Learn About Pneumatics and its Comparison with Hydraulics

Pneumatics is basically a branch of physics that make use of gases or pressurized air for their functioning. Pneumatic systems are utilized tremendously in industries which are typically driven by compressed inert gas or compressed air. An electrically powered compressor is used to power up air motors, pneumatic pumps and other pneumatic devices.

Pneumatics has also been widely used in construction, dentistry, mining and other areas. 

Both pneumatics and hydraulics are based on the fluid power. Pneumatics make use of easily compressible gases while on the other hand, hydraulics use incompressible liquid as a medium, e.g. Oil. Most applications based on pneumatics use pressures of nearly 80 to 100 pounds per square inch, whereas applications based on hydraulics use high pressures of about 1,000 to 5,000 psi. In special cases, this pressure may rise upto 10,000 psi. 

Pneumatic pumps used in industries make use of compressed air because a continues supply can be obtained by compressing atmospheric air. The air has usually moisture eliminated and a small quantity of oil is added to avoid the corrosion and lubricate the mechanical components precisely.

Since the gas used is mostly comprised of air, factories don't have to be worried about their poisonous leakage. Other than oxygen, nitrogen is commonly used in smaller or stand alone systems. 

Reliability – Pneumatic systems often require less maintenance and possess longer lifetime. Since gas is compressible, the equipment is less prone to damage. Also, gas is capable to absorb excessive forces while in hydraulics, fluid directly transfers force. Due to the ability to store compressed gas, machines can still run for a while in case, electricity is lost. 

Simplicity of design – Along with an easy operation, pneumatic machines are easy to design using cylinders and other parts.

Safety – In pneumatic systems, there is less probability of fire as compared to hydraulics. Most machines based on pneumatic are typically overloaded safe.

The liquid will not ingest any of the provided energy.

Hydraulics are capable of moving much higher loads and due to incompressibility factor, it provides much higher forces.

Pneumatic systems are both reliable as well as functional which make them an ideal choice for industrial usage. In the recent years, these systems are largely being used in the factories due to their greater precision, low cost and other great characteristics of simple controls. Also, pneumatic systems are well known for their safe handling and execution in the industries.