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Module 1 Pneumatics Lecture

This document provides an introduction to pneumatics. It defines pneumatics as the use of compressed air to power actuators and control devices for industrial applications. The key learning outcomes are an understanding of basic pneumatic theories, concepts, advantages and disadvantages versus other methods. Common industrial applications are also listed. The document then discusses the physical fundamentals of compressed air, components of a pneumatic control system including compressors, reservoirs, valves and actuators, and provides examples of pneumatic control systems. References for further reading are also included.

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ABDULLA MOHAMED AHMED JASIM ASHOOR
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75 views6 pages

Module 1 Pneumatics Lecture

This document provides an introduction to pneumatics. It defines pneumatics as the use of compressed air to power actuators and control devices for industrial applications. The key learning outcomes are an understanding of basic pneumatic theories, concepts, advantages and disadvantages versus other methods. Common industrial applications are also listed. The document then discusses the physical fundamentals of compressed air, components of a pneumatic control system including compressors, reservoirs, valves and actuators, and provides examples of pneumatic control systems. References for further reading are also included.

Uploaded by

ABDULLA MOHAMED AHMED JASIM ASHOOR
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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MECH610/PNEUMATICS & ELECTRO-PNEUMATICS

Module 1 – Introduction to Pneumatics (LEC)

Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this module, students are expected to:
C1. Demonstrate critical knowledge and understanding of core pneumatic and/or
electro-pneumatic theories and concepts.
Specifically,
 Basic definition of Pneumatics
 Advantages and Disadvantages of using compressed air
 General Methods of material handling
 General Applications

Introduction
Pneumatics played an important role in manufacturing processes. It is also used in the
development of automation solutions.

Pneumatics comes from the Greek word “Pneuma” that means “breath” or “air”. It is a
branch of science which deals with the study of gases especially air, its properties and
application at pressure higher (compressed) or lower (vacuum) than atmospheric. It is
the industrial implementation and application of air powered actuators (cylinders and
motors) and their control devices (valves) needed in their operation.

Industrial Applications of Pneumatics


 Packaging
 Filling
 Metering
 Locking
 Door Control
 Transfer of materials
 Turning and inverting of parts
 Sorting of parts
 Stacking of components
 Stamping and embossing of components

Figure1. Points Switch for Two Conveyor Belts


Pneumatics can be used to change the position of a swivel drive.

Figure2. Pneumatic Cutter


Pneumatics can be used to cut or to form objects.

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Advantages of Pneumatics
1. Air is the main source of power in pneumatics and it is available abundantly.
Also, components and its maintenance cost of pneumatic components is less
expensive compared to hydraulic components.
2. Pneumatic systems are safe and eco-friendly due to air is explosion proof,
overload safe and insensitive to temperature fluctuations.
3. Unlubricated air is clean hence it is useful in chemical, food and pharmaceutical
industries. Leakage is less and does not cause contamination.
4. Compressed air is fast and is easily conveyed in pipelines over large distances
hence, speed and pressure control of pneumatic actuators are easy.

Disadvantages of Pneumatics
1. Compressed air requires good preparation hence it is relatively expensive.
2. Air is compressible hence it is not possible to achieve uniform and constant
piston speed.
3. Output force is limited between 40kN to 50kN.
4. Exhaust air is load and can be reduced by using silencers.

Physical Fundamentals
Composition: Nitrogen (78%)
Oxygen (21%)
Others (It also contains traces of carbon dioxide, argon, hydrogen, neon,
helium, krypton and xenon)
Unit of Measurement (Pressure): 1 bar = 100kPa = 14.5 psi
Characteristics:
 At constant Temperature, Volume is inversely proportional to the absolute
Pressure (Boyle-Mariottes Law).
 At constant Pressure, Volume is proportional to the absolute temperature (Gay-
Lussac Law).

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Pneumatic Control System

Figure3. Pneumatic Control Systems

Pneumatic Systems consist of an interconnection of different groups of 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.

Functions of Components
 Pneumatic actuators convert the fluid power into mechanical power to do useful
work.
 Compressors are used to compress the fresh air drawn from the atmosphere.
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 Storage reservoirs are used to store a given volume of compressed air.
 Valves are used to control the direction, flow rate and pressure of compressed
air.
 External power supply (motor) is used to drive the compressor.
 The piping system carries pressurized air from one location to another.

Figure4. Sample Pneumatic Control Systems

A directional control valve can be used as an input, processing or control element. The
distinguishing feature for the allocation of the individual components to the respective
groups of elements is the configuration within a pneumatic system.

References and Supplementary Materials:


Jagadeesha T., Hydraulics and Pnuematics. 2015
P. Croser and F. Ebel, Pneumatics (FESTO). 2002

Online Supplementary Reading Materials:

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https://resources.hkedcity.net/res_files/201101/20110128101153_259037.pdf
https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/1d46/635cd0108017b1557a2721b03d339072b67f.pdf

Online Instructional Videos:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_WJ-0Lujvk

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