2 introduction to pneumatic systems
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Pneumatic systems use compressed air to transmit power and motion. They have advantages like force multiplication, flexibility, durability, and suitability for harsh environments. Pneumatic systems typically use lower power applications compared to hydraulic systems. Main pneumatic components include compressors to produce air, filters and regulators to condition air, cylinders and motors to provide motion, and valves to control flow. Directional control valves are used to switch airflow between ports to actuate cylinders. Common pneumatic circuits are designed using symbolic representations of components to achieve automated control functions.
2 introduction to pneumatic systems
- 2. Definition It is the use of a confined fluid flowing under pressure to transmit power from one location to another. It is one of the three commonly used methods of transmitting power in an industrial setting. Others are Electrical and Mechanical power transmissions. Two of the most important advantages of fluid power transmission are its ability to multiply force and its flexibility to change direction quickly without damage to the system.
- 3. Hydraulics versus Pneumatics Hydraulics is the transmission of power through a liquid, most commonly petroleum based oil. Pneumatics is the use of a gas, usually air. The fundamental difference between air and oil is that air is compressible, while oil is relatively incompressible. In general, hydraulic systems are usually preferred for applications that require: 1. High power/large load capacity 2. Precise positioning, and 3. Smooth movement. Pneumatics is well suited for applications that require; 1. Low power/light to moderate load capacity 2. Low to medium precision, and 3. Quick response
- 4. Advantages of Pneumatic Systems Extremely durable and not • High Effectiveness – use of compressed air in not restricted by distance & can easily be transported. • High durability and reliability – damaged easily. • Simple Design - more suitable for use in simple automatic control systems. • High adaptability to harsh environments - compressed air is less affected by high temperature, dust, corrosion, etc. • Safety - Because they can work in inflammable environment without causing fire or explosion. • Easy selection of speed and pressure • Environment friendly - The operation of pneumatic systems do not produce pollutants. • Economical - The costs of pneumatic systems are quite low.
- 5. Disadvantages of Pneumatic Systems Relatively low accuracy - The volume of air may change when compressed or heated, the supply of air to the system may not be accurate. Low loading - As the cylinders of pneumatic components are not very large, a pneumatic system cannot drive loads that are too heavy. Processing required before use - Compressed air must be processed before use to ensure the absence of water vapour or dust. Uneven moving speed - As air can easily be compressed, the moving speeds of the pistons are relatively uneven Noise - Noise will be produced when compressed air is released from the pneumatic components.
- 6. Main Pneumatic Components • Pneumatic components can be divided into two categories: 1. Components that produce and transport compressed air. 2. Components that consume compressed air. • All main pneumatic components can be represented by simple pneumatic symbols. Each symbol shows only the function of the component it represents. • Pneumatic symbols can be combined to form pneumatic diagrams. • A pneumatic diagram describes the relations between each pneumatic component, that is, the design of the system.
- 7. Production and Transportation of compressed air Examples of components that produce and transport compressed air include compressors pressure regulating components.
- 8. Compressors A compressor can compress air to the required pressures. It can convert the mechanical energy from motors and engines into the potential energy in compressed air . A single central compressor can supply various pneumatic components with compressed air, which is transported through pipes from the cylinder to the pneumatic components. Compressors can be divided into two classes: reciprocating and rotary.
- 9. Pneumatic Compressor Rotary Compressor Reciprocating Compressor
- 10. Pressure Regulating Component Pressure regulating components are formed by various components, each of which has its own pneumatic symbol: (i) Filter – can remove impurities from compressed air before it is fed to the pneumatic components. (ii) Pressure regulator – to stabilise the pressure and regulate the operation of pneumatic components (iii) Lubricator – To provide lubrication for pneumatic components
- 11. ACTUATORS • Pneumatic execution components provide rectilinear or rotary movement. • Examples of pneumatic execution components include cylinder pistons, pneumatic motors, etc. pistons, while pneumatic motors • Rectilinear motion is produced by cylinder provide continuous rotations. • There are many kinds of cylinders, such as single acting cylinders and double acting cylinders.
- 12. Single Acting Cylinder A single acting cylinder has only one entrance that allows compressed air to flow through. Therefore, it can only produce thrust in one direction. The piston rod is propelled in the opposite direction by an internal spring, or by the external force provided by mechanical movement or weight of a load.
- 13. Double Acting Cylinder In a double acting cylinder, air pressure is applied alternately to the relative surface of the piston, producing a propelling force and a retracting force. As the effective area of the piston is small, the thrust produced during retraction is relatively weak. The impeccable tubes of double acting cylinders are usually made of steel. The working surfaces are also polished and coated with chromium to reduce friction.
- 14. Directional Control Valve (DCV) Directional control valves ensure the flow of air between air ports by opening, closing and switching their internal connections. Their classification is determined by the number of ports, the number of switching positions, the normal position of the valve and its method of operation. Common types of directional control valves include 2/2, 3/2, 5/2, etc. The first number represents the number of ports; the second number represents the number of positions.
- 15. 2/2 Directional control valve The structure of a 2/2 directional control valve is very simple. It uses the thrust from the spring to open and close the valve, stopping compressed air from flowing towards working tube ‘A’ from air inlet ‘P’. When a force is applied to the control axis, the valve will be pushed open, connecting ‘P’ with ‘A’ . The control valve can be driven manually or mechanically, and restored to its original position by the spring.
- 16. 3/2 Directional control valve A 3/2 directional control valve can be used to control a single acting cylinder. The open valves in the middle will close until ‘P’ and ‘A’ are connected together. Then another valve will open the sealed base between ‘A’ and ‘R’ (exhaust). The valves can be driven manually, mechanically, electrically or pneumatically. 3/2 directional control valves can further be divided into two classes: Normally open type (N.O.) and normally closed type (N.C.).
- 17. 5/2 Directional control valve When a pressure pulse is input into the pressure control port ‘P’, the spool will move to the left, connecting inlet ‘P’ and work passage ‘B’. Work passage ‘A’ will then make a release of air through ‘R1’ and ‘R2’. The directional valves will remain in this operational position until signals of the contrary are received. Therefore, this type of directional control valves is said to have the function of ‘memory’.
- 18. Control Valve • A control valve is a valve that controls the flow of air. • Examples include Non-return valves, Flow control valves, Shuttle valves,
- 19. Non Return Valve A non-return valve allows air to flow in one direction only. When air flows in the opposite direction, the valve will close. Another name for non-return valve is poppet valve
- 20. Flow Control Valve A flow control valve is formed by a non-return valve and a variable throttle.
- 21. Shuttle Valve • Shuttle valves are also known as double control or single control non-return valves. • A shuttle valve has two air inlets ‘P1’ and ‘P2’ and one air outlet ‘A’. • When compressed air enters through ‘P1’, the sphere will seal and block the other inlet ‘P2’. • Air can then flow from ‘P1’ to ‘A’. • When the contrary happens, the sphere will block inlet ‘P1’, allowing air to flow from ‘P2’ to ‘A’ only.
- 22. Pneumatic circuit Pneumatic control systems can be designed in the form of pneumatic circuits. cylinders, directional control valves, flow control valves, etc. Pneumatic circuits have the following functions: T o control the injection and release of compressed air in the cylinders. To use one valve to control another valve.