To create flow in a compressed air system, what is required?

Creating flow in a compressed air system relies on establishing a pressure differential, which is the difference in pressure between two points in the system. When there is a higher pressure in one area and a lower pressure in another, air will naturally move from the area of high pressure to the area of low pressure, thus generating flow.

This concept is fundamental in fluid dynamics and is crucial for the proper functioning of any compressed air system. The presence of this pressure differential is what enables the efficient transport of compressed air to different tools and applications, ensuring that machinery operates effectively.

The other concepts mentioned could contribute to the system's overall function but do not, by themselves, create flow. Restriction can affect the flow rate but doesn't create it, a manometer measures pressure but doesn't influence flow, and a storage tank may hold air under pressure but also doesn’t generate flow without a pressure differential in place.