How a Pneumatic Pressure Control Valve and Other Hydraulics Work at Theme and Amusement Parks
When you’re having fun with the rides in a theme or amusement park, you most likely do not know that pneumatic pressure control valve systems and other hydraulic cylinders are hard at work, controlling the rides and providing movement for animation and simulations. All this precision is due to nothing more than compressed air or liquid inside these valves and cylinders.
What rides use pneumatic or hydraulic systems?
Around 80 per cent of theme park rides use pneumatic systems. If a ride is moving at an amusement park, most likely, it’s using these systems. For instance:
- The shock absorbers in bumper cars and other independent rides use hydraulic cylinders.
- Aeroplane or swing rides use pneumatic cylinders for tilting and raising the upper platform.
- Lap bars, those large bars that hold passengers in place on roller coasters, are powered by pneumatics.
- Most roller coasters use pneumatic or hydraulic brakes for safety. These brakes automatically activate if one cart comes to a stop.
Why not just use traditional pulley systems?
Pulley systems were the norm in amusement parks in the 20th century. This has been wholly replaced by pneumatic and hydraulic systems because of the following advantages:
- Should a cable break on a pulley system, there is no way to control the machine. Pneumatic and hydraulic systems offer better and safer control for park rides.
- In terms of power density, a hydraulic motor is only about half to 2/3 the size of a traditional pulley system motor, and still offers the same horsepower.
- Pneumatic and hydraulic equipment has more precision than any pulley system option.
- For safety, the increased precision and control of pneumatic and hydraulic systems make rides much safer.
Is there a difference between hydraulics and pneumatics?
Pneumatics use compressed or pressurised air, while hydraulics use liquid. They are used in different situations for theme park rides. Hydraulics can be cheaper since compressed air is expensive. Hydraulic systems are also more precise and exact since air is spongy and compressible. However, pneumatic systems are more straightforward and contain fewer components.
Master Mac 2000
When it comes to pressure control valve systems and other cylinders, Master Mac 2000 P/L has been the distributor of Mack and Univer valves since 1980. Mack is an exclusive Australian brand. Both Mack and Univer are known for their high-standard pneumatic valves for any application, including heavy industry application. If your amusement or theme park requires spare pneumatics or hydraulics parts and equipment, call us on 07 3344 4711 or browse through our website at https://mastermac2000.com.au/.
About MasterMac2000: Your Trusted Pneumatic & Process Automation Partner.
LEADING THE INDUSTRY: Established in 1989, MasterMac2000 has grown to become one of Australia's largest privately owned pneumatic and process automation companies. We stock top-quality brands like Univer, Mack, Tolomatic, Mac, Piab, American, and Rotoflux in Brisbane.
SERVING QLD & NORTHERN NSW: We proudly service Queensland and Northern New South Wales for all your pneumatic and process equipment needs. Our mission is to provide the best pre and post-sales support while actively expanding our client base.
SOURCING HARD-TO-FIND PARTS: Not only do we stock quality components, but we also excel at sourcing those elusive, hard-to-find parts. With our extensive database and global network of contacts, getting the parts you require is as easy as a call to our highly skilled, professional sales team.
DEDICATED TO YOUR SUCCESS:
- Decades of expertise in pneumatics & process automation
- Carefully curated selection of world-class brands
- Exceptional sourcing capabilities for speciality parts
- Knowledgeable sales staff dedicated to finding solutions
- Unwavering commitment to customer service excellence
About The Author
Stuart Havill
Stuart Havill is the owner and manager of MasterMac2000, Queensland's largest privately owned pneumatic and process valve company.
With his early working career as a maintenance fitter for Boral in 1992, Stuart has spent his life in the field of pneumatics and process equipment. He gained extensive experience in plant design, maintenance, repairs, fabrication, and site management.
In 1996, he transitioned to a pneumatic sales technician role at MasterMac2000, where he excelled in key account management, providing cost-effective solutions, and managing a sales team of 9 employees.
Since 2002, Stuart has been the manager at MasterMac2000, overseeing the company's growth and establishing it as a leader in pneumatic automation and process valve engineering. His expertise spans customer training, CRM setup, industrial compressor sizing and installation, and turn-key project management.
Under Stuart's leadership, MasterMac2000 has been servicing the industry since 1988, with 5 full-time sales representatives covering northern rivers NSW, Queensland, Northern Territory, and PNG. The company prides itself on providing the best-priced solutions to all customers in the marketplace.
View Stuart’s LinkedIn profile to learn more about his expertise in pneumatics and process equipment.