Batangas State University

College of Engineering, Architecture and Fine Arts

Electronics Engineering/Instrumentation and Control Engineering/Mechatronics
Engineering Department

MexE 403
Pneumatics and Hydraulics System

Final Requirement

John Laurence G. Alcantara

MexE - 2202

Ferdinand D. Delos Reyes

Instructor

May 2020
Name: Alcantara, John Laurence G. Score: __________
Section: MEXE-2202 Date: May 25, 2020

FINAL ASSESSMENT
MexE403 – Pneumatics and Hydraulics System
Second Semester AY 2019-2020

Answer each of the questions stated for each number. The answers will be evaluated on the basis
of contents, analysis/interpretation and relevance.

1. Explain the principle of operation of a Pneumatic System and Hydraulic System.

Differentiate the two fluid power systems.
As what I have learned, pneumatic system uses compressed air which is provided by an
air compressor to do work. In order for this to be fully functional, it needs to contain the
following sections: compressed air generating section, air storage section, air cleaning section,
air conditioning section, controlling section, and operating section. As the system works, the
compressor gets air from the at atmosphere making it an open system, stores it in a receiver
which is a high-pressure tank and this compressed air is then transported around the circuit
through pipes and valves, helping it accomplish designated tasks with the generated energy.
On the other hand, hydraulic system which is a closed system uses liquids such as oil and
water to perform work processes. In order for this to be fully functional, it needs to include
storage tank, filter, hydraulic pump, pressure regulator, control valve, hydraulic cylinder, piston
and leak proof fluid flow pipelines. As the system works, the hydraulic fluid is being transmitted
from different points by an exerted force. It will then reach different hydraulic cylinders and
motors. The hydraulic fluid will only be controlled and be distributed through tubes and hoses
using control valves.
In general, these two fluid power systems mainly vary according to their mode of
operation. The operation principles of these two systems are actually dependent in the
operational medium used to transmit power. More so, pneumatic system is an example of open
system while the hydraulic system is a closed system. When it comes to speed, pneumatic system
is considered faster than hydraulics system because as what I have noticed, hydraulic systems
have more complicated larger systems than pneumatic system.

2. State the Laws of Physics involved on the operation of a Pneumatic and Hydraulic
Systems. Elaborate your answer.
 The laws of physics that a pneumatic system covers are the laws of gasses since the
working medium that is used under this system is air. The properties and behavior of air and
similar gases, the conditions of free air and standard air, and the pressure involved such as the
atmospheric, gauge, and absolute pressure play a significant role in understanding the concept of
pneumatics, that is why we need to study gas laws. These set of laws include the studies of
scientists, and these are:
a. Boyle’s Law, which states that, “If a given mass of a gas is compressed or expanded at
a constant temperature, then the absolute pressure is inversely proportional to the
volume,”
b. Charles Law, which states that, “If a given mass of a gas is heated or cooled at a
constant pressure, then the volume is directly proportional to the absolute temperature,”
and
c. Gay-Lussac’s Law, which states that, “At constant pressure, the absolute pressure of an
ideal gas will vary directly with the absolute temperature.”
On the other hand, the law of physics that a hydraulic system covers is the law designed
by Blaise Pascal since the working medium that is used under this system is incompressible
fluid. Pascal Law states that, “the pressure exerted anywhere upon an enclosed liquid is
transmitted undiminished, in all directions, to the interior of the container.” Here, the pressure,
force, and area have something to do with Pascal’s Law because all of these are considered
variables in hydraulic theory.

3. List down the basic pneumatic and hydraulic components, classify each component to
which category they fall into (according to the two categories of components shown on our
lecture), then state which level of pneumatic or hydraulic circuit diagram they fall into.
The basic pneumatic and hydraulic components are categorically listed below according
to the two categories of components shown on our lecture. It also includes the level of pneumatic
or hydraulic circuit diagram they fall into which is written on the right part of the components:
A. For pneumatic components:
1. Components that produce and transport compressed air
(a) Compressor
(b) Pressure regulating component
(i) Filter
(ii) Pressure regulator
 (iii) Lubricator
2. Components that consume compressed air.
(a) Execution component (Power Level)
(i) Single acting cylinder
(ii) Double acting cylinder
(b) Directional control valve (Signal Input Level)
(c) Control valve (Logic Level)
(i) Non-return valve
(ii) Flow control valve
(iii) Shuttle valve
B. For hydraulic components:
1. Components that produce and transport hydraulic oil
(a) Reservoir
(b) Hydraulic Actuator
(i) Semi-rotary actuator
(ii) Rotary actuator
- Hydraulic motor
(c) Hydraulic Pumps: gear, gerotor, lobe, screw
(i) Based on displacement:
- impositive and positive displacement
(ii) Based on delivery
- Constant delivery
- Variable delivery
(iii) Based on motion
- Rotary
- Reciprocating
2. Components that consume hydraulic oil
 (a) Execution component: rams, cylinder, jacks (Power Level)
(i) Single acting cylinder
(ii) Double acting cylinder
(iii) Telescopic cylinder
(iv) Tandem cylinder
(b) Hydraulic valves
(i) control valves (Logic
Level)
(ii) directional control valves (Signal Input
Level)

4. Draw a circuit of a machine that operates with a condition; Two (2) pushbuttons are
needed to be pressed for the actuator to extend and one (1) pushbutton for it to retract.
 FIGURE 1. Pneumatic Circuit where Two (2) Pushbuttons are needed to be pressed for the
actuator to extend and one (1) pushbutton for it to retract
5. Illustrate one hydraulic circuit then discuss its operation and real-life application.

FIGURE 2. Hydraulic Circuit of Operating Double-acting Cylinder Using 4/2 DCV

This hydraulic circuit namely “Operating a Double-acting Cylinder Using 4/2 DCV”
works as a hydraulic system wherein its fluid power comes from hydraulic fluid. This hydraulic
fluid has to be transmitted from points P to A and T to B by an exerted force from the main
pump unit. It will then reach the double-acting cylinder with fluid power. The hydraulic fluid
will only be controlled and be distributed through tubes and hoses using directional control
valves.
 Operating a double-acting cylinder is just an example of how hydraulics work, and it
explains how important hydraulics is in our everyday lives as future engineers. It covers a lot of
real-life application because double-acting cylinder is just one of the important hydraulic
components.

For example, the backhoe has four double acting hydraulic cylinders to move the position
of the shovel. Because of the operation of double-acting cylinders, laborers are now at ease to
work inside a construction site.

6. Name the most common causes of pneumatic and hydraulic system breakdown.
Based on what Engr. Delos Reyes said during lectures before, system malfunctions will
arise when a machine has not been used for a very long period of time just like some of the
components, and even large machines inside the university laboratory. This is just a single
example for why there could be a system breakdown for both pneumatic and hydraulic system.
Furthermore, the most common causes of pneumatic and hydraulic system breakdown are mostly
components’ issues, and these could be:
a. Clogging of contaminants inside a component
b. Leakage of air seals
c. Damaged or dirty filters
d. Faulty directional control valve
e. Air contamination
f. Human Error
g. Poor and insufficient knowledge regarding pneumatics
On the other hand, we could encounter problems with our hydraulic systems when some
of the properties and variables for our hydraulic oil have affected our working medium. The
causes could be:
a. Air and Water Contamination
b. Temperature Problems
c. Fluid Levels were not measured correctly
d. Fluid Quality is improper
e. Human Error
f. Poor and insufficient knowledge regarding hydraulics
7. Give an application of a pneumatic or hydraulic system then state why it is a pneumatic or
hydraulic system by discussing its process or principle of operation.
One of the industrial applications of hydraulic system can be found in the field of
automation. As future mechatronics engineer, I found it cool to see that hydraulic system can
automate robotics. For example, hydraulic robotic arm is one of the applications of hydraulic
system because it uses an incompressible fluid to create fluid power.
In a hydraulic robotic arm, the mode of actuation is by linear actuators such as cylinders
and pistons which both fall under hydraulic actuators. The hydraulic system is mounted on one
link and the piston push and pulls the link. This linear actuation arrangement causes the joints to
rotate and hence the arm operates.

8. Think of a novel and innovative possible application of either pneumatic or hydraulic

system that you can use in the future as Mechatronics Engineer, then explain its concept
and how would it work. (Examples: Hydraulic Waste Segregator, Pneumatic Sand
Separator, Hydraulic Arm for Disabled Persons)
It is mechatronic engineers’ job to focus on both electrical and mechanical systems, and
also includes a combination of robotics, electronics, computer, telecommunications, systems,
control, and product engineering. This includes innovation and advantageous, tangible products
that will be used as demand for technology arises. As a future engineer of this field, I suggest to
apply hydraulics in simplification and work efficiency for household stuffs.
As I have noticed, Filipinos aren’t those type of nationality who are minimalist and
simple when it comes to “abubot” and such house stuffs. As much as possible, we must decorate
our houses as fancy as it may look, and we tend to place those not-so useful things in vacant
rooms, or even at the corners of the house.
Considering hydraulic system, I find it useful to propose hydraulic attic stairs. It pretty
works with hydraulic oil as its working medium. As I’ve researched related projects like
hydraulic lifts, this hydraulic attic stairs would work with hydraulic piston, hydraulic cylinder,
actuator, valves, and more. As of now, I regretfully do not know yet the entire hydraulic circuit
of this idea but I am willing to study it well. All I know is that, it may work as hydraulic oil
moves through the system to create fluid power. This working medium will pass through the
valves and flows to the cylinder where the hydraulic energy converts back into mechanical
energy. The valves help to direct the flow of the liquid and relieve pressure when needed.
As I have said, this concept, the hydraulic attic stairs, is for household purposes. Once
activated, a stair from the attic will be folded down the surface and will go back again in the attic
when not in use. Basically, it will help us to save spaces and to maintain neatness inside the
houses.

9. Select a particular topic from our lectures or from the list of topics on our syllabi, state
why do you think it is relevant to your field of specialization.
Almost all of the topics are considered relevant and connected to my field of
specialization since the topics are in series linkage and are interconnected with each other. To
clearly state, I have to fully understand or at least absorb the fundamental concepts in every slide
deck because every ppt has something new and informative to offer.
For example, the “Introduction to Pneumatics and Hydraulics Systems and Industrial
Applications” is a good topic because for me, it was something new. The pneumatic and
hydraulic components together with their functions were something I never heard or studied
before. The “Pneumatic Circuits” is also fun to study.
But beside from those topics and lectures we had, I wish to have an actual demonstration
and/or hands-on for us to be able to cope up fear of handling some fluid-power-related issues. It
is something that would help us boost our inner engineer-self, and something that would build
our confidence, aside from the actual skills that we could gain from doing the hands-on. That, I
think, could be and will be the most relevant part of PHS as mechatronics engineers that we
missed.

10. Discuss the application/s or importance of Pneumatics and Hydraulics System in your
field of specialization.
Imagine a robot that does not possess any mechanical movement, an automobile and a
boat that cannot bring people from one place to another, and a lifter and such conveying devices
that cannot handle heavyweight loads in a workplace. This is what life may look like, and the
automation and my field of specialization could be like without Pneumatics and Hydraulics
System.
We use different kinds of machines in order for us to ease the overloaded works and for
us to not perform works that are out of our abilities. These are the mere reasons why there are
Pneumatics and Hydraulics System. Little did we know, every household has already
mechatronic-based products, and that, I think, is because of fluid power systems. Imaging
mechatronics life without Pneumatics and Hydraulics System is like swimming in a pool without
water. We are all dependent with Pneumatics and Hydraulics System because almost the entire
part of mechatronics lies with the study of fluid power systems.