4
ActuationAlternatives:
ComparativeAdvantages
of Pneumaticover Electric
orHydraulicSystems
Property
Pneumatics
Electric
Hydraulic
Energystorage
Bymeansof pressure
regulatedair tanksor
compressedair bottles
Withpower storage
batteries in limitedquanti-
tieswith leakage threat
With thehelpof air/oil
accumulators
Energy
transmission
Easilyup to3,000 ft (some
pressuredrops)
Limitationof distance
transmission, butwith
voltagedrops
Limitedup to300 ftwith
pressuredrop
Leakage
Verywell controlled
(almost no loss)
Danger of exposed cables
or short circuits
Possibilityof oil
contamination
Environmental
conditions
Explosionproof,
temperature insensitive,
only riskof ice formationat
very low temperaturesdue
tomoisture
Explosionhazard in certain
environmental conditions,
temperature insensitive,
temperature control re-
quired for outdoor use
Systemsbecomeunstable
due to temperature
fluctuation; firehazard in
caseof fluid leakage
Installationand
service
Simplefield rebuildkit
available
Servicework tobedone
byspecialized technical
knowledge
Systemhas tobe closed
loop, return line for fluid is
alwaysnecessary
Generating linear
motion
Simplewithexcellent
adjustablespeed control
Requires transmissionbox-
esor gear reductionunits
Simpleandwell controlled
speedswithprecisemicro
accuracy control
Forces
Controlledoverload
protection, noenergy
consumption for constant
forces
Overloadprotection
required, lossof efficiency
(henceenergy loss) at
verystageofmechanical
linkage
Controlledoverload
protection, constant power
consumption for holding
constant pressure
