Nowadays, different industries, including manufacturing, automation, healthcare, and construction, rely on Pneumatic systems. These systems use compressed air or other gases to transfer energy, support tools, and handle machinery. The pneumatic conductor is the most important part of pneumatic systems, transporting the pressurized air or gas between different points. A pneumatic system’s performance, safety, and durability largely depend on the quality and characteristics of the pneumatic conductors used.

Now you will be thinking, what are the essential requirements of the best pneumatic conductors for the smooth working of the pneumatic applications? Let’s read here;

1. Material

The material of a pneumatic conductor ensures its performance and durability. Different materials, such as metal, plastic, and rubber, are used to make Pneumatic conductors, and each material has its own specifications. However, the choice varies according to a system’s requirements. 

• Metal Conductors

Metal pipes, mostly derived from steel, aluminum, or copper, are tough and offer strong protection against wear and rust. These pipes are mostly used in high-pressure and sturdy applications. Most industries use steel for their heavy-duty systems, while aluminum is a lighter option with great resistance to rust.

• Plastic Conductors

Plastic pipes use polyethylene, polyamide, and polyurethane, which offer greater flexibility than metals and are selected for applications where easy installation and versatility are important. Plastics are lighter, cost-effective, and resistant to rust. Polyamide is recognized for its strong chemical resistance, while polyurethane is valued for its durability and resistance to wear.

• Rubber Conductors

Rubber hoses are best for flexibility, stretchability, and durability in applications. Rubber pneumatic conductors are frequently used in systems where regular bending or movement is important. However, rubber is less long-lasting than metal or plastic for some industrial applications.

2. Pressure Resilience

Compressed air or gases apply pressure within the system that can cause fragility. Thus, it’s important for Pneumatic conductors to be durable enough to endure the pressure. While selecting a pneumatic conductor, it’s essential to ensure system stability to avoid leakage. 

• Nominal and Burst Pressure

Pneumatic conductors are categorized according to the nominal pressure and burst pressure. Nominal pressure is the maximality of pressure a conductor bears under normal situations, and burst pressure is the least pressure bearability of a conductor where it fails. Therefore, selecting the best pneumatic conductor to endure maximum and lowest pressure levels is important to avoid safety risks. 

3. Temperature Resilience

Pneumatic applications can easily operate under different temperatures, from very cold to hot. The material of pneumatic conductors must endure temperature fluctuations without compromising its performance. For instance, Rubber material is ideal for low temperatures, plastics like polyamide and polyurethane handle moderate heat, and metal conductors are best for extreme temperatures.

4. Flexibility

A pneumatic conductor must be flexible enough to avoid pressure drops, cracks, and damage when bending around corners or moving with the machine.

5. Bend Radius

The bend radius is the smallest curve a conductor can make without damage, and materials like polyurethane and certain plastics are selected to empower them to handle tight bends without breaking in complex systems.

6. Chemical Resistance

Plastic materials such as polyethylene and polyamide are used in environments where chemical exposure happens unexpectedly. Polyurethane offers excellent abrasion resistance and some chemical protection. In more hostile conditions, metal conductors help maintain the pneumatic system’s functionality and prevent damage from chemicals.

7. Abrasion Resistance

Abrasion resistance is vital for pneumatic conductors, which mostly break in heavy traffic. Due to endurance performance, polyurethane is considered the best material to maintain the conductor’s structure.  

8. Conductor Fittings and Compatibility

Fitting the pneumatic conductors to the system parts is important for better working. The kind of thread, size, and alignment with the conductor play a key role in hardness, free leakage, and connection. Pneumatic conductors must be easy to fit into the system. 

9. Size and Diameter of the Conductor

Selecting the appropriate size of the conductor according to the system is essential, as it will analyze the flowing air through the system. It may drop pressure if it is too small, facing system failure. And if it’s too large, it will be too expensive.

10. Fitting Types

Different fitting types include push-in fittings, threaded fittings, and quick-release connectors. The conductors must be according to the fitting type to perform better.

The above study shows that pneumatic conductors play an important role in ensuring the reliable and safe working of a pneumatic system. Different factors, including material, pressure, temperature resilience, durability, and compatibility, must be considered to ensure the system’s endurance and smooth performance.