Pneumatics

Pneumatics is the study and practical use of gases, especially compressed air, to transmit energy and produce motion. It is distinguished by using compressible gas rather than liquid as its working fluid.

Compressed air: Air held at a pressure above its surroundings, storing energy that can be released to do work. It is the working fluid and stored-energy source in most pneumatic systems.
Pressure: Force distributed over an area, measured in pascals in the SI system. Pressure differences make compressed air flow and exert force on actuator surfaces.
Pneumatic conveying: The transport of bulk materials through pipelines using moving gas. It uses airflow to move powders and granules without mechanical conveyors along the route.
Hydraulics: The use of pressurized liquids to transmit power and produce controlled motion. Hydraulics offers greater force and stiffness, while pneumatics uses compressible gas.
Energy efficiency: The ratio of useful output energy to input energy in a process or device. Compression, leakage, and throttling can make pneumatic power costly compared with direct electric drives.
Pneumatic actuator: A device that converts energy in pressurized gas into mechanical motion. It turns controlled air pressure into the linear or rotary movement a machine needs.
Fluid mechanics: The study of fluids at rest and in motion, including liquids and gases. Pneumatics applies fluid-mechanics principles to gases in practical systems.
Pneumatic tube: A system that transports small containers through tubes using pressure differences or airflow. It applies pneumatic power to move documents, samples, or goods between locations.
Electromechanics: The interaction of electrical and mechanical systems, including motors and electrically driven actuators. Electric drives can provide precise control without a compressed-air supply.
Compressed-air leak: An unintended escape of pressurized air from a pneumatic system. Leaks waste compressor energy and can reduce the pressure available to machinery.

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