`

IE 541- Industrial Automation LAB.

Fall 2011-2012

Experiment 3
Introduction to pneumatic systems

Pre Lab:
Before this experiment you are expected to:
1. Make a revision of the fluid power concepts.
2. Search about the pneumatics systems components.
3. Find some application where the pneumatic systems are used.

Objectives:
- Understand the pneumatic system functions
- Be able to design a pneumatic problem solution using the Automation Studio.

Theory:

Fluid power is energy transmitted and controlled by means of a pressurized fluid, either
liquid or gas. The term fluid power applies to both hydraulics and pneumatics. Hydraulics uses
pressurized liquid, for example, oil or water; pneumatics uses compressed air or other neutral
gases. Fluid power can be effectively combined with other technologies through the use of
sensors, transducers and microprocessors.

According to Pascal's Law that expresses the central concept of fluid power: Pressure
exerted by a confined fluid acts undiminished equally in all direction. The following example
can be noticed.

An input force of 10 pounds (44.8 N) on a 1-square-inch (6.45 cm2) piston develops a

pressure of 10 pounds per square inch (psi) (68.95 kN/m2 or 68.95 KPa) throughout the
container. This pressure will allow a 10-square-inch piston to support a 100-pound (444.8 N)
weight. The forces are proportional to the piston areas.
`
IE 541- Industrial Automation LAB.
Fall 2011-2012

In this experiment we will be concentrating on the air fluid power (pneumatic).

Pneumatics:
Pneumatics has long since played an important role as a technology in the performance of
mechanical work. It is also used in the development of automation solutions. In the majority of
applications compressed air is used for one or more of the following functions:

1. To determine the status of processors (sensors)

2. Information processing (processors)
3. Switching of actuators by means of final control elements
4. Carrying out work (actuators)

Structure and signal flow of pneumatic systems:

Pneumatic systems consist of an interconnection of different groups of elements. See figure 1

Figure 1: The pneumatic system elements

This group of elements forms a control path for signal flow, starting from the signal
section (input) through to the actuating section (output). Control elements control the actuating
elements in accordance with the signals received from the processing elements.

This group of elements forms a control path for signal flow, starting from the signal section
(input) through to the actuating section (output). Control elements control the actuating elements
in accordance with the signals received from the processing elements.
The primary levels in a pneumatic system are:
Energy supply
Input elements (sensors)
Processing elements (processors)
Control elements
Power components (actuators)
`
IE 541- Industrial Automation LAB.
Fall 2011-2012

The elements in the system are represented by symbols which indicate the function of the
element, figure 2 summarize the symbols of the system.

Figure2: The pneumatic system elements

To be introduced to some pneumatic symbols ask for the included sheet.

Supply Element Air generation and distribution:

The compressed air supply for a pneumatic system should be adequately calculated and
made available in the appropriate quality. Air is compressed by the air compressor and delivered
to an air distribution system in the factory. To ensure the quality of the air is acceptable, air
service equipment is utilized to prepare the air before being applied to the control system.
Malfunctions can be considerably reduced in the system if the compressed air is correctly
prepared.

Valves Signal input/output:

The function of valves is to control the pressure or flow rate of pressure media. Depending
on design, these can be divided into the following categories:

Directional control valves

Input/signalling elements
Processing elements
Control elements
Non-return valves
Flow control valves
Pressure control valves
`
IE 541- Industrial Automation LAB.
Fall 2011-2012

Shut-off valves

The directional control valve controls the passage of air signals by generating, cancelling or
redirecting signals. The valve is described by:

Number of ports or openings (ways): 2-way, 3-way, 4-way, etc.

Number of positions: 2 positions, 3 positions, etc.
Methods of actuation of the valve: manually actuated, mechanically actuated,
pneumatically actuated, electrically actuated.
Methods of return actuation: Spring return, air return, etc.
It is necessary in this point to revise the included symbols manuals.

Power components:
The power section consists of control elements and power components or actuators see
figure. The actuator group includes various types of linear and rotary actuators of varying size
and construction. The actuators are complemented by the control elements, which transfer the
required quantity of air to drive the actuator. Normally this valve will be directly connected to
the main air supply and fitted close to the actuator to minimize losses due to resistance.

Actuators can be further broken down into groups:

Linear actuators
o Single-acting cylinder
o Double-acting cylinder
Rotary actuators
o Air motors
o Rotary actuators

Figure3: a. Cylinder with control element b. Linear actuator c. Rotary actuator

elements
`
IE 541- Industrial Automation LAB.
Fall 2011-2012

Pneumatic Systems:
Generally, the actuation of a cylinder is effected via a directional control valve. The
choice of such a directional control valve (number of connections, number of switching
positions, type of actuation) is dependent on the respective application.

Figure 4 shows a controlling of a single acting cylinder via push button, notes the directional
control valve. Try to give it the correct discretion.

Figure4: Actuation of a single acting cylinder.

Figure5 illustrate the controlling of a double acing cylinder via a push button and a main
directional control valve.
 `
IE 541- Industrial Automation LAB.
Fall 2011-2012

on of a double acting cylinder.

Procedure:
Through this experiment you will be introduced to the Automation Studio Software:

Automation Studio is a design, animation and simulation software tool. It was created for
the automation industry, specifically to fulfill engineering, training, and testing requirements.
The workshops associated with the software reflect the prevailing usage in the industry as
closely as is possible.

A Title bar (static);

B Menu bar (static);
C Various toolbars (static);
D Library Explorer (dynamic);
E Project Explorer (dynamic);
F Pop-up menu example (dynamic).

Now follow with your instructor to solve the following design problem.

Part1:
`
IE 541- Industrial Automation LAB.
Fall 2011-2012

Build a pneumatic system where a single acting cylinder should be actuated by a

push button and retracted automatically.
What do you note? Do we need a latch in this case?

Part2:

Build a pneumatic system where a single acting cylinder should be actuated by a

push button and retracted by another push button?
What do you note? Do we need a latch in this case ?why?

Part3:

Build a pneumatic system where a double acting cylinder should be actuated by a

push button and retracted automatically when reaches the maximum extension. Limit
Note: use a mechanical limit switch.

Part4:

Build a pneumatic system where two double acting cylinders should be actuated
where, when push button pressed cylinder 1 extend, when cylinder1 fully extend cylinder2
is extend, when cylinder2 is fully extend cylinder1 is retract, when cylinder1 is fully retract
cylinder 2 is retracted.

References:
1. http://www.nfpa.com/ourindustry/OurInd_AboutFP_WhatIsFluidPower.asp#
2. Festo didactic Pneumatics basics manual
3. Automation Studio Help