Pneumatic project - construction options

[Mateus_R]

Hi everyone,

I had the opportunity to see a tool that will be used offshore and some of the mechanisms were pneumatic actuated by pneumatic motors. The designer choose to connect the pneumatic motors /valves / lubrifil using rigid pipes and fittings (thread connected). I'd like to know if there is a specific rule for that (due to the offshore application) or we could use the very well know quick connections and standard flexible hoses instead of carbon steel fittings and tubes. Also compression fittings could make everything simple.

Lots of thread connections can impact maintenance and could be tough to remove all the leakages during installation/repairs.

I know this is an open question without too much details, but I'd appreciate your comments.

Kind Regards.

 

[hydtools]

Ask the designer.

Ted

 

[mk3223]

It's a case by case for the certain application using pipe, tubing, or hoses.
In general, there is no restriction to use pipe or tubing, with thread or compression fittings, if there is no safety or leakage issues.

 

[BrianPetersen]

Making things easily disconnected and reconnected can be both a blessing and a curse ... the latter, if it's too easy for someone to connect something wrongly, and if bad things happen as a result of the motor/cylinder not moving when asked to or moving the opposite direction of what it was asked to.

I third the above two posts ... ask the designer why this choice was made.

 

[DAVIDSTECKER]

From my experience pneumatic systems are very prone to line loses.
Every fitting you include robs you of power.
Hose fittings change ID a great deal which really mess's with air flow.