Industrial Applications of Fluid Power and Pneumatic Service System - Assignment Example

Task 3a Fluid power Fluid power has its basis in fluids being put under pressure with the fluid being in the form of a liquid or a gas. The fluids are incorporated into a physical system such that it is possible to generate, transmit and control power in both industrial and consumer applications. In the present world it is difficult to identify a product that fluid power has not been used in their production process as fluid power systems are regarded as having a versatile contribution to any industry. Application of fluid power range from the huge forces required in heavy power industry to machining process that involve sensitive positioning operations. The systems are grouped into two namely pneumatic and hydraulic. In pneumatic systems gas is used, normally air, while in hydraulics system liquid, usually oil, will be used with some special cases calling for use of some special fluids (Akers, 2006). . Fluid power is a power transfer system that is an alternative to electrical and mechanical power systems where all the three involve transfer of power from a prime mover. The fluid can be seen as being a very complex entity which incorporates education, designing and manufacture process and assembly of parts, troubleshooting and maintenance which is required for the system to perform efficiently. The sales and distribution of the products ensures accessibility of the products to customers as well as having information with regards to the services. Fluid power is seen to be a power system that is highly versatile this being clearly illustrated the many applications which have been identified. However, fluid power cannot be used to satisfy all applications. All the three power transmission system may have characteristics which may be desirable in one application but this may not fulfill the needs of another situation. In other words any system is not expected to have all desired advantage without having a disadvantage. A good understanding of the characteristics of the system in addition to what is required in order to produce effective and efficient application. the application ranges of fluid power makes it hard for one to make a list advantages and disadvantages since it is difficult it is not difficult to find examples that dot fit. The problem further complicates owing to the differences that are inherent in two divisions of fluid power namely hydraulics and pneumatics. System Characteristics As much there are many similarities between hydraulic and pneumatic systems with regards to transfer of energy through fluid pressure and flow the two have differences that affect how and where they can be applied. Some of the notable differences are: the accuracy in actuator movement; pressure of operation, the sped of actuator, weight of components and there cost. Accuracy of movement The difference between hydraulic and pneumatic system is brought about by compressibility of the fluid. Gases are compressible unlike liquids whose compressibility is negligible. Therefore, the hydraulic system are associated with movements which are more accurate, control of cylinders and motors easier unlike in the case of pneumatic system. The compressibility associated with pneumatic system makes it to be unsuitable where there is need for high accuracy. Operation pressure The pressure of operation of hydraulic systems is higher as compared to that in pneumatic systems. In hydraulic system the pressure may range from hundreds of psi to pressures in excess of thousands psi with pressures in excess of 10,000 psi having application is special cases (Esposito, 2011). On the other hand contrasting with the high operation levels of hydraulic systems the pneumatic system operate between a pressure of 80psi to 120psi with extremely high pressures being avoided. Actuator speed Pneumatic system finds application where there is need for high-speed movement with speeds in order of 20,000 rpm being possible (Mahmoud , 2009). In pneumatic system it is also possible to have rapid-response cylinder operation. These designs are mostly associated with lower accuracy requirements and low loads. Cost There is a great variation in the cost of fluid power. A variety of situations existing and there are a number of solutions that can be applied in their solution. The solution which is selected when solving a problem will impact on the cost. Having knowledge of system advancement, the fundamentals of hydraulic and pneumatic system and awareness of the standard components that are needed in the production of a system does the job satisfactorily at the lowest cost possible. There is also need for the cost of operating the system to be put into consideration. In general it is found that pneumatic systems are associated with higher cost of operation in comparison to hydraulic systems. These costs have linkage to compression, conditioning and distributing the air. Good maintenance that works at eliminating leakage will bring down the operating cost considerably. Weight of components The pressure at which the system is operating determines the structure of the components required. Stronger materials and massive designs is necessary for hydraulic systems which operate at high pressures so as to cope with the intense pressures associated with pneumatic systems. Hydraulic systems are associated with heavy weight handling equipments which calls for high system operating pressures as well necessary physical strength of machine parts. Task 3b Pneumatic service system The design of a workshop always will begin with an overview of the final overview of drawings. There is need to make some consultation will all the relevant personnel that will be part of the operation workshop facility. This eventually makes it possible for there to be a clear understanding on the required direction that is to be followed in order come up with the required solution. The layout plan then goes further to identify components such as the hoists, and other vital services such as compressed air supply, oil reticulation waste oil services and water supply. The specific measurements are to be noted depending with the point at which the equipment is located so that power use and other services needs are documented with accurately. The design is able to portray a visual impression of the form taken by the workshop putting into consideration all the aspects that are desired in the provision of optimal result is the provided space. The complete layout plan can be considered as a working that can be given to the builder, the plumber or electrician and work can be done. Pump room One of the important components of the workshop is the pump room which is used in the storage of drums and tanks. This goes a long way in improving the work environment, eliminates contamination of lubricants in addition to minimizing fire hazards risk. This is also the room where the air compressor is housed. Pumps are usually mounted to the drums or tanks and but sometimes they may be fixed on the walls with the later set up calling the pumps having adequate element for suction. In both circumstances there is need of having a shut off valve being placed between the pump outlet hose and the fluid distribution line. Air pressure regulator will also be placed between the pump outlet hose and fluid distribution line while a filter is needed at pump air inlet. The type of pump to be used will be dependant on the length of the distribution line and their diameter, the viscosity of fluid, the number of outlets and the type of flow requirement. The tank used for storing the waste oil can also be housed in the pump room and may need a discharge output as well as the means of discharge of the waste. The use of mobile waste oil drainers may be ideal. Control of lubricant use There is need to install oil monitoring system so as to keep control of each transaction and to ensure that usage is restricted to authorized people only. By use of a keypad the authorized personnel will be able to use the dispensing outlet and all information in relation to usage will be stored and will be retrievable as information report (Alemlube, 2012). The system may also be used in keeping inventory control of the variety of lubricants in the store at the pump room with alarms being set at points when lubricants reach a specified minimum level. Working area There is need to use a dedicated hose reel for each type of fluid, gear oil, compressed air, motor oil etc. A suitable control valve need to be connected a hose end. Where lubricants are concerned, the control valves would incorporate a volumetric meter having a partial register that would control the oil volume delivery at each service and a totalizer indicating the total volume of oil that will have been dispensed. The hose reels may be mounted on the wall, the floor or the ceiling of the workshop and installing them within the lubrication pits may be another alternative as this will ensure ease of access to greasing points and gear oil fills. There is need for shut off valves to be installed between the hose reel inlets and line of distribution of the fluid. References Akers, A et al. (2006). Hydraulic Power System Analysis, New York, ISBN 0-8247-9956-9 Alemlube (2012). Automotive workshop, Design and installation. Green Street Brookvale Esposito, A.(2011). Fluid Power with Applications, ISBN 0-13-010225-3 Mahmoud G. (2009). Fluid Power Engineering. McGraw-Hill Schneider airsystems (2013). Efficient compressed air systems and services. 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