Pneumatic, Hydraulic Circuits, and Water Systems

Fluid Mechanics: Definition and Characteristics

A fluid is a gas or liquid whose particles do not maintain sufficient attraction between them and move freely. When a force is applied, they slide over each other. Key characteristics include flow, spill, and the ability to move through pipelines.

Pneumatic Circuits: Components and Function

A pneumatic circuit performs work using the energy gained by pressurizing a gas, usually atmospheric air. It consists of:

• Compressor: Creates air pressure.
• Tank: Stores and cools the compressed air.
• Storage Unit (filter, lubricator, and pressure gauge): Conditions the air.
• Pipes: Distribute the air.
• Cylinders: Perform the work.
• Valves: Control the airflow to the cylinders.

Hydraulic Circuits: Principles and Components

A hydraulic circuit is based on Pascal's Principle: The force a liquid exerts at each point of a container is always perpendicular to the contact area. A change of pressure applied to a liquid at rest in a container is transmitted instantly and unchanged throughout the fluid. Instead of a gas, it uses a liquid. It is made up of:

• Storage Unit (tank and hydraulic pump): The pump injects fluid under pressure into the circuit.
• Check Valve: Prevents fluid from flowing in the opposite direction.
• Drives: Distribute the liquid through the circuit.
• Cylinders: Move to do the desired work.
• Valves: Control the passage of fluid into and out of the cylinder.

Applications of Pneumatic and Hydraulic Systems

Pneumatic and hydraulic systems are used in sectors of society that require large linear motion and strength.

Building Facilities: Water Systems

Building facilities are systems distributed and arranged with building materials, energy, or information to improve our quality of life. Automated homes (domotic homes) have automated facilities.

Water Distribution

Water is distributed from the sea or stored in tanks built on high ground, using pressure to reach consumption points. If the pressure is too high, reducing valves are used. If it is too low, water pumps or pressure groups are used.

The facility has a ring to prevent a breakdown at one point from affecting the entire line.

The elements of a water facility are:

• Counter: Measures water consumption.
• Valves and Shutoff Valves: Interrupt the flow of water and isolate an area of the pipeline in case of failure.
• Pipes: These are the pipes, made of copper or plastic.

In the house, water is distributed through two major independent circuits: hot and cold water.

The water heating element can be: gas boilers, diesel or coal heaters, water heaters, or solar (individual or centralized) systems.

Sewerage Systems and Wastewater Treatment

The sewerage system is a set of pipes and drains to ensure the evacuation of sewage and block the passage of malodorous gases inside buildings.

From the gutters, the water passes to the WWTP (Wastewater Treatment Plant), where it is sieved, decanted, and cleaned.

Wastewater Treatment Levels

• Pretreatment and primary treatment.
• Secondary treatment.
• Tertiary purification.

If the house is isolated or in a rural area, septic tanks should be used. These are containers with two chambers with the following features: solid separation and further filtration.