4
Actuation Alternatives:
Comparative Advantages
of Pneumatic over Electric
or Hydraulic Systems
Property
Pneumatics
Electric
Hydraulic
Energy storage
By means of pressure
regulated air tanks or
compressed air bottles
With power storage
batteries in limited quanti-
ties with leakage threat
With the help of air/oil
accumulators
Energy
transmission
Easily up to 3,000 ft (some
pressure drops)
Limitation of distance
transmission, but with
voltage drops
Limited up to 300 ft with
pressure drop
Leakage
Very well controlled
(almost no loss)
Danger of exposed cables
or short circuits
Possibility of oil
contamination
Environmental
conditions
Explosion proof,
temperature insensitive,
only risk of ice formation at
very low temperatures due
to moisture
Explosion hazard in certain
environmental conditions,
tempertature insensi-
tive, temperature control
required for outdoor use
Systems become unstable
due to temperature
fluctuation; fire hazard in
case of fluid leakage
Installation and
service
Simple field rebuild kit
available
Service work to be done
by specialized technical
knowledge
System has to be closed
loop, return line for fluid is
always neccessary
Generating linear
motion
Simple with excellent
adjustable speed control
Requires transmission
boxes or gear reduction
units
Simple and well controlled
speeds with precise micro
accuracy control
Forces
Controlled overload
protection, no energy
consumption for constant
forces
Overload protection
required, loss of efficiency
(hence energy loss) at
very stage of mechanical
linkage
Controlled overload
protection, constant power
consumption for holding
constant pressure
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