MEM 341: FLUID POWER

TECHNOLOGY

Chapter 10: Pneumatic

Circuits and Applications
Chapter 10: Pneumatic Circuits and
Applications

10.1 Graphic symbol

10.2 Basic pneumatic circuits

10.3 Pneumatic circuit application

10.0 Pneumatic System
• Pneumatic system is a system that uses compressed air to
transmit and control energy. Applications of pneumatic systems
can be seen in controlling train doors, automotive production
lines, and automatic machines

Common pneumatic system used in the industrial

sector
Advantages of Pneumatic Systems Disadvantages of Pneumatic Systems

i) High effectiveness i) Relatively low accuracy

ii) High durability and reliability ii) Low loading

iii) Simple design iii) Processing required before use

iv) High adaptability to harsh iv) Uneven moving speed

environments
v) Noise
v) Safety

vi) Easy selection of speed and

pressure

vii) Environmental friendly

viii) Economical
When analysing or designing a pneumatic circuit, the
following four important considerations must be taken
into account:
1. Safety of operation
2. Performance of desired function
3. Efficiency of operation
4. Cost
Main components of Pneumatic Systems

i) Compressor

Compressor and its symbol

ii) FRL (Filter, Regulator, and Lubricator)

FRL and its symbol

 iii) Directional Control Valves

• 3/2 DCV • 5/2 DCV

 Used to control a single acting cylinder
 The valves can be actuated manually,
mechanically, or using air-pressure
(pilot)
 Needle (throttle) valve
iv) Flow Control Valves

Check valve
 Allow air to flow in one
direction only.
 When air flows in the opposite
direction, the valve will close

Shuttle (OR) Valve

 v) Actuators

Single-acting air cylinder Double-acting air cylinder

10.1 Graphical Symbols

• A pneumatic circuit diagram represents the circuit static form

and assumes there is no supply of pressure.

• The pneumatic symbol of a DCV is formed by one or more

squares. The inlet and exhaust are located at the bottom side of
the square.

• Arrows indicate the flow direction of air current. If the external

port is not connected to the internal parts, the symbol (T) is
used.

• The symbol represents the air input, while the symbol

represents the exhaust
• Manual actuation

• Mechanical actuation

• Pilot actuation
10.2 Basic Pneumatic Circuits
• Pneumatic circuits are similar to hydraulic circuits

• One difference is that no return lines are used in pneumatic

circuits because the exhausted air is released directly into the
atmosphere.

• Also, no input device (i.e. pump) is shown, because pneumatic

circuits use a centralized compressor as their source of energy.
Circuit #1: Control of a Single Acting Air Cylinder

• When the push button valve is actuated, the cylinder extends

• The cylinder retracts when the valve is deactivated

Circuit #2: Control of a Double Acting Air Cylinder

• Double acting cylinder requires a 4-way DCV

• Actuation of the push-button valve extends the cylinder

• The spring offset mode causes the cylinder to retract under air
power
10.3 Application of Pneumatic Circuit

i) Transport System

• Figure shows a common pneumatic circuit used in industrial

transport system.

• When the button is switch is pressed, the cylinder will push one of
the goods from the shelf onto the transport belt.

• When the button switch is released, the cylinder will retract

automatically
ii) Vehicle Door Operation System

• Pneumatic systems can be used to operate the doors of public

vehicles. Assuming that the opening and closing of the doors are
controlled by two button switches ON and OFF.

• When the button is switch ON is pressed, the doors will open.

When the button switch OFF is pushed, the doors will close.