5.

0 Results

Before the start button was pushed, the pistons for both Cylinders A and B were in the retracted
position.

When the power supply was turned on, valve 1 was pressed. This then exerted pressure onto
valve 2 and valve 3 is switched on to exert pressure to Cylinder A to extend its piston. As
Cylinder A extended, it released limit switch a- and reached limit switch a+. This actuated
valve 5 and lead to pressure being applied to valve 6.
Next, the piston for Cylinder B extended and released limit switch b-. When the piston for
Cylinder B fully extended, limit switch b+ was operated. This actuated valve 4 and applied
pressure onto valve 3. This enabled pressure to be exerted to Cylinder A and caused its piston
to retract.

As Cylinder A retracted, it released limit switch a+. Limit switch a- then operated when
Cylinder A fully retracted. This actuated valve 7 and applied pressure to valve 5 and
consequently onto Cylinder B to start retracting its piston. When it retracted, limit switch b+
was released and limit switch b- operated to complete the cycle. Hence, the operation cycle of
A+ B+ A- B- was successfully executed during the lab session.
6.0 Discussion

The cylinders that were used during this lab session were double acting cylinders. In these
cylinders, an extending and retracting force is produced by the air pressure and applied onto
the piston.

The configuration of the flow path is one that is usually that is non-passing which implies that
unless the flow path is complete and the power supply is turned on, no fluid flows into the
cylinder. However, when the flow path is complete and the power supply is switched on, air is
supplied into the cylinder and full flow is accomplished.

To achieve the sequential operation A+ B+ A- B-, an electrically-controlled pneumatic circuit

had to be constructed. Electro-pneumatic is described as the integration of pneumatics and an
electrical circuit. The electrical aspects were assembled according to the schematic diagram
provided in the lab manual. The purpose of this circuit was to regulate the position of the
Double Acting Cylinder whether it was fully extended or not. The limit switches acted as
detectors to determine whether the cylinder pistons were fully extended or retracted.

When the cylinder piston was fully extended, the limit switches sends signals to actuate the
solenoid to alter the flow direction. This triggers the valve at the solenoid and changes the air
flow direction. The magnet contained in the solenoid moves against the spring when the current
flows inside it. This causes the valve at the solenoid to move and changes the direction of the
air flow to allow air into the cylinder. Consequently, the piston rod of the cylinder retracts.

7.0 Conclusion

By the end of the lab session, we were able to set up the equipment provided to operate the
pneumatic and electro pneumatic system. The components of the system were identified
successfully and the theories regarding the operation were described briefly. For future
recommendations, a more detailed and comprehensive explanation regarding the set up of the
electrical circuit should be given to ensure that students fully understand their functions. In
conclusion, the objectives were successfully achieved.