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Basic Pneumatics

Properties of Compressed AirAvailabilityEasily stored in large volumesSimplicity in design and controlProvides linear and rotary movementInstallation Low system cost due to low component cost

Properties of Compressed AirComponents have long working life resulting in longer system reliabilityEnvironmentally friendlySafety issues are minimized e.g.. Fire hazards; unaffected by overloads (actuators stall or slip)Pneumatic actuators in a system do not produce heat (except for friction)

Parts of a Pneumatic SystemWhat are they? and What do they Do?

A Basic Pneumatic SystemAir Production and Distribution SystemPressure SwitchCompressor DrainCheck ValveMotorTankPressure GaugeRefrigerated Air DryerLine Filter

A Basic Pneumatic SystemAir Consumption SystemDirectional ValveAir Line Take-offDrain Conditioning UnitActuator

Air CompressionReciprocating:Single stageDouble Stage

Air CompressionRotary:VaneScrew

Compressor

Air ReceiverA pressure Vessel (Tank) normally made of metal and installed either horizontally or vertically. This vessel provides a volume of airto be utilized by the system and reduced the loading and unloadingof the compressor.Air Receiver (Tank)

Air TreatmentAll atmospheric air carries both moisture and dustInlet FilterUsed to remove large particle dirt from entering the system. Used to prevent excessive wear of cylinder, piston rings and other moving parts in the initial stage of the system

Air DryerCompressed air cannot hold the same amount of moisture as non compressed air. Once the air is compressed, some of the moisture condenses in the tank and is removed through a drain valve. The remaining moisture will rust internal components of the system and must be removed. One way this is done by sending the air through an air conditioned chamber which will condense more of the moisture which is present.

Regulating and ConditioningThe compressed air to be used in a system needs to be treated because of contamination inside the system. An example of this could be the scaling of piped or worn seal material. A line filter is used to collect water and solid impurities. A Lubricator is used to vaporize oil into the air stream to lubricate moving parts in the system such as air tools A regulator is used to adjust the line pressure to a lower usable pressure needed for some tool applications.

Control ValvesDouble Pressure Operated 5 Port Valve3 Port Pilot Valve3 Port Pilot Valve

ActuatorsThe work done by a pneumatic actuator can be linear or rotary.There are two basic types of linear cylindersSingle-actingDouble-acting