Fluid Technology

What is fluid technology??

Fluid technology encompasses all processes in which energy is transmitted through the flow of gases and liquids. The technical applications of fluid technology include hydraulics (transmission of energy through hydraulic fluids) and pneumatics (transmission through compressed air).

The essential difference between the two fluid technologies lies in the utilization of gases/air in pneumatics and fluids in hydraulics. While gases and air can be compressed and are therefore compressible, liquids in hydraulics do not exhibit this property. They are considered incompressible.

The advantages of hydraulics are:

• Extremely High Forces: In hydraulics, the use of incompressible fluids allows for the movement of extraordinarily heavy loads, with pressure being transmitted as force without any loss, thereby fully utilizing the available power.
• Precise Control: By employing incompressible fluids and oils, the resulting pressure is evenly distributed throughout the entire system, enabling controlled and precise manipulation of the resulting force.

• High Power in a Compact Space: Hydraulic drives possess the capability to deliver significant power with compact components.

• Safe Energy Transmission: Hydraulic systems facilitate the secure generation of forces, eliminating the risk of explosions even at extremely high pressures. This is due to the fact that fluids cannot store energy.

• Durability: Hydraulic systems are known for their longevity. They are robust and exhibit high resistance in their functionality.

The advantages of pneumatics

• Price and availability: Air is ubiquitous, freely available, and accessible to everyone at all times. No separate acquisition is required.
• Speed: By utilizing compressed air, a high average flow velocity of approximately 2 m/s can be achieved.

• Installation: Pneumatic systems or equipment are known for their low complexity and easy installation. Another advantage is that tool or motor replacements can be quickly accomplished without the need to refill or purge the lines.

• Cleanliness: Due to the fact that pneumatic systems solely utilize air as the medium, their operation is characterized by high cleanliness. For this reason, industries such as the food industry prefer the use of pneumatic systems.