Introduction of components of a 

pneumatic system
 Air generation and distribution

• The main function of the air generation and

distribution is to provide the system with
compressed air which is dry, clean, and at the
required pressure.
 The compressed air supply for a pneumatic system
should be adequately calculated and made available
in the appropriate quality.
 Malfunctions can be considerably reduced in the
system if the compressed air is correctly prepared.
 Air Generation and Distribution (cont.)

• Pneumatic cylinders, rotary actuators and air motors provide the force and
movement of most pneumatic control systems.
• To operate and control these actuators, other pneumatic components are
required, i.e., air service units to prepare the compressed air and valves to
control the pressure, flow and direction of movement of the actuators.
• A basic pneumatic system, shown at below, consist of two main sections:
* the Air Production and Distribution System and * the Air Consuming System

The basic Pneumatic System

 Air Generation and Distribution (cont.)

Air Production System

No. Component Functions
parts
1 Compressor Air taken in at atmospheric pressure is compressed and delivered at a higher pressure to the
pneumatic system. It thus transforms mechanical energy into pneumatic energy.
2 Electric Motor Supplies the mechanical power to the compressor. It transforms electrical energy into
mechanical energy.
3 Pressure Switch Controls the electric motor by sensing the pressure in the tank. It is set to a maximum pressure
at which it stops the motor, and a minimum pressure at which it restarts it.
4 Check Valve Lets the compressed air from the compressor into the tank and prevents it leaking back when
the compressor is stopped.
5 Tank Stores the compressed air. Its size is defined by the capacity of the compressor. The larger the
volume, the longer the intervals between compressor runs.
6 Pressure Gauge Indicate the tank Pressure.
7 Auto Drain Drains all the water condensing in the tank without supervision.
8 Safety Valve Blows compressed air off if the pressure in the tank should rise above the allowed pressure.
9 Refrigerated Air Cools the compressed air to a few degrees above freezing point and condenses most of the air
Dryer humidity. This avoids having water in the downstream system.
10 Line Filter Begin in the man pipe, this filter must have a minimal pressure drop and the capability of oil
mist removal. It helps to keep the line free from dust, water and oil.
 Air Generation and Distribution (cont.)

The Air Consuming System

No. Component Functions
parts
11 Air Take-off For consumers, air is taken off from the top of the main pipe to allow occasional condensate to
stay in the main pipe, when it reaches a low point a water take off from beneath the pipe will
flow into an Automatic Drain and the condensate will be removed.
12 Auto Drain Every descending tube should have a drain at its lowest point. The most efficient method is an
Auto Drain which prevents water from remaining in the tube should manual draining be
neglected.
13 Air Service Unit Conditions the compressed air to provide clean air at optimal pressure, and occasionally adds
lubricant to extend the life of those pneumatic system components which need lubrication.
14 Directional Alternately pressurizes and exhausts the cylinder connections to control the direction of
Valve movement.
15 Actuators Transforms the potential energy of the compressed air into mechanical work. Shown is a linear
cylinder: it can also be a rotary actuator or an air tool etc.
16 Speed Allow an easy and stepless speed adjustment of the actuator movement.
Controllers
 Compressed Air Fundamental

Compressed Air (pressurized air)

Compressed atmospheric air which stores energy in its
compressed state (usually greater than that of the
atmosphere) and is mainly used to do work by acting on a
piston or vane.
 Compressed Air Fundamental

Pressure measurement
Instruments used to measure pressure are called pressure
gauges or vacuum gauges.

A manometer could also be referring to a pressure measuring instrument,

usually limited to measuring pressures near to atmospheric.

Standard model for pressure gauge:

1. Bourdon tube pressure gauge
2. Diaphragm pressure gauge
3. Piston spring pressure gauge
 Compressed Air Fundamental

Pressure are measure in unit of:

 Pascal, Pa (N/m²)
 bar
 psi (lbf/sq.in.)
 Torr (mm Hg)
 Compressed Air Fundamental

Gauge pressure
Pressure measuring devices normally measure the difference between
applied pressure and atmospheric pressure and thus indicate gauge
pressure (or vacuum pressure in the case of a vacuum gauge).
The equivalent absolute pressure is determined by relating the gauge
pressure to zero pressure as a datum.
In the case of positive pressure above atmosphere, absolute pressure is
the sum of the gauge and the atmospheric pressure (normally assumed to
be 1 bar).
Pabs  P g  P
Since pneumatics are mainly
concerned with gauge pressure
less than 10 bar, the difference
between absolute and gauge
pressure can be
significant.
 Compressed Air Fundamental

Perfect Gas principle

Boyle's law states that the volume (V) of a gas, at constant temperature
varies inversely with the pressure (P).

= a constant

Charles's law states that the volume of a gas, at constant pressure,

varies directly with the absolute temperature (T).

= a constant

Amonton's law states that the pressure of a gas, at constant volume,

varies directly with the absolute temperature.

= t constant
 Compressed Air Fundamental

Relationship between pressure, volume and temperature:

1. Pressure & Volume :

2. Volume & Temperature :

3. Pressure & Temperature :

 Compressed Air Fundamental

General equation of Gas in Normal State

or;

where,
P : pressure
V : volume
m : mass
R : gas constant (for air: R=287 J /kg-K)
T : Temperature (in Kelvin)
 Compressed Air Fundamental

Compressed air in motion

(a) Type of flow
1. Laminar flow 2.Turbulent flow

Laminar flow, (also known as streamline flow) occurs when a fluid flows in
parallel layers, with no disruption between the layers. In laminar flow the motion of
the particles of fluid is very orderly with all particles
moving in straight lines parallel to the pipe walls.

Turbulent flow is the opposite of laminar flow which occurs at higher velocities
where small packets of fluid particles form leading to lateral mixing.

Example : Smoke rising from a cigarette.

For the first few centimeters, the flow remains laminar, and then becomes
unstable and turbulent as the rising hot air accelerates upwards.
 Compressed Air Fundamental

(b) Pressure loss / Pressure drop

Pressure drop is a term used to describe the decrease in
pressure from one point in a pipe or tube to another point
downstream.
Pressure drop is the result of frictional forces on the fluid as it
flows through the tube.
The main factors impacting resistance to fluid (or air) flow:
1. Flow velocity through the pipe
2. Fluid viscosity
3. Surface roughness
4. Type of flow (laminar / turbulent flow)
 Compressed Air Fundamental

(c) Law of Conservation of mass
Matter cannot be created or destroyed ‐ (it is simply changed in   
to a different form of matter).
ρ1v1 A1 = ρ2v2 A2 = constant =mass flow rate (steady state)
Law of Bernoulli’s equation
Bernoulli’s states:
“if a liquid of specific gravity flows horizontally through a 
tube with varying diameters, the total energy at point 1 
and point 2 is the same”

P1 + 1/2ρv1 + z1 = P2 + 1/2ρv2 + z2
 Compressed Air Fundamental

Example 1: Compressed air reservoirs

• The pressure reservoir of compressed station has a volume of 10 m3.
It filled with compressed air with a gauge pressure of pe = 7 bar at
temperature of 20°C.
1) How much air does the reservoir contain based on technical normal
state ( 1 bar, 20°C)?

2) What pressure develops in the reservoir if the temperature is

increased to 65°C?
 Compressed Air Fundamental

Answer 1: Compressed air reservoirs

• The pressure reservoir of compressed station has a volume of 10 m3.
It filed with compressed air with a gauge pressure of pe = 7 bar at
temperature of 20°C.
1) How much air does the reservoir contain based on technical normal
state ( 1 bar, 20°C)? Pabs  Pe  1  8 bar
P1  V 1  P2  V 2
P1  V 1 8
V2    10  80 m 3
P2 1

2) What pressure develops in the reservoir if the temperature is

increased to 65°C?
T 2  273  65  338 K
P1 P
 2
T1 T2
T2
P2   P1  9 . 23 bar
T1
 Valves

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
Shut-off valves
Combination valve
 Directional Control Valves (DCV)

The directional control valves 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
 Non-return Valves

• The non-return valve allows a signal to flow through the

device in one direction and in the other direction blocks the
flow. Amongst others, this principle is applied in shuttle valves
or quick exhaust valves.
• The non-return valve in the form of a basic element of other
element of other valve types is shown in a broken outline in the
illustration below.

Non-return valve and its derivatives

 Flow control Valves

• The flow control valve restricts or throttles the air in a

particular direction to reduce the flow rate of the air and
hence control the signal flow.
• If the flow control valve is fitted with a check valve
then the function of flow-control is unidirectional with
full free flow in one direction.

Flow control valve

 Pressure control valves

 Pressure control valves are utilized in pneumatic

systems. There are three main groups:
No. Name Function

1 Pressure utilised on the up-stream side of the compressor to ensure

limiting the receiver pressure is limited, for safety, and that the
valves supply pressure to the system is set to the correct
pressure.
2 Pressure keeps the pressure constant irrespective of any pressure
regulating fluctuations in the system.
valves
3 Pressure is used if a pressure-dependent signal is required for the
sequence advancing of a control system.
valves
 Pressure control valves (cont.)

Pressure sequence valve

• When the applied control signal reaches the set

pressure, the 3/2-way valve incorporated at this
point is actuated.
• Conversely, the valve reverses, if control signal
falls below the set pressure.
 Combination valves

 The combined functions of various elements can

produce a new function.
 An example is the time delay valve which is the
combination of a one-way flow control valve, a
reservoir and a 3/2-way directional control valve.

Time delay valve

 Processing elements (processors)

 To support the directional control valves at the

processing level, there are various elements which
condition the control signals for a task.
 The elements are Dual pressure valve (AND function)
and Shuttle valve (OR function).

Shuttle valve

• A shuttle valve permits the combination of two input

signals into an OR function.
• The OR gate has two inputs and one output. An output
signal is generated, if pressure is applied at one of the two
inputs.
 Power Components

 The power section consists of control elements and power components or actuators.
The actuators are complemented by the control elements, which transfer the
required quantity of air to drive the actuator.

Actuator with control element

 Actuators can be further broken down into groups:

Linear actuators
- Single-acting cylinder
- Double-acting cylinder

Rotary actuators
- Air motors
- Rotary actuators
 Systems - Control circuit for the single-
acting cylinder

The piston rod of a single-acting cylinder is to advance when

a push button is operated. When the push button is released,
the piston is to automatically return to the initial position.

Control of a single-acting cylinder

The 3/2-way control valve has 3 ports. The supply port, the
exhaust port and the outlet port. The possible switching
positions are shown in the above illustration.
 Systems - Control circuit for the double-
acting cylinder

 The piston rod of a single-acting cylinder is to advance

when a push button is operated and to return to the initial
position when the push button is released.
 The double-acting cylinder can carry out work in both
directions of motion, due to the full air supply pressure
being available for extension and retraction.
 Symbols and descriptions of components
1) Air supply and generation

Air supply and generation

 The symbols for the energy supply system can be represented as individual
elements or as combined elements.

•
• Symbols used in energy conversion and preparation
 2) Directional control valves
 The directional control valve is represented by the number of controlled
connections, the number of positions and the flow path.
 In order to avoid faulty connections, all the inputs and outputs of a valve are
identified.

Directional control valves: symbol development Directional control valves: ports and positions (ways)

•
 2) Directional control valves
(cont.)
Type of Symbol Function
Valve
2/2 DCV Drives the air motor and pneumatic equipment

3/2 DCV N/C Drive a single acting cylinder or acts as a switch

"on / off".

3/2 DCV N/O Drive a single acting cylinder

4/2 DCV Drive the Double-acting cylinder with one

exhaust to release air.

4/3 DCV Drive the Double-acting cylinder with the ability

close centre to stop the cylinder in any position to prevent air
in the cylinder from the exit.
 2) Directional control valves
(cont.)
Type of Symbol Function
Valve
5/2 DCV Drives the double acting cylinder with individual
exhaust

5/3 DCV Double-acting cylinder drive with the ability to

Exhaust stop the cylinder at any position by releasing the
centre air in the cylinder.

5/3 DCV Double-acting cylinder drive with the ability to

Close centre stop the cylinder in any position to prevent air in
the cylinder from the exit.
5/3 DCV Stopping in the middle of the cylinder rod to
Pressure balance the air simultaneously in the bows and
centre/mid rear cylinders
centre
 3) Designations
Designations
A numbering system is used to designate directional control valves.

Numbering system for designation

Example of designations
 4) Methods of actuation

Actuation method of Example Figure

Type of control Symbol
valve construction
Manual
Powered by the operator by General operated
pressing the buttons
provided Push button operated
Lever operated
Detent lever
operated(hold
position)

Foot pedal operated

Mechanical Spring return
Valve is actuated by a
mechanical mechanism Spring centered
such as a switch wheel and Roller operated
the cylinder rod.
Idler roller operated
 4) Methods of actuation (cont.)
Actuation Example figure
Type of control Symbol
method of valve construction
Pneumatic
Valve is actuated Direct pneumatic
by compressed air (pneumatically
which acts move operated)
the wind channel. Indirect pneumatic

Electrical Single solenoid

Actuated by a
solenoid valve
which is generated Double solenoid
by electricity
Combined Double solenoid,
Valve actuated by double pilot operated
combination of ,manual override
double solenoid and
pneumatic(pilot)
 4) Methods of actuation (cont.)

Pneumatic method(direct) Pneumatic method (indirect)

 5) Non‐return valves and derivatives

 The non-return valve (check valve) is the basic for the

development of many combined components.
 There are two main configurations for non-return valves,
with and without the spring return.
 In order to release flow, the pressure force on the spring
return design must be greater than the spring of force.
 i) Check Valve  

If the inlet pressure at 1 is higher than the outlet pressure at 2,

then the check valve allows the flow to pass, otherwise it blocks
the flow.

free flow

No flow
 ii) Check valve‐Spring loaded  

If the inlet pressure at 1 is higher than the outlet pressure at 2 and

force of the internal spring, then the check valve allows the flow
to pass, otherwise it blocks the flow.

free flow

No flow
iii) Shuttle Valve (OR)

2
1 1

• 2 input and 1 output

• Allow a signal to flow in one direction
• Output is acquired if one of input
supply pressure
• For circuit with more than 1 input
signal (safety purpose)
iii) Shuttle Valve (OR)‐(cont.)

Circuit Diagram with Shuttle Valve

Actuated
 iv) Quick Exhaust Valves 

•1 input, 1 output and 1

exhaust

•To increase speed of piston

movement (at port 3)

silencer
without silencer
2
1
3
•1 input,1 output,1 exhaust
 iv) Quick Exhaust Valves (cont.) 

Quick Exhaust Valve

during Forward Motion

Sealing disc Quick Exhaust Valve

during Return Motion
 v) Dual‐Pressure Valve (AND) 

 2 inputs (12 and 14) and 1 output (2). 2

 Output is acquired if both inputs
supply pressure . 12 14
v. Dual Pressure Valve (AND)‐(cont.) 
v. Dual Pressure Valve (AND)‐(cont.) 
 6) Flow Control Valve/Choke Valve

Flow control valve influence the volumetric flow

of the compressed air in both direction.

Function:
To control speed of actuators.
To control a constant speed of actuators.
As a cushioning tool of actuators
To control heavy load
Two types of flow control valves:
a. Throttle valve
b.One-way flow control valve
 i. Throttle Valve

Throttle valves are normally adjustable and the setting

can be locked in position.
Throttle valves are used for speed control of cylinder.
Care must be taken that the throttle valves does not close
fully.
 ii. One-way Flow Control Valve

Air flow is throttled in 1 direction only.

A check valve blocks the flow of air in the bypass leg and the
air can flow only through the regulated cross-section.
In the opposite direction, the air can flow freely through the
opened check valve.

check valve
 ii. One-way Flow Control Valve (cont.)

Supply Air Throttling

• Supply air entering the cylinder
through the working ports,
undergoes throttling as the non
return valve is closed in the
direction of flow.
• During exhaust , the compressed
air leaving the cylinder is by
passed through the non return
valve and escapes freely as it does
not under go throttling
• Supply air throttling can be used
for single acting cylinder and
small volume cylinder
 ii. One-way Flow Control Valve (cont.)
Exhaust Air Throttling
• Supply air flows freely to the
cylinder through the bypass
passage of the non return valve.
The supply air does not under go
any throttling
• Exhaust air leaving the cylinder has
to under go throttling as the non
return valve is closed in the return
direction
• Used for double acting cylinder
• Not suitable for small volume
cylinders and cylinders with
short strokes as effective
pressure cannot build up
sufficiently.
 7) Pressure Control Valve

Pressure may gradually buildup due to decrease

in fluid demand or due to sudden surge as
valves opens or closes. Pressure control valves
protect the system against such overpressure.

There are basically three (3) types of pressure control

valves:
Pressure release valve/relief valve/safety
valve/limiting valve
Pressure sequence valve
Pressure regulating valve/reducing valve
(i) Pressure Release Valve/Relief 
Valve/Safety

1 input and 1 exhaust

These valves perform a
safety relief function by
opening to the atmosphere
if a predetermined
pressure is exceeded in the
system, thus releasing the
excess pressure.
 (ii) Pressure Sequence Valve
• Sequence Valve generates a pneumatic signal if the sensing
pressure [signal input-port 12] is more than the desired
set pressure
• This generated out put signal is used to control the
movement of cylinder by using it as a set signal or reset
signal to the final control valve to obtain forward or
return motion respectively
• This is a combination valve, having two sections. One of the
section is a 3/2 directional control and the other a
pressure control valve
 (ii) Pressure Sequence Valve (cont.)

Pilot spool
valve

Adjustable Pressure Sequence Valve

Adjustable Pressure Sequence Valve. Actuated

Example 2.1  
Solution Example 2.1  
All valves are unactuated in the initial position.
Pressure is applied at the piston rod side of the
cylinder and the piston rod remain in the
retracted status.
Actuation of the push button switches the valve
3/2 DCV to flow and a signal is applied at the
control port 14 of the double pilot valve 5/2
DCV.
The valve 5/2 DCV switches, pressure is
applied at the piston side of the cylinder and
piston rod advances.
The switching status of the double pilot valve
5/2 DCV remain intact if the push button is
released.
When the piston rod reaches the workpiece,
travel is stopped and pressure starts to build up
on the piston side. The increasing pressure
causes the force of the die to increase.
 Solution Example 2.1 (cont.)  
• The control port 12 of the pressure sequence valve is
connected to the pressure line on the piston side of the
cylinder.
• When the pressure in the cylinder reaches the valve set on
the pressure sequence valve, the 3/2 DCV valve switches.
• A signal is now applied at the control port 12 the 5/2
DCV.
• The valve 5/2 DCV switches, pressure is applied at the
piston rod side of the cylinder and the piston rod retracts.
• During retraction, the response pressure set on the
pressure sequence valve is not met and the pressure
sequence valve return to its initial position.
 (iii) Pressure Regulating Valve 

It is to maintain constant pressure even with fluctuating 
supply.
The input pressure must be greater than the required 
output pressure
 8) Combination Valve (Time Delay
Valve)
•Pneumatic Timers are used to create time delay of
signals (5-30 seconds) in pilot operated circuits.

•Available as Normally Closed Timers and

Normally Open Timers.

•Usually Pneumatic timers are On Delay Timers

delay of signals is very commonly experienced in
applications such as Bonding of two pieces.

•Normally Open Pneumatic Timers are used as safety

device in Two Hand Blocks
 Time Delay Valve (cont.)

A Pneumatic Timer is a combination valve which consists of

three parts
1. 3/2 way pneumatically operated directional control valve
[NC or NO],
2. A one way flow control valve and
3. An accumulator/air reservoir
 Time Delay Valve (cont.)
Working Principle of Time Delay Valve [N.C]
Signal input is supplied at port 1 and delayed signal out put is taken at 2.
The signal control air flow into at port 12 through one-way flow control valve and
air reservoir
When the necessary control pressure has built up in the air reservoir, the pilot
spool of 3/2 way valve is moved downwards.
This blocks the passage from 2 to 3 and thus air can flow from 1 to 2.
 Time Delay Valve (cont.)
Time respond with delay-on

Two methods to increase a delay when using the delay time

valve:
 Increase the size of accumulator/additional of external
accumulator.
 Decrease the valve opening of one way flow control valve
Example 2.2 
Solution Example 2.2 
 9) Power Components :
Linear and rotary actuators

The linear actuators or cylinders are described by their type of construction and method of
operation. Rotary actuators are divided into continuous motion and limited angle of rotation

Linear actuators Rotary actuators

 Safety Requirements for Pneumatic
Systems

 An exact from one of the VDI (German association of engineers) guide-

lines number 3229 “ Technical Design Guidelines for Machine Tools
and other Production Equipment” on the subject of safety states:
 Basic Components of Pneumatic System

Diagram of structural block

Air Air Service Control

Dryer Actuator
Compressor Receiver Unit Valve
Basic Components of Pneumatic System

Air compressor
To collect and compressing air from the air pressure. For
example rotary and reciprocating compressors.

Air dryer
To dry the air has been compressed from the water vapor
before the air is sent to the pneumatic system to prevent the
components from rusting. For example Drying Absorption and
Adsorption.

Air Receiver tank

To keep the air has been compressed and dried before being
sent to the system. Air receiver, also known as the air tube. It
can also control the air pressure inside.
Basic Components of Pneumatic System

Service Unit
Service Unit consists of three components: a pressure
regulator, pressure gauge and lubricants. It works to control
pressure and lubricate the air before being sent to the
system.

Direction Control Valve

It serves to control the direction of motion of an actuator.

Actuator
It is the last component in the system. Work to do as was
required. There are various types of actuators such as the
rods in and out, spin and flame.
 Air Compressor (generation of compressed air)

 A air compressor converts the mechanical energy of an electric or

combustion motor into the pontential energy of compressed air.

 air compressors can be split into

positive displacement devices (intake
air is compressed into decreasing
volume to obtain the output pressure)
and dynamic devices (intake air is
accelerated by turbine and the kinetic
energy of the air is converted to
pressure).

 The vast majority of air compressors are of the positive displacement

type.
 Pressure in the receiver is generally higher than that required at the
operating position, with local pressure regulation being used.
 Air Compressor (generation of compressed air)

Air compressors are

generally positive
displacement units and
either of reciprocating
piston type or the
rotary screw or rotary
vane types.

Piston type of compressors are used commonly in Industries.

 Piston type compressor (single acting compressor)

Air taken in at atmospheric pressure is compressed to the required pressure in a

single stroke.
Downward movement of the piston increase volume to create a lower pressure than
that of the atmosphere, causing air to enter the cylinder through the inlet valve.
At the end of the stroke, the piston move upwards, the inlet valve closes as air is
compressed, forcing the outlet valve to open discharging air into a receiver tank.
This type of compressor is generally used in systems requiring air in the 3-7 bar
range.
Multi-stage reciprocating compressor

As the pressure of the air

increases, its temperature rises. It
is essential to reduce the air
temperature to avoid damage of
compressor and other mechanical
elements. The multistage
compressor with intercooler in-
between is shown in the Figure.
It is used to reduce the temperature of compressed air during the
compression stages. The inter-cooling reduces the volume of air
which used to increase due to heat. The compressed air from the
first stage enters the intercooler where it is cooled. This air is given
as input to the second stage where it is compressed again. The
multistage compressor can develop a pressure of around 250bar (4
stages).
Working principle of Multi-stage reciprocating compressor
Components arrangement for Multi-stage reciprocating
compressor
 Advantage Piston Type Compressor

• Piston type compressors are available in wide

range of capacity and pressure
• Very high air pressure (250 bar) and air volume
flow rate is possible with multi-staging.
• Better mechanical balancing is possible by
multistage compressor by proper cylinder
arrangement.
• High overall efficiency compared to other
compressor
 Disadvantage Piston Type Compressor

• Reciprocating piston compressors generate

inertia forces that shake the machine.
Therefore , a rigid frame, fixed to solid foundation
is often required
• Reciprocating piston machines deliver a
pulsating flow of air. Properly sized pulsation
damping chambers or receiver tanks are
required.
• They are suited for small volumes of air at high
pressures.
 Rotary compressor
Screw-type

Screw-type compressor is a rotary compressor with two (2) shafts.

They work according to the displacement principle and deliver
continuous supply with no pulsations or pressure fluctuation.

Advantages : less moving parts compared to piston type compressor.

Disadvantage : Need lubricant oil to reduce friction between screw.
 Rotary compressor
vane compressor

Sliding vane compressor is a single shaft rotary compressor which

work according to the displacement principle.
The air inlet is placed where the volume of the compression chamber
is greatest, the outlet where the volume is smallest. Consequently, as
the vanes turn, the space between them is reduced. This reduction in
volume compresses the air as it travels from the inlet to the outlet.
 Air Receiver Tank

• Air Receiver provide constant air pressure in a pneumatic system,

regardless of varying or fluctuating consumption.
• A further function of receivers is the emergency supply to the in
cases of power failure.
• Air receiver should be large enough to suit the compressor flow
rate, and must be matched to the selected compressor regulating
system.
• The size of a compressed air receiver depends on the:
1. Delivery volume of the compressor
2. Air consumption for the application
3. Network size
4. Type of compressor cycle regulation
5. Permissible pressure drop in the supply network
 Air Receiver Tank

Air Receiver Tank and its accessories

 Air Receiver Tank

An Air Receiver serves four main functions:

• storage of compressed air, thus eliminating the need
for the compressor to run continuously.
• pulsation damping to smooth the pulsing flow of air
from the compressor.
• heat exchange to assist air cooling and thus produce
condensate drop out before the air enters the
distribution system.
• collection and drop out point for dirt and condensate
accumulating in the air after compress.
 Air Receiver Tank

• Receiver are usually fitted with an automatic

condensate drained, or if manually operated must be
periodically drained.
• Air receivers must also be fitted with safety air
relief valve.
Air Dryers

 The service life of pneumatic systems is considerably reduced 
if excessive moisture is carried through the air system to the 
elements.
 It is important to fit the necessary air drying equipment to 
reduce the moisture content to a level which suits the 
application and the elements used.
 There are three auxiliary methods of reducing the moisture 
content in air:
1. Low temperature drying
2. Adsorption drying
3. Absorption drying
 Dew point is the highest temperature
Low Temperature Drying at which airborne water vapor
will condense to form liquid dew

 The most common type of dryer today is the refrigeration

dryer.
 The compressed air is passed through a heat‐exchanger
system through which a refrigerant flow.
 The aim is to reduce the temperature of the air to a dew
point which ensure that the water in the air condenses and
drops out in the quantity required.
 Dew point temperature is the temperature to which a gas
must be cooled to condense water vapour contained in the
gas.
 Before the compressed air is output into the network, the air
is heated to bring the back to ambient conditions.
Low Temperature Drying

Low temperature
drying.
 Adsorption Dryers

 The compressed air is passed through a gel and the

water (moisture) deposited on the surface.
 The drying agent is a granular material of sharp‐
edged shape or in bead form which consists almost
entirely of silicon dioxide.
 In practice, two tanks are used.

 When the gel in one tank is saturated, the air flow is

switched to the dry (heated).
 Second tank and first tank is regenerated by hot‐air
drying.
Adsorption Dryers

Schematic diagram of 
a heat regenerated 
adsorption dryer.
 Absorption Drying

 Purely chemical process.
 The moisture in the compressed air forms a compound with 
the drying agent in the tank.
 This causes the drying agent to break down, it is then 
discharged in the form of a fluid at the base of the tank.
 The features of the absorption process are:

1. Simple installation of the equipment.
2. Low mechanical wear because there are no moving 
parts in the dryer.
3. No external energy requirements.
Absorption Drying

Diagram of an 
absorption 
dryer.
 Air Service Equipment

• The final stage of compressed air servicing or

conditioning is a process carried out on the air
supply, directly before its point of usage.

• This process is accomplished by three devices

1. Filter
2. Regulator
3. Lubricator
 Air Service Equipment

• Three aims of the air service unit is:
1.to provide the air consuming equipment
(actuators, motors, air tools and control circuit)
with compressed air of suitable cleanliness.
2. should also provide pressure stabilized air at no
more than the required maximum pressure.
3. it provides an air supply (flow), which carries
lubricating oil in the correct adjusted quantities to
lubricate valves, cylinders and motors.
Air Service Equipment
 Air Service Equipment

detailed symbol simplified symbol

With lubricator

Without lubricator
 Compressed air filter

• An important role in determining the quality and performance of

the working system which is to be supplied with compressed air.
• The collected condensate must be drained before the level
exceeds the maximum mark or level.
• When the limit is reached a control piston opens a valve seat that
ejects the condensate under air pressure via a drain line.
• A further important characteristic of compressed air filters is the
degree of separation, or efficiency, which indicates the percentage
of particles of a particular size which can be separated out.
Compressed air filter

Compressed air filter

 Compressed Air Pressure regulation

Function: To maintain working pressure virtually constant

regardless of fluctuations of the line pressure and air
consumption. When the pressure is too low, it results in poor
efficiencies and when the pressure is too high, energy is
wasted and equipment’s performance decay faster.

In pneumatic system, pressure fluctuations occur due to

variation in supply pressure or load pressure. It is therefore
essential to regulate the pressure to match the requirement of
load regardless of variation in supply pressure or load
pressure.
 Compressed Air Pressure regulation

Generally pressure is regulated in pneumatic system at

two places.
At the receiver tank
 In the load circuits

Pressure regulation at the receiver tank is required as a

safety measure for the system. In the load circuits,
pressure regulator is used to regulate the pressure for
downstream components such as valves and actuators.
 Compressed Air Pressure regulation

Types of Pressure regulator

There are two types of Pressure regulators
i) Diaphragm type regulator
ii) Piston type regulator

Diaphragm type regulator is commonly used in Industrial

pneumatic system. There are two types of diaphragm type
regulator
i) Non- relieving or non-venting type.
ii) Relieving or venting type

Relieving or venting type is commonly used

 Compressed Air Pressure regulation

Relieving or Venting Type Pressure regulator

• A Relieving type pressure regulator is shown in figure

below, Outlet pressure is sensed by a diaphragm preloaded
with a adjustable pressure setting spring.
• The compressed air , which flows through a controlled cross
section at the valve seat, acts on the other side of the
diaphragm.
• The diaphragm has large surface area exposed to
secondary (outlet) pressure and is quite sensitive to its
fluctuations. The movement of diaphragm regulates the
pressure.
 Compressed Air Pressure regulation

If the outlet pressure is low:

whenever the more compressed
air is consumed on secondary
side or load side, then load
pressure reduces. Therefore
less force acts on diaphragm.
The opposing higher spring
Pressure regulator: relieving
force pushes the diaphragm in
such a way as to move the
valve disc more and permitting
more air to flow to secondary
side and thus increasing the
pressure again.
 Compressed Air Pressure regulation

If the outlet pressure is high:

whenever the less compressed air
is consumed on secondary side or
load side, then load pressure
increases. Therefore more force
acts on diaphragm. The opposing
higher spring force pulls down the Pressure regulator: relieving
diaphragm in such a way as to
move the valve disc less and
permitting air to flow to vent hole
and thus decreasing the pressure
again
 Compressed Air lubricator

 The purpose of an oiler is to lubricate control

devices and actuator.

 Oil is added by means of a standpipe and is

dropped into the high velocity air stream where it is
atomised.
Compressed Air lubricator