Modern manufacturing processes rely a great deal on both hydraulic and pneumatic technologies. In turn, hydraulic and pneumatic machinery depend on efficient and reliable fluid conveyance systems to transport fluids and gases to provide mechanical power. These systems are constructed from multiple smaller parts working together and include specialized hoses, tubes, and fittings, which are designed to be suited to a wide variety of industrial applications.
In the following blog post, we’ll discuss the impact fluid conveyance has on hydraulic and pneumatic systems and the importance of ensuring that your fluid conveyance systems are optimized for efficiency, reliability, and safety. We’ll also help you to make informed decisions about these systems with regard to the needs of your particular business, allowing you to maximize performance while reducing maintenance costs.
Hydraulic and Pneumatic Technology: The Basics
While the mechanics of hydraulic and pneumatic systems are quite different, as are their applications in manufacturing and other industries, the underlying principles that allow them to operate are identical. Both types of systems rely on pressurized fluid or gas to generate mechanical power. In a hydraulic system, this means a liquid such as oil. Pneumatic systems, on the other hand, utilize compressed gas to produce force. Most commonly, air is used, although other compressible gases can also do the job.
The fluids or gases behind a hydraulic or pneumatic system are contained within the machinery and pressurized using a pump. Thanks to a law of physics called Pascal’s Principle, the force generated by the pressure is multiplied throughout the entire system. This is what allows these types of machines to generate the immense power and speed that they do.
What Is Fluid Conveyance?
Fluid conveyance systems refer to the combination of components that work together to transfer pressurized fluids from one part of a hydraulic or pneumatic machine to another. Different machines have different conveyance systems, although there are many similarities from one to the next.
Hydraulic and pneumatic equipment depend on maintaining certain levels of pressure within their systems. This means that any component in machinery of this type must be able to withstand that pressure and must also be designed to prevent its loss due to leaks, contamination, or other mechanical problems.
Parts of the System
As mentioned above, a fluid conveyance system refers to every element of the machinery that is responsible for the transfer of fluid. In pneumatic systems, this starts with a pump that draws air from the environment and pressurizes it. The compressed air is then stored in a tank (in some systems, separate compressed air or other gas tanks are connected, bypassing the need for the pump). When the pneumatic system is activated, a valve is opened, allowing the air to move through a hose or tube and put pressure on the moving parts within the system. This is what creates the motion that allows the pneumatic technology to operate and perform critical tasks in manufacturing and other industries.
A hydraulic system is largely similar to a pneumatic one, usually beginning with a pump that produces flow, and through restriction, the fluid is pressurized within the system. That fluid is also controlled using valves that open or close when the system is activated. The fluid moves through tubes or hoses and, once again, applies the force to the motion-control element of the hydraulic system.
In both cases, there is also an electrical element to the fluid conveyance systems. It’s this element that provides power to the pump and the valves while also allowing the user to communicate with the machinery through the attached controls.
Choosing the Right Materials for Your System
The fluid conveyance systems in pneumatic and hydraulic machinery are fairly similar to each other, at least in broad strokes. This is also true for different machines of the same type. However, they may differ greatly in material requirements.
Hydraulic systems are generally able to create more force than their pneumatic counterparts. This is why hydraulic systems are used in extremely heavy-duty construction and manufacturing projects, including in large-scale cranes, presses, and related technologies. The component parts of such technologies must, consequently, be able to withstand incredible amounts of force and pressure.
Materials used in hydraulic systems are strongly built and must be resistant to being degraded by the hydraulic oil used in the machinery. Nitrile rubber is commonly used for hoses, which are often reinforced with Kevlar or other pressure-resistant materials. They may also be reinforced with braided wire.
When it comes to pneumatic systems, a much greater emphasis is placed on speed. These types of systems are used less for heavy lifting and more for repetitive, high-speed manufacturing processes. For this reason, materials used in pneumatic systems are often more focused on flexibility, so rubber hoses are thinner and not at risk of being degraded by hydraulic oil.
Maintenance Is Key
Over time, fluid conveyance systems will begin to lose their efficiency, as their ability to maintain the required pressure lessens. A compromised fluid conveyance system is a safety issue. Systems failing to work as they are supposed to can place workers at risk since these workers are dependent on them operating a certain way. For example, imagine a forklift failing just as a heavy load is being lifted; needless to say, this could lead to disaster.
Avoiding the repair costs and safety concerns associated with failing technology is a matter of regular maintenance. By ensuring that each individual part of your system is operating at peak capacity, you will greatly decrease the odds of a catastrophic failure occurring. To ensure maximum safety, efficiency, and reliability for your fluid conveyance systems, you should also source the entire system from a trusted manufacturer. At Aberdeen Dynamics, we specialize in motion-control technologies, including hydraulic and pneumatic motion-control systems. We can also provide replacement parts that are perfectly suited to the system they are designed for. Contact us to discuss finding the perfect fluid conveyance technology for your business’s particular needs.