Power Systems: Hydraulic Vs. Pneumatic

Virtually all types of machinery used in day to day life are reliant on pneumatic and hydraulic power systems. From car brakes to construction equipment, from elevators to automated doors, hydraulic and pneumatic systems allow for actuation and control over devices that is efficient and responsive. While they share many similarities, and sometimes share components like pumps and valves, hydraulic and pneumatic systems differ in how they provide force and control for their attached actuators.

A hydraulic system is dependent on fluid to apply pressure to generate power. This fluid is typically a type of hydraulic oil or synthetic lubricant, which begins by being stored in a reservoir, which also filters out residual material like air, moisture particles, and debris. Pressure is exerted on one side of the reservoir, forcing the liquid through valves and against an actuator, such as a hydraulic motor, cylinder, or piston. Energy transferred to the actuator is changed from hydraulic energy to mechanical energy, forcing the actuator to move. Due to the pressure exerted on the fluid, the actuator cannot move in the opposite direction until the pressure is released by the system’s operator, such as releasing pressure on a car’s brakes.

Hydraulic systems have numerous advantages. Hydraulic oil is not compressed by pressure, making it highly efficient at transferring energy, which means better performance at high pressures. The greatest drawback, however, has to do with transporting non-elastic oil through the valves and plumbing systems. Compared to compressed air in a pneumatic system, hydraulic oil faces high rates of resistance and energy losses when it has to flow through restricted spaces. If a hydraulic system’s parts are not fitted or sized properly, the system will suffer major losses in terms of energy and efficiency.

Pneumatic systems operate on similar principles as hydraulic systems, but rely on compressed air instead of fluid. They require an air compressor, which draws in atmospheric air through an intake valve and feeds the air into a receiver tank. Pressure is applied to the receiver tank, which compresses the air and passing it into the pipes and valves that direct the airflow to the actuator. The actuator then transfers this energy back into mechanical energy to create motion, much like with a hydraulic system.

Compared to hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems are cheaper, have fewer maintenance demands, and are faster to operate, since air expands much faster and with greater force than hydraulic fluids. Both are still frequently used in countless pieces of machinery, however.


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