When it comes to hydraulic and pneumatic power, both of these types of tools are usually based on the same principle. There is an action created as a result of the motor which is compressing a substance whether it is air or liquid, this then puts them in the same category in contrast to the rigid transmission that could be used in a car. Another reason why these tools are so accommodating is because the lines that they use can be flexible, and therefore are not constrained by needing to be put on a fixed configuration. The liquid and gas is also able to absorb shock which results in a longer life of the system compared to systems that endure a lot of vibration and breakages.
Here are some areas in which there is a great difference between hydraulic and pneumatic power:
- Exhaust: Hydraulic and pneumatic power systems are suitable for work such as underwater machinery where pneumatic systems are not. Air is a by-product of the pneumatic system.
- Compression: Where gas is compressible, liquid is not, which means that a pneumatic machine can operate once the air pressure drops to a certain level as it stores energy. On the hydraulic system you will need to continually run a pump for it.
- Filtering: If an air compressor is used in a dirty environment it can capture a large amount of particles and dust. A hydraulic system is a closed and pressurised system and is more likely to produce its own impurities.
- Lubrication: Pneumatic air has to be lubricated with an aerosolised oil whereas hydraulic fluid can be its own lubrication. When it comes to the longevity of the moving parts of these systems, lubrication is extremely important.
- Smoothness: With hydraulic systems the incompressible nature of the fluid enables it to be more precise and also more smooth in control.
- Heat: This is the reason for large vehicles and aircrafts depending on air brakes and not brake fluid. Fluids can retain heat, however, hydraulic systems are much less likely to need cooling, when they do, they are able to create vapour pockets and can fail.
- Pressure: When it comes to hydraulics and pneumatics, there is a difference in the amount of pressure that they both operate under.
At Sealltec Hydraulics we specialise in the manufacture and the repair of hydraulic cylinders and systems, for more information on our products and services contact us or visit our website on www.sealtechydraulics.co.za