Hydraulic Vs Pneumatic Pumps and compressorsa layman’s observation

Both  pneumatic and hydraulic pumps use the fluid power to disburse fluid from one system to another. Pneumatic pumps and compressors mostly utilize easy to compress pure gas or air, whereas hydraulic compressors and pumps make use of relatively tough to compress liquids like oil. The viscosity of oil makes less friction and endures a long life for the machines involved therein.

Pneumatic pumps and compressors usually are used under 80 – 100 pounds per square inch of pressure and hydraulics run with 1000 to 5000 pounds per square inch.

Here I am going to put some light on the differences between a hydraulic and a pneumatic pump or compressor;

Hydraulic

• Fluid or liquid gas doesn’t absorb any energy that is supplied to the pump to function.
• As the hydraulic fluid working in the pumps or compressors is highly incompressible, it reduces the spring action. No bleed off occurs, when the flow of liquid is stopped, as the light movement of load results in releasing the pressure over the load.
• Higher loads can be taken and much force is generated, due to its incompressibility.

Pneumatic

• These machines are simple in design and control with standard cylinders and on-off control is there to operate them.
• Machines are overload safe and extremely less chance of fire, in comparison to hydraulic oils in a hydraulic pump or machine.
• These have a longer durable and functioning period, with less maintenance. Low chance of damage, resulting due to shock as gas is easily compressible. Gas absorbs enormous force and can be stored, making machines run during unavailability of electric energy.