“Pros and Cons of Pneumatic Control”
Pros
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Simple structure
Pneumatic cylinders have a relatively simple structure, resulting in lower initial costs.
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High responsiveness
Pneumatic cylinders operate at high speeds, making them suitable for quick adjustments.
Cons
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No-Selflocking Mechanism
Hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders lack self-locking, so pistons may move under external loads. To hold position, check valves or mechanical locks are needed. In vertical applications, lowering risk requires countermeasures.
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Low efficiency of compressors
Most of the compressor’s operation time is not spent producing air, resulting in significant energy waste.
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Energy consumption due to idling
Pneumatic cylinders consume energy even while idling. Most of the produced air is used to maintain the idling state.
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Poor positioning accuracy
Air’s high compressibility leads to expansion and compression within the cylinder, making precise position control difficult. Additionally, if the pressure of the compressed air is not constant, the cylinder operation becomes unstable.
| Item | Hydraulic system | Screw jacks |
|---|---|---|
| Initial cost | Low | High |
| Load capacity | Low to Middle | High |
| Energy consumption due to idling | Yes | No |
| Precision of adjustment | No | High |
| Self-locking | No | Yes |
| Maintenance frequency | Middle (oil-leaks, deterioration of pipings) | Low |
Screw Jacks Can Reduce Factory Power Consumption and Contribute to the SDGs
Energy Saving and Environmental Impact Reduction by Introducing Electric Screw Jacks
Power system choice greatly impacts factory efficiency and environment. Pneumatic systems are common but have issues with energy use and maintenance.
| Item | Pneumatic System | Electric Screw Jack |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Efficiency | Consumes a large amount of energy to generate compressed air, with frequent energy conversion losses. | Uses electricity directly and only the amount needed, enabling efficient energy usage. |
| Power Consumption During Standby | Continuously consumes power to maintain pressure, even when equipment is not in use. | Operates only when needed, minimizing power consumption during standby. |
| Energy Loss | Continuously consumes power to maintain pressure, even when equipment is not in use. | No risk of air leakage, ensuring stable performance over time. |
| Maintenance | Requires regular inspections, cleaning, and leak checks; high maintenance burden. | Simple structure reduces the frequency and complexity of routine maintenance. |
| Operational Efficiency | May become inefficient during long-term operation, leading to higher running costs. | Maintains stable performance over long periods, supporting efficient operation. |
| Contribution to SDGs | Excessive energy consumption and heavy maintenance demands raise environmental concerns. | High energy efficiency and low maintenance contribute to a sustainable solution. |