Pneumatics

Pneumatics, from the Greek πνευματικός (pneumatikos, coming from the wind) is the use of pressurized air in science and technology.

A pneumatic drill is lighter and simpler than an electric drill of the same power rating (because the prime mover, the compressor, can be made separate from the drill). Pneumatic devices are also used where electric motors cannot be used for safety reasons.

Pneumatic devices include:

• dentist's drill
• pneumatic drill (jackhammer) used by road menders
• pneumatic switch
• air compressors
• vacuum pumps
• barostat-systems used in Neurogastroenterology research

Pneumatic systems are used in manufacturing to control industrial processes. These systems started being replaced in the 1990s with Distributed Control Systems.

Pneumatics may be contrasted with hydraulics, which uses relatively noncompressible liquids instead of air. Both are applications of Fluid Power.