Hydraulic systems and pneumatic systems are examples of what are called “fluid systems,” according to hydraulicsandpneumatics.com, the online resource for fluid engineers. Hydraulic systems use oil, water, or some other liquid to produce mechanical work. Pneumatic systems use compressed air, nitrogen, or some other gas. Pneumatic systems are considered energetic fluid systems because these compressed gases work in much the same way as fluids.
Uses of hydraulic systems.
Most hydraulic systems have a reservoir that contains the oil or hydraulic fluid and one or more pumps to transmit this fluid from one chamber to another. This hydraulic fluid is almost incompressible and transmits forces very efficiently. Hydraulic systems operate at higher pressure and tend to produce more force than pneumatic systems. For this reason, the hydraulic system is often used to lift and crush things. It is used, for example, in jacks and car lifts. It is also used in packaging machines, which compress loose material such as cardboard, straw or garbage into compact, easy-to-store bales.
Uses of pneumatic systems
Any pneumatic system gets its power, ultimately, from an air compressor, which puts the gas in the system at high pressure, giving it the ability to do mechanical work. These compressed gases are easy to transport and can be taken anywhere. Pneumatic systems are used to run equipment, such as drills, in wet or dirty environments where electrical equipment would be difficult or dangerous. As such, they are widely used in mining and construction operations, where electrical power is not always available or can create an explosion hazard. They are used in factories to transmit signals to equipment, and are often present in factory security systems.
cost
Pneumatic systems tend to be simpler than hydraulic systems, and therefore less expensive to purchase and install. However, their operating costs tend to be higher than those of hydraulic systems, making hydraulics more profitable in the long run.
Other differences
Pneumatic systems, unlike hydraulic systems, cannot hold a load rigidly, since the air in pneumatic systems is compressible and hydraulic fluid is not. Hydraulic systems take up less space than pneumatic systems. Leaks can be a major problem with hydraulic systems, and maintenance requires more highly trained personnel than pneumatic systems.
