What Fluid Is Most Commonly Used in Pneumatics?
Pneumatics shares the same basic principles as those for hydraulics, but with a significant difference. Pneumatics transfers power using a gas, whereas hydraulics uses a liquid. Other components play a role in this, including using compressed air and other gases.
The Difference Between Hydraulics and Pneumatics
What is the difference between hydraulics and pneumatics? The best way to understand what fluid is most commonly used in pneumatics is to focus on the differences between these two areas. Both systems are applications that use fluid power. They both use a pump to serve as the actuator. Valves control both. More so, both use fluids to transfer that mechanical energy from one place to another.
What makes them different, then, is the medium that is used and the application of it. Pneumatics use compressible gas such as air. They can also use other types of suitable pure gas to do so. By comparison, hydraulics use impressible liquid media, such as hydraulic or mineral oil. They may use water or ethylene glycol. Some will use first-resistant fluids. Hydraulics and pneumatics are neither better than the other. That is because they are used in different applications.
Pneumatic Applications
Pneumatics uses pressurized air or gas to create a change in mechanical motion. It focuses on the working principles of fluid dynamics and pressure. Today’s pneumatic systems are much larger and more powerful than older ones. Each design will have interconnected components, including gas, standard cylinders, hoses, air tanks, a gas compressor and transition lines. The user alters the air flow using valves (both automatic solenoid and manual are still applicable today). This causes the cylinder to transfer energy from the compressed gas, creating mechanical energy.
Most systems have a simple on or off switch or a valve for more controlled operation. Once on, the compressor will power the cylinders, air motors and other devices.
How Pneumatic Systems Are Beneficial
There are various applications for the use of pneumatics. The most common services involving pneumatic systems are found within the petrochemical plant, petrochemical refining, pipeline, power generation and general construction industries. Consider some of the most common examples of usage that rely on pneumatics:
- Piping flanges
- Exchanger joints
- Light towers
- Bridge construction
- Railroad rail connections
With proper calibration services, pneumatic systems can be a powerful solution for providing exceptional functionality in various operations. They serve in different industrial products, including oil and gas and wind applications.
The Advantages of Pneumatics
Pneumatics are not applicable in every operation but provide various benefits in some industries. For example, compared to hydraulics, pneumatics tends to have a lower overall cost. They are also safer to use in some situations. They offer more flexibility in application, too.
The use of pneumatics systems is also ideal in situations where the risk of contamination of a concern, thanks to the clean environment they operate in. This makes them suitable for food manufacturing, dentistry and biotech. They use pure, compressed air that’s dry. That allows for a far more controlled application than other products.
More so, these systems have a versatile and relatively simple design. That is beneficial because it keeps maintenance and repair needs to a minimum and limits any clogging, improving efficiencies in operations.
Additional benefits to pneumatic systems include that, as either air or gas solutions, they are easy to install and even portable, providing far more flexibility in how they are used. Overall, they have a low cost for setup and installation too. They are reliable for long-term use, especially compared to other products and solutions.
Finding the Right Solution for Your Needs
With the promise of complete customer satisfaction, you can count on Aztec Bolting for all of your needs. Feel free to contact us today with questions about any of our products. Please request a quote for the tools we offer that are pneumatically driven. Contact us at Aztec Bolting now to learn more.
