What is the advantage of using pneumatic systems over hydraulic systems?

The advantage of pneumatic systems operating in environments where leaks must be avoided stems from their reliance on compressible air rather than incompressible hydraulic fluid. In applications where cleanliness and environmental safety are crucial, pneumatic systems pose a lower risk because, in the event of a leak, compressed air dissipates quickly into the atmosphere, leaving no residue or harmful fluids behind. This makes them particularly suitable for sensitive environments, such as those found in the food processing or pharmaceuticals industries, where contamination by hydraulic oil would be unacceptable.

The other choices, while highlighting some positives of pneumatic systems, do not cover the specific advantage regarding leak prevention, which is a significant consideration in many industrial applications. For instance, pneumatic systems can be lighter in terms of the required machinery and components, resulting in a potentially higher power-to-weight ratio, but this varies by application. Maintenance costs can differ too, but the primary advantage relating to leaks makes pneumatics particularly advantageous in certain environments.