What is Fluid Power?

Fluid power is a kind of energy that is used every day to control machinery and tools. Fluid power can be found in our vehicles, at the dentist, at automotive and machinery shops and in industries such as mining and construction.

The Power of Fluid

Different fluids or gases can be harnessed to do different forms of work. In fluid power, fluid or gas is placed under pressure, and the lifting or moving power of the pressurized fluid or gas is harnessed to move machinery or generate energy. Essentially, the compressed air or fluid pushes on some part or piece of machinery; the pressure causes the part or piece to move. This is broken down into pneumatic power and hydraulic power.

Pneumatic Power

Pneumatics refers to the use of gases under pressure to create power. Compressed air is used to fill the tires in our cars, to provide power to dentists’ equipment, in auto-body painting and to provide power to various tools such as jackhammers and nail guns. Pneumatic power is also used in factory and industry settings such as mining and construction.

Hydraulic Power

Hydraulic power is the use of liquids, usually oils, to create movement in machinery. Auto mechanic shops use hydraulic lifts to raise a car into the air for easy access to the undercarriage. It is used in fluid brake systems and steering systems in our vehicles. Oil is the most-often used liquid as its viscosity maintains even pressure and slows evaporation. However, fluid power in hydraulics can also refer to the power harnessed from fluid, such as in hydro-electric dams. The pressure of moving water moves turbines that create electrical power.