PNEUMATIC &

HYDRAULIC SYSTEMS

INTRODUCTION
Dr. Ahmad Al-Mahasneh
outline
• Introduction to fluid power
• Examples of fluid power applications
• Advantages of fluid power
• Hydraulics vs Pneumatics
• Problems with fluid power
• Adv/dis of hydraulics
• Adv/dis of pneumatics
• Examples
INTRODUCTION TO FLUID POWER

• Fluid power is a technology that deals with

What is the generation, control, and transmission of
power using pressurized fluids (either liquids
fluid or gases).
• This power is used to provide force and
power? motion to mechanisms.
 INTRODUCTION TO FLUID POWER

• Fluid power is the muscle that moves the industry

this is because the fluid power maybe used in
pushing, pulling, rotating, regulating, or driving
What is fluid modern industrial machines.
power?
• Fluid power includes hydraulics, which involves
liquids, and pneumatics, which involves gases.
Examples of fluid power Applications
• Streeting and brakes of automobile
• Spacecraft launching
• Harvesting machines
• Mining machines
• Airplanes
• Food processing
• Teeth drilling.
ADVANTAGES OF FLUID POWER
• They eliminate the need for complicated systems of gears, cams, and
levers.

• Motion can be transmitted without the slack (loose) inherent in the

use of solid machine parts.

• The fluids used are not subject to breakage as are mechanical parts,
and the mechanisms are not subjected to great wear.
ADVANTAGES OF FLUID POWER

• The different parts of a fluid power system can be conveniently located at

widely separated points, since the forces generated are rapidly transmitted
over considerable distances with small loss.

• These forces can be conveyed up and down or around corners with small
loss in efficiency and without complicated mechanisms.

• Very large forces can be controlled by much smaller ones and can be
transmitted through comparatively small lines and orifices.
ADVANTAGES OF FLUID POWER
• If the system is well adapted to the work it is required to perform, and if it is not misused,
it can provide smooth, flexible, uniform action without vibration, and is unaffected by
variation of load.

• In case of an overload, an automatic release of pressure can be guaranteed, so that the

system is protected against breakdown or strain.

• Fluid power systems can provide widely variable motions in both rotary and straight-line
transmission of power.

• The need for control by hand can be minimized. In addition, fluid power systems are
economical to operate.
Hydraulics vs. pneumatics
Why hydraulics is used in some applications and pneumatics in others.
• Many factors are considered by the user and/or the manufacturer when
determining which type of system to use in a specific application.
• There are no hard and fast rules to follow; however, previous experience has
provided some sound ideas that are usually considered when such decisions
are made.
• If the application requires speed, a medium amount of pressure, and only
fairly accurate control, a pneumatic system may be used.
• If the application requires only a medium amount of pressure and a more
accurate control, a combination of hydraulics and pneumatics may be used.
• If the application requires a great amount of pressure and/or extremely
accurate control, a hydraulic system should be used.
 Problems with fluid power
The extreme flexibility of fluid power elements presents a number of
problems:
• Since fluids have no shape of their own, they must be positively
confined throughout the entire system.
• Special consideration must be given to the structural integrity of the
parts of a fluid power system.
• Strong pipes and containers must be provided.
• Leaks must be prevented. This is a serious problem with the high
pressure obtained in many fluid power installations.
 Problems with fluid power
• The operation of the system involves constant movement of the fluid
within the lines and components. This movement causes friction within
the fluid itself and against the containing surfaces which, if excessive, can
lead to serious losses in efficiency.
• Foreign matter must not be allowed to accumulate in the system, where
it will clog small passages or score closely fitted parts.
• Chemical action may cause corrosion. Anyone working with fluid power
systems must know how a fluid power system and its components
operate, both in terms of the general principles common to all physical
mechanisms and of the peculiarities of the particular arrangement at
hand.
Advantages of hydraulic systems
• Very high power to weight ratio.
• Very high peak torque (or forces). A direct results of
operating at high
• Very short time lags enabling fast response.
pressure (up to 5000 psi,
• Smooth operation even at low speeds. 34 MPa)
• Large holding forces when stationary.
• High power efficiency.
• Rugged (durable or robust).
• Self lubricating and cooling.
• Linear and rotary motions available.
Disadvantages of hydraulic systems
• Clumsiness of connections.
• Mess from oil leaks.
• Danger from large oil leaks (high pressure, toxicity, and
flammability).
• Oil properties change with temperature.
• Inertia of oil can degrade system performance.
• Expensive when power supply is included in cost.
• Fluid must be kept clean and gas free.
• Severe nonlinearities may necessitate special treatment.
Advantages of pneumatic systems
• Relatively cheap.
• Pressurized air is often available, so that no special supply is then
required.
• Safe in potentially explosive atmosphere.
• No mess or danger from leakage.
• Can exhaust to atmosphere.
disadvantages of pneumatic systems

• Power to weight ratio is lower than with hydraulics (due to the

lower operating pressure).
• Relatively inefficient.
• Undesirable behaviour due to compressibility of air. For this
reason pneumatics drives tend to be used mainly in on-off (bang-
bang) applications.
comparison
comparison
Example
Example