Common Parts of A Pneumatic System

Common Parts of a Pneumatic System
1. DRIVES/CYLINDERS
Pneumatic systems work by converting force into potential energy, which then drives an actuator or
cylinder with kinetic energy. This is usually in a linear motion by means of a piston rod, or using other
forms of actuation commonly called ‘rodless'. The piston rod produces a simple up-and- down or back-and-
forth motion, and the rod can be pushed either via a single action or a double-action stroke. In single-acting
pneumatic cylinders the compressed air drives the linear motion of the piston rod in one direction only. At
the end of the stroke, a vacuum is created by expelling the compressed air, so the piston rod can make the
return stroke via a mechanical spring.
Double-acting cylinders allow the load to work in a push-pull motion, manipulating the compressed air
with valves to drive the piston rod out and back. This can increase the length of stroke achievable, as well
as enabling constant force to be maintained on alternating movements.
Rodless cylinders work in several different ways, including linear slide, magnetic coupling, inflatable
bellows and rotary vane pump. The load is usually situated on a carriage alongside the piston, and they are
often chosen for applications requiring a long stroke action or having high moment loads.
2. VALVES
Valves are used in pneumatics to control and direct the air flow, and have many deferent functions. When
you start up the system, you might use a soft start or a simple on-o valve, and you can control the rate of
the air flow with ow control valves. For controlling ow direction, there are ball valves and angle seat
valves, and you can use pilot valves to control a separate, secondary system. To vent the system, use an
exhaust valve. To close it down requires a shut-off valve, and to initiate an emergency stop a safety dump
valve is used. All these types of valves release the air pressure from the system at specified times. Simple
air valves control the inward and outward ow of air into the pneumatic system, requiring some motivating
force to direct or position the flow. If this force is applied directly to the operating medium, it's a direct-
operated valve rather than a pilot or secondary valve.
Other simple valves are the two-position ow control valves, which are either on or off. Flow and directional
control valves are self-explanatory, but there are also versions which allow three-way directional control
from the inlet to either of two outlet ports, and the more complex four-way valve. This can direct ow from
the inlet to a choice of three outlet ports.
Proportional valves are electronically actuated using solenoids, and can alter the flow rate or pressure of
the output in accordance with those of the inlet. This type of valve is used for more complex operations
with one or more outputs, where fluid pressures and flow need to be distributed in varying ratios.
It is common in modern pneumatics to use solenoid valves, and today's complex systems have given rise to
universal valve terminals which enable modular valve configurations. The use and choice of valves has
therefore become quite a complicated undertaking, so as to provide simultaneous control of many advanced
and specific situations.
3. FITTINGS
Pneumatic systems comprise many components, and they all need to be joined together with fittings.
Pneumatic fittings join together the major system components with their requisite hoses, pipes and tubes,
conducting the compressed air to the active parts of the application. The whole system is operating under
the pressure of compressed gas or air, so all its component parts require tight, leak-proof seals and must fit
together compatibly.
Fittings come in all shapes, types and sizes, are made of various materials, and have different ways of
joining together. Fittings that use metal screw-in threads are still considered to provide the tightest bond,
though other materials like polymers are also now used. Pipes that are of different size or type may be
joined using compression fittings, while barb fittings are often chosen to join flexible tubing. These have a
threaded end which connects to the pipe, and a single or multiple barbed cone which goes into the tube.
Many people prefer the modern solution of push-in fittings, which are often used for joining air hoses.
Their quick connect and disconnect design enables the easy change-over of different parts, and they come
in many sizes and materials.
4. TUBING AND HOSES

Tubing and hoses in a pneumatic system are two different things: hoses are typically used in high-pressure
applications and are reinforced for extra strength; tubing, on the other hand, tends to be used in applications
requiring lower pressure, and does not need reinforcement.
Both come in many different types, with flexible pneumatic tubing or hoses being more widely used than
the rigid ones. The development of strong polymers and application-specific materials make flexible tubes
and hoses the most versatile parts of a pneumatic system. All you need to do is ensure that you have the
right size and type of hose or tubing for devices, and that everything is compatible.
5. VACUUM TECHNOLOGY
Creating a vacuum produces conditions where the air pressure is substantially below that of atmospheric
air, especially a negative pressure of 300 mbar or less. The available vacuum range is then subdivided into
four categories, ranging from rough to ultra-high vacuum. In order to create a vacuum, it's necessary to
remove all the air from a contained space, for which you can use a vacuum generator connected to your
pneumatic system. This ejects compressed air forcibly through a diffuser, leaving a vacuum in the
application. The item on the workspace will then be drawn up into the vacuum by means of a suction pad
or cup, and gripped there while it is processed.
Many fields of modern industry and various manufacturing processes are now using vacuum technology,
including food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, metallurgy and process engineering. They are typically
used for delicate pick and place applications, such as plate glass and small electronic components, or for
gripping and holding items in position. One of the most recognizable uses for this technology is vacuum
packaging.
AIR PREPARATION
When air is compressed, it heats up, and when it cools again it produces condensation which contaminates
the supply of compressed air. Ordinary atmospheric air also generally contains impurities such as dirt, dust,
oil and other particulates.
If compressed air containing such contaminants is passed downstream into functioning parts of the
pneumatic system, such as cylinders, valves and hoses, it will inevitably cause some damage. Even if your
compressor has built-in components for filtering, drying or regulating the air intake, fittings and
components along its outward journey to the application can contribute further contamination.
In order to keep the system functioning properly for as long as possible, it is necessary that the compressed
air supply is filtered. It is possible to install a simple air filter for this purpose, but the air will still have to
be monitored to make sure that the correct pressure is being maintained. Furthermore, the compressed air
will need to be lubricated so that downstream equipment is not damaged by an excessively dry air supply.
So, while all these functions can be dealt with by separate units for filtration, regulation and lubrication,
it's more common these days to install a combined Filter-Regulator-Lubricator unit (FRL). For optimal
performance of the pneumatic system, the air preparation takes place at the point of use for the machinery.
This is particularly important if the compressor is a long way away from it, and provides opportunities
enroute for the build-up of more water and particulates.
SILENCERS
Pneumatic air silencers, like the silencer on car exhaust are simply a means to reduce excess noise when air
is exhausted from your pneumatic system. Venting the exhaust air from a pneumatic system often makes an
explosive sound, depending on the force and pressure of the flow. This increases the operational noise
levels of the application as a whole, and can cause physical damage or disturbance to personnel. Installing
a silencer is a cost-e effective solution which can be fitted on pneumatic cylinders, 5/2-way solenoid
valves, or other associated devices and fittings.
In addition, silencers can manage the air flow rate out of the unit using adjustable throttle valves. These
work in a similar fashion to needle valves and can also control actuator speed. Further, the exhaust air may
also contain contaminants, so an exhaust cleaner may be added to the silencer unit to protect the
environment from any harmful particulates.

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4. TUBING AND HOSES

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