusters
There is a big difference in the selection method between an air gun/air blower type and a canned product type. It is important to select the right type of air duster for the purpose of use.
- How to Select an Air Gun/Air Blower Type
Air guns and air blowers can change their spraying conditions depending on the shape of the nozzle. Some types spray compressed air in a concentrated manner, while others spray compressed air over a wide area. Some types use suction to increase the blowing force.
In any case, it is necessary to select the appropriate jetting type depending on the purpose of use. - How to Select a Can Product
The selection of nozzle type is important for choosing a canned product. There are types that can switch between wide-area and concentrated spraying by detaching and attaching a thin pipe-shaped nozzle, and types with a nozzle that is not detachable. Some types of nozzles can be folded so that they do not get in the way when stored. In addition, the upside-down type can be used to spray gas in every corner.
Sometimes the choice depends on the type of liquid to be enclosed. Some types of enclosed liquids are highly volatile, such as alcohol, and some types contain lubricants.
There are also a variety of types, including odors and nonflammable or flammable gases, and it is important to select the appropriate one for the purpose and principle of use.