HYDRAULICS AND PNEUMATICS - Both systems work as an actuator using a pump, and are controlled by valves to convert fluid pressure to mechanical motion. The force that is applied at one point is transmitted to another point via an incompressible fluid. This is usually a type of oil for hydraulics and air for pneumatics. Hydraulics use fluids which are not compressible and maintain their consistency. As they are usually bigger, hydraulics can take on larger and heavier loads than pneumatics as oil is not compressible. Pneumatic systems are commonly powered by dry or lubricated compressed air or inert gases. Pneumatics are mainly used in shock absorption because gas is compressible so equipment is less susceptible to shock damage. Pneumatics, faster, offers rapid movement of cylinders at smaller size due to air compressor flow rates which flow quickly with little resistance.

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Hydraulics And Pneumatics

What are the Differences Between Hydraulics and Pneumatics?

There are major differences between hydraulic and pneumatic systems, but also a number of similarities.

Both systems, hydraulics and pneumatics, work as an actuator using a pump, and are controlled by valves to convert fluid pressure to mechanical motion.

The force that is applied at one point is transmitted to another point via an incompressible fluid. This is usually a type of oil for hydraulics and air for pneumatics.

Hydraulics

Hydraulics use fluids which are not compressible and maintain their consistency.

Hydraulic systems are used in many industries, especially by the automotive industry.

They are also used in elevators, dams, machine tools, amusement parks, and turbines.

Hydraulics are not used for applications such as food preparation, as there is a risk of oil contamination.

Hydraulic systems tend to be quite large and complex.

Hydraulics also take up more room as they needs a reservoir to hold the fluid which will flow through the system.

On account of their large components, more pressure is needed is for hydraulic systems. This also tends to make them more expensive.

As they are usually bigger, hydraulics can take on larger and heavier loads than pneumatics as oil is not compressible.

All this means that hydraulics are usually slower than pneumatics as oil is viscous and so takes more energy to move through pipes.

Pneumatics

Pneumatic systems are commonly powered by dry or lubricated compressed air or inert gases.

Pneumatics are mainly used in shock absorption because gas is compressible so equipment is less susceptible to shock damage.

Pneumatics are used in many fields including robotics, dentistry, mining and construction.

Unlike hydraulics, pneumatics can be used in the food, pharmaceutical, and biotech industries because systems are cleaner and there is less risk of contamination.

Pneumatic systems can be quite simple, often just on/off switches.

This makes pneumatics cheaper than hydraulics, plus air is cheap and easy to store compared to oil or any other liquid. When it needs to be disposed of it can also be expelled into the atmosphere.

Pneumatics, faster, offers rapid movement of cylinders at smaller size due to air compressor flow rates which flow quickly with little resistance.

Summary

Medium
- Hydraulics – liquids, oil, water or a mixture
- Pneumatics – Gas, usually air

Speed
- Hydraulics – Slower, more complicated larger systems
- Pneumatics – Faster, simpler and quicker

Cost
- Hydraulics – Expensive – more complex and larger
- Pneumatics – Cheap – no reservoir needed for storage

Pressure
- Hydraulics – Utilises around 3000 to 5000 psi (up to 10000 psi)
- Pneumatics – Utilises around 100 psi (up to 150 psi)

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