Fluid Power

Fluid power is a kind of technology wherein various properties of fluids are studied in a detailed manner. Of course, it also deals with the properties like transmitting, controlling and generating power as well. In other words, all that you are going to explore in this field is the pressurization of fluids.

Fluids will refer to either liquids or gasses. However, speaking about the categories of fluids, they are classified into two major categories like pneumatics and hydraulics. Well, the difference between these two categories is that liquids like water and mineral oil are used as a medium in hydraulics and gasses like air or other inert gasses are used as a medium in pneumatics.

Practical Uses of Fluids

Energy of transport: the fluid power systems will usually be given with one or more pumps. These pumps will be driven by equipment called prime mover. The best example in this case may be IC engines or electric motors. These are actually in order to achieve the conversion of mechanical energy into fluid energy. As a result, this flow of fluid will be employed in various devices, which are specially designed for operate with the help of fluid energy.

For example

• Cylinder (pneumatic or hydraulics) will provide force, which will usually be linear
• Motor (pneumatic or hydraulic) will provide non stop rotational motion
• Rotary actuator will be used to provide rotational motions, which will be less than 360 degrees

Applications

• The fluid power systems are quite inexpensive when compared to other power generating systems, as there is no necessity to spend huge amounts on the requirements
• Since the gasses can easily change their volume, precision becomes quite difficult
• Since the fluid power systems, especially those working on pneumatics, will work only under certain working pressure, the level of safely will be increased

Questions:

• What are fluids?
• What are the two classifications of fluids?