Chapter 2 Fluid Power Systems 37
The prime mover of a system is usually an
electric motor or an internal combustion engine.
However, gas or steam turbines may be used to
power large industrial operations. System size,
operating environment, and mobility are factors
that determine the device selected as the prime
mover. Prime movers range from fractional horse-
power electric motors and small single cylinder
gasoline engines to gas turbines producing thou-
sands of horsepower.
The pump or compressor is the heart of a fluid
power system. These components produce the fluid
Pressure
gauge
Prime
mover
Air
intake
Compressor
Main distribution
line
Receiver
Air
exhaust
Cylinder
(actuator)
Flow
control
valve
Directional
control
valve
Lubricator
Regulator
Filter
Figure 2-4. A basic pneumatic fl uid power system. Note the components and their
relationships to each other.
Figure 2-5. A typical pneumatic system compressor unit (power unit). The
prime mover in this application is a gasoline engine.