Pneumatics refers to technology that controls pressurized gas to affect mechanical motion, such as air brakes on buses, cable jetting, air compressors, or pneumatic air guns. To put it simply, Pnuematics is any system where signals or energy are transmitted, controlled, or distributed using pressurized air as the medium. The power comes from the rapid expansion of the compressed gas.
History
The first pneumatic tool was a simple one, and one that we still use today the hand bellows. It was used by early smelters and blacksmiths for working iron and is a very simple type of air compressor. The first air pump was invented by Otto von Guericke in 1650, and it was capable of producing a partial vacuum. It wasn't until 1829 that the first compound air compressor was patented. It worked by compressing air in successive cylinders. In 1872, scientists added the idea of cooling the cylinders with water jets to improve the efficiency, which then developed into water-jacketed cylinders.
Pneumatic systems are most commonly found in an industrial setting, but they can be used in commercial settings as well, such as the tube systems at drive up tellers in banks. Compressed air is what is used to push the tubes back and forth from teller to customer. In the past, pneumatic tubes were used to transport messages and objects from room to room in large office buildings. America's first subway was a pneumatic train, invented by Alfred Beach in 1865 in New York City. Nowadays, pneumatic technology is used in many different applications, even jet engines use centrifugal and axial-flow compressors.
Advantages
Using pneumatic devices can be cheaper and safer than using multiple electric motors, because a centrally located and electrically-powered compressor can power many cylinders and other pneumatic devices. The compressed air in most of these systems is made by simply compressing atmospheric air, removing the moisture, and adding a small amount of oil to reduce corrosion of mechanical components.
Pneumatic systems have other advantages as well. They are simple in design, use low power, and are inexpensive to produce. Pneumatic compressors are much quieter than their hydraulic counterparts and are cleaner and more reliable. Their operations will not be interrupted by power failure, and are kind on the environment.
Risks and Safety
Pneumatic systems can be small, such as a handheld drill, sander, or grinder. They can also exist on a very large scale, such as a system that controls the air handling or HVAC throughout an entire building.
Working with high pressure pneumatic systems can be extremely dangerous if you do not know what you are doing. If you use components that are not rated for the correct pressures, the system could explode causing serious injury or death. Because of this, pneumatics should only be implemented by an experienced builder or pneumatics specialist.
