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Basic Pneumatic Circuitry: For Control and Automation
Basic Pneumatic Circuitry: For Control and Automation
spring 1
3/2 Valve push button / 12
2
10
spring
3 1
3/2 Valve detented lever 2
10
operated 12
3 1
Symbols valves
2
3/2 Valve differential 12 10
pressure operated 3 1
4 2
5/2 Valve push button / 14 12
spring
5 1 3
5/3 Valve double pressure
4 2
operated spring centre
5 1 3
Symbols valves
A valve function is known by a pair of numbers e.g. 3/2.
This indicates the valve has 3 main ports and 2 states
The valve symbol shows both of the states
Port numbering is to CETOP RP68P and shows:
when the valve is operated at the 12 end port 1 is connected
to port 2
when reset to the normal state at the 10 end port 1 is
connected to nothing (0)
2
12 10
3 1
Symbols valves
A valve function is known by a pair of numbers e.g. 3/2.
This indicates the valve has 3 main ports and 2 states
The valve symbol shows both of the states
Port numbering is to CETOP RP68P and shows:
when the valve is operated at the 12 end port 1 is connected
to port 2
when reset to the normal state at the 10 end port 1 is
connected to nothing (0)
2
12 10
3 1
Symbols valves
This example is for a 5/2
valve
This has 5 main ports and
2 states
When the valve is
4 2
operated at the 14 end 14 12
port 1 is connected to
port 4 (also port 2 is 5 1 3
connected to port 3)
When reset to the normal
state at the 12 end port 1
is connected to port 2
(also port 4 is connected
to port 5)
Symbols valves
This example is for a 5/2
valve
This has 5 main ports and
2 states
When the valve is
4 2
operated at the 14 end 14 12
port 1 is connected to
port 4 (also port 2 is 5 1 3
connected to port 3)
When reset to the normal
state at the 12 end port 1
is connected to port 2
(also port 4 is connected
to port 5)
Symbols operators manual
Plunger Pressure
Sequence
Run/End
A+
B+
B-
C+
C-
A-
Repeat
Run/End
a0 a1 b1 b0 c1 c0
1 2
OUT IN
2/2 Valve actuator control
To control the speed of
the piston rod, flow
restrictors are placed in
the pipes close to each of
the valves.
Adjustment of the
restrictors will slow down
the flow rate thereby 12
2
10 12
1
10
giving independent
outstroke and instroke 1 2
OUT IN
speed control
2/2 Valve actuator control
By repeated operation of
either button during
movement the piston rod
can be moved in small
steps for approximate
positioning
This will only be
successful under slow 12
2
10 12
1
10
speeds
1 2
OUT IN
2/2 Valve actuator control
With any compressed air
system that intentionally
traps air, the potential
hazard of this must be
recognised
Unintended release or
application of pressure
can give rise to 12
2
10 12
1
10
unexpected movement of
the piston rod 1 2
OUT IN
A pressure indicator or
gauge must be fitted to
warn of the presence of
pressure
Actuator control 3/2 valve
3/2 valve actuator control
A 3 port valve provides
the inlet and exhaust path
and is the normal choice
for the control of a single
acting cylinder
In the normal position 2
12 10
produced by the spring,
the valve is closed 3 1
In the operated position
produced by the push
button the valve is open
The push button must be
held down for as long as
the cylinder is outstroked
3/2 valve actuator control
A 3 port valve provides
the inlet and exhaust path
and is the normal choice
for the control of a single
acting cylinder
In the normal position 2
12 10
produced by the spring,
the valve is closed 3 1
In the operated position
produced by the push
button the valve is open
The push button must be
held down for as long as
the cylinder is outstroked
3/2 valve actuator control
A 3 port valve provides
the inlet and exhaust path
and is the normal choice
for the control of a single
acting cylinder
In the normal position 2
12 10
produced by the spring,
the valve is closed 3 1
In the operated position
produced by the push
button the valve is open
The push button must be
held down for as long as
the cylinder is outstroked
3/2 valve actuator control
To generally slow the
cylinder speed an
adjustable
bi-directional flow
regulator or fixed
restrictor can be used
The flow regulator
setting will be a
compromise as the ideal 12
2
10
outstroke speed may not
produce the desired 3 1
2 2
12 10 12 10
+ 3 1 - a1 3 1
Fully-automatic control
- + a0 a1
Continuous automatic
A cycling from roller
operated trip valves
Manual Run and End of
the automatic cycling
4 2
14 12
Cylinder will come to rest
in the instroked position
5 1 3
regardless of when the
2
10 valve is put to End
12
Run/End 3 1
Tags for the roller
2 2 feedback valves a0 and
12 10 12 10
a1 show their relative
a0 3 1 a1 3 1 positions
Sequential control
Circuit building blocks
a0 a1 b0 b1
A B
Run/End
Run/End
b0 b1 a1 a0
Run/End
c0 c1 a1 a0 b1 b0
Run/End
a0 b0 a1 b1
Run/End
a0 b0 a1 b1
Run/End
a0 b0 a1 b1
b0
a1
Gp l
Gp ll
Sequence
Gp l A+ B+ Gp ll B- A-
Run/End
a0 b1
Cascade (two group)
a0 a1 b0 b1
A B
b0
a1
Gp l
Gp ll
Sequence
Gp l A+ B+ Gp ll B- A-
Run/End
a0 b1
Cascade (two group)
a0 a1 b0 b1
A B
b0
a1
Gp l
Gp ll
Sequence
Gp l A+ B+ Gp ll B- A-
Run/End
a0 b1
Cascade (two group)
a0 a1 b0 b1
A B
b0
a1
Gp l
Gp ll
Sequence
Gp l A+ B+ Gp ll B- A-
Run/End
a0 b1
Cascade (two group)
a0 a1 b0 b1
A B
b0
a1
Gp l
Gp ll
Sequence
Gp l A+ B+ Gp ll B- A-
Run/End
a0 b1
Cascade (two group)
a0 a1 b0 b1
A B
b0
a1
Gp l
Gp ll
Sequence
Gp l A+ B+ Gp ll B- A-
Run/End
a0 b1
Cascade building blocks
A two group building
block consists of a lever
valve to run and end the Gp l
sequence plus the 5/2
double pilot operated Gp ll
4 2
cascade valve 14 12
For a two group system
5 1 3 Sel ll
consisting of any number Run/End
2
of cylinders this building 10
block and the cylinder 12
3 1
building blocks are all Sel l
that is required to solve
the sequence
Cascade building blocks
This three group Gp l
building block
establishes an Run/End
interconnecting
pattern that can Gp ll
be extended to Sel l
any number of Sel ll
groups
Gp lll
Sel lll
Dual trip building blocks
When a sequence has a Send A+
cylinder operating twice
a1 in x
in one overall sequence a
dual trip building block a1 in y
may be required for each
of the two feedback
valves A+ in A+ in
The supply will be from Group x Group y
different groups and the a1
output go to different
destinations
Example is for feedback
Note: can often be rationalised to less
valve a1 of cylinder A than these three components
when A is sent + both in
Group x and Group y
Cascade rules
Establish the correct Interconnect the blocks as
follows:
sequence
The first function in each group
Divide the sequence in to is signalled directly by that
groups. Always start a group supply
sequence with the The last trip valve operated in
Run/End valve selecting each group is supplied with
main supply air and selects the
group l e.g. next group
R/E | A+ B+ | B- C+ | C- A- The remaining trip valves are
Select the cylinder supplied with air from their
building blocks respective groups and initiate
the next function
Select the cascade The “run/end” valve will control
building block the signal from the last trip valve
to be operated
Select dual trip building
blocks if required
Three position valves
5/3 Valve
5/3 valves have a third The majority of
mid position applications are actuator
The valve can be tri- positioning and safety
stable e.g. a detented 4 2
lever operator or mono-
14 12
stable e.g. a double air or 5 1 3
double solenoid with
14 12
spring centre 4 2
shows a mono-stable
version double pilot
operated spring centre
The cylinder will be pre-
exhausted when
changing from the mid
position
5/3 Valve actuator control
This version of a 5/3 valve
is “centre open pressure”
The supply at port 1 is
connected to both sides
of the cylinder and the
exhaust ports isolated 14 4 2 12
when this centre position
is selected 5 1 3
Can be used to balance
pressures in positioning
applications
The version illustrated is
mono-stable, double
solenoid, spring centre
Logic functions for poppet and
spool valves
Logic AND
To obtain the output Z
both plungers X AND Y Z
must be operated and 2
held 12 10
Y
If X only is operated the 3 1
air will be blocked at port
1 in valve Y
If Y only is operated there 2
12 10
will be no pressure X
available at port 1 3 1
If either X or Y is released
the output signal Z will be
lost
Logic AND
To obtain the output Z
both plungers X AND Y Z
must be operated and 2
held 12 10
Y
If X only is operated the 3 1
air will be blocked at port
1 in valve Y
If Y only is operated there 2
12 10
will be no pressure X
available at port 1 3 1
If either X or Y is released
the output signal Z will be
lost
Logic AND
To obtain the output Z
both plungers X AND Y Z
must be operated and 2
held 12 10
Y
If X only is operated the 3 1
air will be blocked at port
1 in valve Y
If Y only is operated there 2
12 10
will be no pressure X
available at port 1 3 1
If either X or Y is released
the output signal Z will be
lost
Logic AND
To obtain the output Z
both plungers X AND Y Z
must be operated and 2
held 12 10
Y
If X only is operated the 3 1
air will be blocked at port
1 in valve Y
If Y only is operated there 2
12 10
will be no pressure X
available at port 1 3 1
If either X or Y is released
the output signal Z will be
lost
Logic AND
To obtain the output Z
both plungers X AND Y Z
must be operated and 2
held 12 10
Y
If X only is operated the 3 1
air will be blocked at port
1 in valve Y
If Y only is operated there 2
12 10
will be no pressure X
available at port 1 3 1
If either X or Y is released
the output signal Z will be
lost
Logic AND
To obtain the output Z
both plungers X AND Y Z
must be operated and 2
held 12 10
Y
If X only is operated the 3 1
air will be blocked at port
1 in valve Y
If Y only is operated there 2
12 10
will be no pressure X
available at port 1 3 1
If either X or Y is released
the output signal Z will be
lost
Logic AND
To obtain the output Z
both plungers X AND Y Z
must be operated and 2
held 12 10
Y
If X only is operated the 3 1
air will be blocked at port
1 in valve Y
If Y only is operated there 2
12 10
will be no pressure X
available at port 1 3 1
If either X or Y is released
the output signal Z will be
lost
Logic AND
This method must not be
used as a two handed Z
safety control 2
12 10
It is too easy to abuse.
Y
e.g. one of the buttons 3 1
could be permanently
fixed down and the
system operated from the 2
12 10
other button only
X
Use the purpose 3 1
designed two handed
safety control unit
Logic OR
Use of an ‘OR’ function
shuttle valve
Z
Source X and Y can be
remote from each other
and remote from the
destination of Z
When X or Y is operated 12
2
10
the shuttle valve seal Y
moves across to prevent 3 1
2
12 10
Y
3 1
2
12 10
X
3 1
Logic MEMORY
A bi-stable double pilot
Z
valve can be set or reset
simply by a pulse (push 12 10
and release) on buttons X
3 1
or Y
2
12 10
Y
3 1
2
12 10
X
3 1
Logic MEMORY
A bi-stable double pilot
Z
valve can be set or reset
simply by a pulse (push 12 10
and release) on buttons X
3 1
or Y
2
12 10
Y
3 1
2
12 10
X
3 1
Logic MEMORY
A bi-stable double pilot
Z
valve can be set or reset
simply by a pulse (push 12 10
and release) on buttons X
3 1
or Y
2
12 10
Y
3 1
2
12 10
X
3 1
Logic MEMORY
A bi-stable double pilot
Z
valve can be set or reset
simply by a pulse (push 12 10
and release) on buttons X
3 1
or Y
2
12 10
Y
3 1
2
12 10
X
3 1
Logic MEMORY (latch)
A popular memory circuit
is the latch Z
Will not re-make after 1 3
pneumatic power failure Y
12 10
A pulse on X operates the 2
12 10
2
3/2 Valve selection / diversion
Selection of one of two
supplies connected to
ports 1 and 3 can be 12
2
10
different pressures
3 1
Diversion of one supply
to one of two outlets
If it is required to exhaust
the downstream air a 5/2
valve is required 3 1
12 10
2
Latch with controls
Out
In this version of a latch
the push button valves 12
2
10
are connected to perform
3 1
‘OR’ and ‘NOT’ functions
The ‘OFF’ valve must be ON 2
12 10
placed last in the signal
chain so that if both 3 1
valves are operated
together the ‘OFF’ 2
OFF 12 10
command will dominate
over the ‘ON’ command 3 1
OR, AND, NOT
z 2
A single 3/2 pilot operated OR 12 10
spring return valve can be
3 1
use for any of these logic
functions
x y
x OR y gives output z
z 2
x AND y gives output z AND 12 10
x gives NOT z 3 1
x y
z 2
NOT 12 10
3 1
x
Single pulse maker
Converts a prolonged
signal x into a single z
pulse z
2
Signal z must be removed 12 10
to allow the valve to reset 3 1
then x can be applied
again
The duration of the pulse
can be adjusted with the
x
flow regulator
Slow initial pressure build up
Choose a 3/2 pilot spring
valve with a relatively 2
high operating force e.g. 12 10
3 to 4 bar 3 1
When the quick connect
coupling is made, the
output at port 2 is
controlled at the rate of
the flow regulator setting
When the pressure is
high enough to operate
the valve full flow will
take over
Pre-select
The lever valve can pre-
select the movement of
the cylinder OUT or IN 2
12 10
The movement will occur
the next time the plunger 3 1
valve is operated 2
12 10
The plunger valve can be
released immediately and 3 1
subsequently operated
2
and released any number 10
of times 12
3 1
OUT/IN
pre-select
5/2 OR function
The valve at position ‘a’ is
reversed connected and
supplied from the valve
conventionally connected 4 2
12
at position ‘b’ a 14
The cylinder can be 5 1 3
controlled from either
position ‘a’ ‘OR’ position 4 2
‘b’ 12
b 14
5 1 3
Single pulse control
Each time the foot
operated valve is
pressed the cylinder
will single stroke + 4 2
12
and - alternately 14
First foot operation 5 1
the cylinder moves 2 2
12 10 12 10
out
Second foot 3 1 3 1
operation the
cylinder moves in
Third….. out and so
on
12 2
10
3 1
Air conservation
Power stroke in the
instroke direction only
Differential area of the
piston gives an outstroke 4 2
12
force when the pressure 14
is balanced 5 1
is balanced 5 1
5 1 3
2
12 10
3 1
2 2
12 10 12 10
3 1 a1 3 1
Pressure decay
- +
Manual remote start of a a1