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Introduction
Pneumatics and Hydraulics
Introduction
Practically every industrial process requires objects to be moved,
manipulated or be subjected to some form of force.
Electrical equipment (such as motors or solenoids),
or via devices driven by air (pneumatics) or liquids (hydraulics).
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The task considered is how to lift a load
by a distance of about 500 mm.
Electrical system
Three basic choices; a solenoid, a DC motor or the AC
induction motor.
➢ solenoid produces a linear stroke directly but its stroke is
normally limited to a maximum distance of around 100 mm.
➢ DC and AC motors are rotary devices and their outputs need
to be converted to linear motion
A DC motor can give excellent speed control, but has high
maintenance requirements for brushes and commutator.
An AC motor is virtually maintenance free, but is essentially a
fixed speed device
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A hydraulic system
The system requires a liquid fluid to operate; expensive and messy and,
consequently, the piping must act as a closed loop, with fluid transferred
from a storage tank to one side of the piston, and returned from the other
side of the piston to the tank.
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Speed control is easily achieved by regulating the volume
flow rate to the cylinder
no over-travel protection is required.
pump needs to be turned by an external power source
hydraulic fluid needs to be very clean, hence a filter is
needed
leaks of fluid from the system are unsightly, slippery
(hence hazardous) and environmentally very undesirable
A pneumatic system
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require larger actuators than hydraulic systems for the same
load
air is free; return air is simply vented to atmosphere
air compressor must be followed by a cooler and air
treatment unit
Compressibility of a gas makes it necessary to store a volume
of pressurised gas in a reservoir
A pressure switch, fitted to the air reservoir(Pressure
regulator in case of H.S)
Introduction to Pneumatic system
Pneumatics is a derivative of the Greek word pneuma, which
means air, wind, or breath.
It can be defined as that branch of engineering science that
pertains to gaseous pressure and flow.
Pneumatics is the portion of fluid power in which compressed
air, or other gas, is used to transmit and control power to
actuating mechanisms.
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Introduction to Pneumatic system
Some industrial applications employing pneumatics are listed
below:
General methods of material handling: General applications:
▪ Clamping ▪ Packaging
▪ Shifting ▪ Locking
▪ Positioning ▪ Driving of axes
▪ Orienting ▪ Door or chute control
▪ Branching of material flow ▪ Transfer of materials
▪ Turning and inverting of parts
▪ Sorting of parts
▪ Stacking of components
▪ Stamping and embossing of components
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Advantages and distinguishing characteristics of
compressed air
Availability Air is available practically everywhere in unlimited quantities.
Transport Air can be easily transported in pipelines, even over large
distances
Storage Compressed air can be stored in a reservoir and removed as
required.
In addition, the reservoir can be transportable.
Temperature Compressed air is relatively insensitive to temperature
fluctuations.
This ensures reliable operation, even under extreme conditions.
Explosion proof Compressed air offers no risk of explosion or fire.
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Cleanliness Un-lubricated exhaust air is clean. Any un-lubricated air
which escapes through leaking pipes or components does
not cause contamination.
Components The operating components are of simple construction and therefore
relatively inexpensive.
Speed Compressed air is a very fast working medium. This enables high
working speeds to be attained.
Overload safe Pneumatic tools and operating components can be loaded to the point
of stopping and are therefore overload safe.
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Disadvantages
Limited to low pressure and hence low force applications.
Generations of compressed air is expensive compared to
electricity.
Exhaust air noise is unpleasant, hence necessity of silencer.
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Structure and signal flow of
pneumatic systems
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