pneumatics

Real World Examples: Pneumatics

Pneumatic systems can be divided into two general categories: systems that are powered by a rotating rotor and systems that are powered by a reciprocating piston. Devices powered by a rotating rotor contain a housing compartment, vanes, and a central spindle. Air enters the housing and applies pressure to the vanes, which causes the spindle to rotate. Then, the mechanism that is attached to the spindle begins to move. Essentially, pneumatic systems work by compressing air to a higher pressure. The high pressure then forces a spindle or piston to move, which powers a tool or motor.

They are most commonly found in buses, trucks and other large vehicles. They use a type of friction brake that allows compressed air to press on a piston, which then applies the pressure to the brake pad which stops the vehicle.

Air Brakes

Air brakes on buses and trucks are formally known as compressed air brake systems. These systems use a type of friction brake in which compressed air presses on a piston and then applies the pressure to the brake pad that stops the vehicle.

Air Nail Gun

In an air nail gun, air pressure flows into the gun from a compressor which the air pressure is then stored in a “chamber” until the plunger which is located at the muzzle is depressed and the trigger is pulled.  When the plunger is depressed, the air pressure is then allowed to flow through the chamber, above a piston that is attached to a blade. Located above the piston is under the plunger. The compressed air then forces the plunger up and allows access to the top of the piston.

Bicycle/Ball Pump

Air is compressed and forced into the ball or bicycle inner tube as the handle is pumped on top of the cylinder. Pneumatic pumps have offered a “lower total cost of ownership” compared to traditional pumps.

Jackhammer

This device is fed with compressed air as a source of power and uses pumps to deliver air to drill through hoses. Although this is commonly known as a drill, this machine is actually more like an automatic hammer in it’s method of working and because of that, it is known as the air-hammer or jackhammer.

Orbital Sanders

This is a popular tool with body shops. The tool is comprised of a handle that fits into the palm of the hand, and a block that holds sheets of sandpaper. It spins the sandpaper in random orbits, hence the name orbital sander, which prevents the tool from leaving noticeable swirls or hot spots. This tool is very useful for someone who needs to finish an uneven surface without spending a lot of time sanding by hand. An orbital sander can generate more than 10,000 rotations per minute.

1 reply
  1. Chris Pederson
    Chris Pederson says:

    Thanks for explaining how air can be used to move and power tools or motors. I thought that they only used things like water or oil to that kind of stuff. I wonder what other wonders they can make happen with air.

    Reply

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