Pneumatics provides fluid power by means of pressurised air or gases. Hydraulics provides fluid power by means of pressurised liquids, such as oil or water. In choosing one of the two, cost-effectiveness, materials to be moved, availability of resources and space are all factors to be considered.

Typically, conveyor systems consist of a belt stretched across two or more pulleys. The belt forms a closed loop around the pulleys so it can continually rotate. One pulley, known as the drive pulley, drives or tows the belt, moving items from one location to another.

Mechanical movements in pumps are essential to their operation, as they convert energy (often electrical) into fluid motion. The key mechanical movements in pumps include:

• Piston/Plunger: In reciprocating pumps, a piston or plunger moves back and forth in a cylinder. The suction stroke draws fluid into the chamber, and the discharge stroke pushes the fluid out.
• Diaphragm: Diaphragm pumps use a flexible diaphragm that moves up and down, creating suction to draw in fluid and pressure to expel it.

• Gears: Gear pumps use rotating gears that trap fluid between their teeth and move it from the inlet to the outlet.
• Lobes: Lobe pumps have two rotating lobes that move in opposite directions, creating cavities that carry the fluid.
• Screws: Screw pumps use rotating screws that transport fluid along the screw’s axis, typically in high-pressure applications.

• Impeller: Centrifugal pumps use a rotating impeller to create centrifugal force, which moves fluid outward from the centre of the impeller to the outlet. This is commonly used for large-volume flow at low pressure.

• A series of rollers compress a flexible tube in peristaltic pumps, pushing fluid through the tube as the rollers rotate.

Bearings are mechanical components that reduce friction between moving parts, support loads, and ensure smooth movement in machinery. Their primary mechanical uses include:

• Reducing Friction: Bearings minimize friction between moving parts (e.g., a rotating shaft and a stationary housing) by allowing smooth rolling contact instead of sliding friction. This increases efficiency and reduces wear.
• Supporting Rotational Motion: Bearings are used to support rotational or linear movement, ensuring shafts or components move smoothly and steadily in equipment like motors, pumps, and wheels.
• Load Bearing: Bearings support both radial (perpendicular to the shaft) and axial (parallel to the shaft) loads, depending on the type of bearing. They can handle heavy loads in rotating systems such as engines or turbines.
• Aligning Moving Parts: Bearings help maintain proper alignment of rotating components, preventing misalignment that could lead to mechanical failure.
• Reducing Wear: By providing a rolling motion instead of sliding, bearings reduce wear on parts, prolonging the lifespan of machinery.
• Vibration Damping: Bearings help absorb and reduce vibrations in machinery, contributing to quieter and smoother operation.

Common types of bearings include ball bearings, roller bearings, thrust bearings, and plain bearings, each suited for specific applications depending on the required load and motion type.

Mechanical power transmission systems are used to transfer power from one part of a machine to another. These systems include belts, chains, and fluid drives, each with distinct characteristics and applications:

Principle: Power is transmitted by friction between the belt and pulleys.

Types:

• Flat Belt: Used for long distances and moderate power, typically in older machinery.
• V-Belt: Most common, with a trapezoidal cross-section, offering better grip and higher power transmission than flat belts.
• Timing Belt: Has teeth that engage with matching teeth on pulleys, ensuring no slip, making it ideal for precise motion control.

Advantages:

• Simple, cost-effective, and easy to replace.
  Can absorb shocks and dampen vibrations.
  Suitable for high-speed applications.

Disadvantages:

• Prone to slipping if not tensioned properly.
• Can stretch over time, requiring adjustments.

Principle: Power is transmitted through a chain that engages with sprockets on both driving and driven shafts.

Types:

• Roller Chain: Common in industrial machinery, bicycles, and conveyors.
• Silent Chain: Designed for smoother operation and reduced noise, used in automotive timing applications.

Advantages:

• Positive engagement between chain and sprockets ensures no slip.
• Handles higher loads compared to belts.
• Long lifespan with proper lubrication.

Disadvantages:

• Requires regular lubrication and maintenance.
• Can be noisy and cause vibrations.
• Heavier and less flexible than belt drives.

Principle: Power is transmitted through the movement of fluid (liquid in hydraulic systems or gas in pneumatic systems).

Types:

• Hydraulic Drives: Use liquid (usually oil) to transmit force, ideal for high-force applications.
• Pneumatic Drives: Use compressed air to transmit power, typically for lower-force, faster-acting applications.

Advantages:

• Smooth, controlled transmission of power.
• Can generate significant force (especially hydraulics).
• Can work over long distances and through flexible piping.

Disadvantages:

• Complex and costly setup.
• Requires pumps, valves, and maintenance to avoid fluid leaks or contamination.
• Not ideal for very high-speed operations (more suitable for precision and force).

• Belt Drives: Used in fans, conveyors, and automotive engines.
• Chain Drives: Found in bicycles, motorcycles, conveyors, and heavy machinery.
• Fluid Drives: Common in construction equipment (e.g., hydraulic excavators), lifts, presses, and automation systems.

Each system has its unique advantages depending on the need for speed, torque, precision, or load capacity.