HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS (ME17702)

2 Marks Question & Answers

UNIT I
FLUID POWER PRINCIPLES AND FUNDAMENTALS

1. Define fluid power.

Fluid power technology is a means to convert, transmit, control and

apply fluid energy to perform useful work. Fluid power includes hydraulics
and pneumatics.

2. Differentiate oil hydraulics and pneumatics.

Oil hydraulics employs pressurized liquid and pneumatics employs

compressed air.
Oil hydraulic systems operate at pressures up to 200 bar or even much
higher. Pneumatic systems operate in a pressure range of 5 to l0 bar.
Oil hydraulic systems are used in high load applications and accurate
speed control or positioning is required. Pneumatic systems are used in low
or medium load application and high velocities are required.

3. What is the basic law that is important in applying fluid power?

Pascal law is the basic law used in fluid power. According to Pascal law,
the pressure generated at one point in a confined liquid acts equally in all
directions.

4. List five fields of applications of fluid power.

Agriculture, Aviation, Fabrication industry, Machine tools, Oil industry
and Pharmaceuticals.
5. Why is hydraulic power especially useful with heavy work?
Hydraulic systems generally operate at high pressures and provide
high forces. So they are useful with heavy work.

6. Where are pneumatic systems preferred?

Pneumatic systems are preferred where low or medium size forces are
required and velocities are high. Because of their low cost, they are
preferred in industrial automation.

7. What are the primary functions of hydraulic fluid?

(i) Transfer fluid power efficiently.

(ii) Lubricate the moving parts.
(iii) Absorb, carry and transfer the heat generated within the system.

8. Name few properties of a hydraulic fluid.

(i) Viscosity (ii) Viscosity Index (iii) Oxidation stability

(iv) Demulsibility (v) Lubricity (vi) Rust prevention
(vii) Flash point and fire point (viii) Neutralization Number.

9. What are the undesirable results when an oil viscosity is too high?

When the viscosity is too high,

(i) The viscous oil may not be able to pass through the pipes.
(ii) The working temperature will increase because there will be
internal friction.
(iii) The consumption of power will increase.

10. What are the undesirable results when an oil viscosity is too low?

When the viscosity is too low,

(i) The internal and external leakage will increase.
(ii) It cannot lubricate properly and will lead to rapid wear of the
moving parts.
11. What is Viscosity Index and Give is its significance?

The rate of change of viscosity with temperature is indicated on an

arbitrary scale called Viscosity Index (vi). The lower the viscosity index, the
greater the variation in viscosity with changes in temperature and vice
versa.
12. What is demulsibility?
The ability of a hydraulic fluid to seperate rapidly from moisture and
successfully resist emulsification is known as demulsibility.

13. Why should a hydraulic fluid have good lubricating ability?

If the hydraulic fluid does not have good lubricating ability it will not
lubricate moving parts properly, causing wear. Wear results in increased
clearance, which leads to all sorts of operational difficulties including fall of
efficiency.
14. What is neutralization number of hydraulic fluid and Give its
significance?
The neutralization number is a measure of acidity or alkalinity of a
hydraulic fluid. High acidity causes the oxidation rate in an oil to increase
rapidly.

15. Define the term pour point and its importance.

The temperature at which oil will congeal is referred to as the pour
point, i.e. the lowest temperature at which the oil is able to flow easily. It is
of importance in cold countries where the system is exposed to very low
temperatures. The pour point must be well below the minimum temperature
expected in normal condition.

16. Name three fire resistant fluids.

(i) Water glycols (ii) Water oil emulsions (iii) Phosphate esters.
 UNIT II
HYDRAULIC SYSTEM AND COMPONENTS

1. Name the basic components required in hydraulic system.

(i) Pump (ii) Hydraulic valves (iii)Hydraulic actuators.

2. What is a positive displacement pump and how does it differ from a

centrifugal pump?

Positive displacement pump is a pump in which there is a physical

displacement of the boundary of fluid mass.
Centrifugal pump is a non-positive displacement pump. In this there is
a relative motion between the fluid and rotor.
In positive displacement pump, the outlet flow is independent of
system pressure. But in centrifugal pump the outlet flow is dependent on
system pressure. So when pressure increases, the flow reduces.

3. What is the function of pump in a hydraulic system?

In a hydraulic system, a pump converts mechanical energy into

hydraulic energy. Mechanical energy is given to the pump via a prime mover
such as an electric motor.

4. Name the three popular construction types of positive displacement

pumps.

(i) Gear pumps (ii) Vane pumps (iii) Piston pumps.

5. Name the different designs of gear pump.
(i) External gear pump (ii) Internal gear pump (iii) Lobe pump
(iv) Screw pump.

6. Why is the operation of a screw pump quiet?

In the screw pump, the fluid does not rotate but moves linearly. Thus
even at higher speed, there are no pulsations. So it is a quiet operating
pump.

7. Name the different designs of vane pump.

(i) Unbalanced vane pump (ii) Balanced vane pump.

8. What is the difference between fixed displacement and variable

displacement pump?

In the fixed displacement pump, the pump displacement cannot be

varied by any means. But in the variable displacement pump, the pump
displacement can be varied by any arrangement.

9. Why gear pump cannot be used as a variable displacement pump?

In the gear pump, the displacement depends on the design

parameters of gears and they cannot be changed. So the displacement
cannot be varied in gear pumps.

10. How can the unbalanced vane pump be used as a variable displacement
pump?

In unbalanced vane pump, the displacement depends on eccentricity

between rotor and cam ring. By mechanically varying the eccentricity, the
pump delivery is varied.
11. What is a pressure compensated vane pump and how does it work?

In the unbalanced vane pump, the displacement can be varied by

varying the eccentricity. By a compensator piston arrangement, the
eccentricity is varied depending on the system pressure thereby pump
delivery is varied. This pump is called pressure compensated vane pump.

12. What is meant by a balanced design vane pump?

In balanced vane pump, there are two inlet and outlet ports which are
diametrically opposite to each other. Because the pressure ports are
opposite to each other, a complete hydraulic balance is achieved.

13. Name the two basic types of piston pumps.

(i) Axial piston pump (ii) Radial piston pump.

14. How can the displacement of an axial piston pump be varied?

In axial piston pumps, by varying the stroke length the displacement

can be varied. In bent axis type, by varying the angle between cylinder block
and drive shaft centerline, the stroke length can be varied. In swash plate
type by varying the swash plate angle the stroke length can be varied.

15. Define volumetric efficiency of a pump.

Actual flow rate produced by the pump

Volumetric efficiency of pump v
Theoritical flow rate the pump should produce
QA
100
QT

16. Define mechanical efficiency of a pump.

Theoritical power required to operate the pump

Mechanical efficiency m
Actual power delivered to the pump
17. Define overall efficiency of a pump.

Power output by the pump

Overall efficiency 0
Actual power input to the pump

18. A positive displacement pump has an overall efficiency of 87% and

volumetric efficiency of 93%. What is its mechanical efficiency?

Overall efficiency = Volumetric efficiency X Mechanical efficiency

87
Mechanical efficiency 100 93.5%
93

19. Draw the graphic symbols for the following pump types.

(i) Fixed displacement (ii) Variable displacement

(iii) Pressure compensated (iv) Bidirectional.

20. What is a hydraulic actuator?

The actuator is a hydraulic element which converts the pressure

energy of the fluid into mechanical energy.

21. What are the types of hydraulic actuators?

There are three basic types of hydraulic actuator,

(i) Hydraulic motor--continuous rotary motion
(ii) Semi-rotary actuator-limited angle movement
(iii) Hydraulic cylinder-linear motion.

22. What is the purpose of hydraulic motor and how does it differ from the
hydraulic pump.

The motors are actuated by the fluid. The fluid forces the motor to
create the rotary motion. The motor is mechanically linked to the load and
develops torque. So a hydraulic motor converts hydraulic energy into
mechanical energy. But a pump converts the mechanical energy into
hydraulic energy.

23. Name the construction types of hydraulic motors available.

(i) Gear type hydraulic motors (ii) Vane type hydraulic motors
(iii) Piston type hydraulic motors.

24. Where are external gear motors used?

External gear motors are used when relatively high speed and low
torque is needed.

25. Define volumetric efficiency of a hydraulic motor?

Theoritical flow rate required to drive the motor

Volumetric efficiency of pump v
Actual flow rate into the motor

26. Define mechanical efficiency of a hydraulic motor.

Actual power given by the motor

Mechanical efficiency m
Theoritical power it should deliver

27. What is a semi-rotary actuator?

Semi-rotary actuators convert pressure energy into torque, which

turns through only limited angle.

28. List few applications of semi-rotary actuator?

The semi-rotary actuators are used for lifting, tilting, opening, closing,
indexing, swinging and bending applications.
29. How is single acting cylinder retracted?

The single acting cylinder is retracted using gravity or by the inclusion

of a compression spring at the rod end of single acting cylinder.

30. What are the advantages of double acting cylinder over a single acting
cylinder?

(i) In a single acting cylinder, the fluid is fed only on one side. Hence
the Cylinder can produce work in one direction only. But the fluid moves the
Piston in two directions in a double acting cylinder, so they perform work in
both directions.
(ii) In a single acting cylinder, the stroke is limited by the compressed
length of the spring. But in principle, the stroke is unlimited in a double
acting cylinder.
(iii) While the piston moves forward in a single acting cylinder, the
fluid has to overcome the pressure of the spring and hence some power is
lost before the actual stroke of the piston starts. But this problem is not
present in a double acting cylinder.

31. What is cylinder cushioning?

Due to the inertia forces of the moving parts at the end of piston
travel, the piston will hit the cylinder head at full speed. To overcome this,
the designers provide an arrangement by which the hydraulic cylinder can be
slowly retarded or cushioned during the last portion of the stroke. This is
known as cylinder cushioning.

32. For what application, a double rod cylinder is best suited?

The double rod cylinders are suitable when work has to be performed
at either or both ends and operating speed must be equal in both directions.

33. What is the advantage and disadvantage of tandem cylinder?

The tandem cylinder provides increased output force when the bore
size of the cylinder is limited. But the length of the cylinder is more than a
standard cylinder and also requires a larger flow rate to achieve a speed.
34. What is a telescoping cylinder? When is it normally used?

A telescoping cylinder is a cylinder employing several pistons which

telescope into each other. This cylinder is used where a relatively long
working stroke is needed for a short cylinder length.

35. Name the types of cylinder mountings.

(i) Fixed centerline mounts

Tie rod end
Rod end flange
Blind end flange
Centerline lugs
(ii) Fixed non-centerline mounts
End lug mounts Side
lug mounts Integral
key mounts Flush
mounts
(iii) Pivoted centerline mounts
Rod end trunnion
Blind end trunnion
Clevis
Center trunnion.
 UNIT III
HYDRAULIC CIRCUITS

1. What are the three important things that are controlled in a hydraulic
system?

In a hydraulic system, the pressure, direction and volume of flow are

controlled. The pressure is controlled to control the force. Flow is controlled
to control the velocity. Direction is controlled to obtain actuator motion in
both directions.

2. What is the function of relief valve in a hydraulic system?

The function of a relief valve is to limit the system pressure to a

specified maximum value by diverting the pump flow back to the tank.

3. What are the advantages of compound relief valve over direct acting relief
valve?

(i) Compound relief valves are usually smaller than the simple relief
valves for the same flow and pressure settings.
(ii) They also have a wider range of maximum pressure setting.
(iii) They can also be operated remotely by connecting a simple relief
valve to the vent port.

4. What is the function of an unloading valve?

The unloading valve is useful to control the amount of flow at any

given time in systems having more than one fixed delivery pump.

5. What is the function of a sequence valve?

When the operation of two cylinders is required to be performed in

sequence, the sequence valve is used.
6. When is the pressure reducing valve used in a hydraulic system?

Pressure reducing valve is used to maintain reduced pressure in

specified locations of hydraulic system.

7. Draw the symbols for a pressure relief valve and pressure reducing valve.

8. Name one application of a counterbalance valve.

The counterbalance valve is used to maintain back pressure on a

vertical cylinder to prevent it from falling due to gravity.

9. What is a check valve?

The check valve is a one way valve, which allows flow in one direction,
on the other direction the flow is not permitted.

10. How does a pilot operated check valve differ from a simple check valve?

Pilot operated check valve is a two way valve. This type of check valve
allows free flow in one direction; it allows flow in other direction also, when a
pilot pressure is applied. But simple check valve always allows flow in only
one direction.

11. When are three way valves used in a hydraulic circuit?

Three way valves are used to operate single acting cylinders and two
three way valves are needed to operate a double acting cylinder.
12. What is meant by actuation of valve? List the various actuating devices
of direction control valves.

Actuation is a method of moving valve element from one position to

another. The various actuating devices are: Manually operated, mechanically
operated, Solenoid operated and Pilot operated.

13. What is a solenoid and how does it work?

A solenoid is a electromagnetic coil. When it is energised, it creates a

magnetic force that pulls the armature. The armature is connected to the
spool of the direction control valve and the valve is actuated.

14. Give the hydraulic symbol for 3 position-4 way closed center solenoid
operated direction control valve?

15. What is meant when a flow control valve is said to be 'pressure

compensated'?

The flow through the flow control valve varies as the square root of the
pressure drop across it. So any change in pressure at the outlet and inlet
changes the flow through the valve. Pressure compensated flow control
adjusts automatically to pressure changes and maintains a constant
pressure drop from inlet to outlet, thus provides constant flow.

16. What is the need for temperature compensation in flow control valves?

As the viscosity of oil varies with temperature, the oil becomes less
viscous when temperature increases. As the less viscous fluid flow more
readily through an orifice, the increase in temperature causes increase in
flow for a valve setting. So temperature compensation is needed to offset
the effect of such temperature variations.
17. Name the three ways of applying flow control valves?

The three ways of applying flow control valves are,

(i) Meter-in (ii) Meter-out (iii) Bleed-off.

18. Differentiate meter-in and meter-out controls.

In meter-in type, the flow control valve is located in the pressure line
leading to the work cylinder. This type is used when load characteristics are
constant and positive.
In meter-out type, the flow control valve is installed in the return side
of the cylinder. This type is used in machine tools like drills and mills in
which the tool is dragged suddenly.

19. What is a flow divider and name the different types.

Flow divider is a flow control valve and is used to divide the fluid flow
from a single source into two or more streams of equal flow.
There are two types of flow dividers:
1. Valve type
2. Motor type

20. What is the purpose of a deceleration valve?

The purpose of the deceleration valve is to gradually reduce the flow

rate going out of the cylinder to provide deceleration of the heavy loads.

21. What is a modular valve?

Modular valve is a stack of control valves one on the other to form a

complete valve pack. This arrangement forms a compact system, thereby
reducing assembly cost and eliminates much of the interconnecting pipe
work.

22. What is a cat ridge valve?

Cartridge valve consists of a catridge which can be mounted in a
standard recess in a valve block. These valves give necessary control
function such as pressure, flow and direction.
23. What is a servo valve and what is its function?

Servo valve is a direction control valve which has infinite variable

positioning capability. Thus it can control not only the direction of fluid flow
but also the amount. It gives a very accurate control of position and velocity
of an actuator.

24. What is the purpose of seals in hydraulic system and how are they
classified?

The seals are used to prevent the internal and external leakages of
hydraulic system.
Seals may be classified as (i) Positive type (ii) Non-positive type;
Seals may be classified in another way as (i) Static seals (ii) Dynamic seals.

25. State the difference between positive seals and non-positive seals.

Positive seals prevent even a small amount of leakage. Positive seals

are used for external applications such as pipe and flange joints. Non-
positive seals allow small amount of fluid to pass and are used for internal
applications.

26. What is the difference between static seals and dynamic seals?

Static seals prevent leakage between non-moving parts and dynamic

seals prevent leakage in moving components.

27. List out the most widely used types of seal configurations.
Static seals--Gaskets, O-rings
Dynamic seals-- (i) Contact seals
Lip type seals, U rings, cup seals, chevron rings, wipers and scrapers
(ii) Clearance type seals-Piston rings.
28. What is an intensifier and when is it used?

An intensifier is a device which converts low pressure fluid power into

high pressure fluid power. Intensifiers are used when a great force is needed
for a relatively short distance.
29. Find the pressure in the small cylinder of an intensifier, if the pressure in
the larger cylinder is 40 bar. The diameter of the smaller and larger cylinder
of the intensifier is 0.1m and 0.3m respectively.

Ps AI
In te n s ific a tio n R a tio =
PI As
0.32
AI 4
Pressure in the smaller cylinder Ps PI 40 360 bar
As 2
0.1
4
30. What is an accumulator?

An accumulator is a device that stores potential energy of an

incompressible fluid held under pressure by an external source against some
dynamic force. The dynamic force can come from source Like gravity,
mechanical or compressed gas.

31. Name the three basic types of accumulators used in hydraulic system.

(i) Weight loaded type (ii) Spring loaded type (iii) Gas loaded type

32. State the various functions of accumulator in hydraulic circuit?

Leakage compensation, auxiliary power source, emergency power

source, shock suppressor, thermal expansion compensator.

33. What is a hydrostatic drive?

A hydrostatic drive consists of a positive displacement pump, driving a

positive displacement hydraulic motor.

34. What is the difference between open-loop and closed-loop hydrostatic

Transmission?

In open-loop transmission, all the fluid discharged by the motor

returns to the oil reservoir. In closed-loop transmission the fluid flows in a
continuous path from the pump outlet port to the hydraulic motor inlet port
and then directly back to the inlet of the pump.

35. What are the three basic arrangements in hydrostatic drives?

(i) Variable displacement pump, fixed displacement motor-constant

torque transmission
(ii) Fixed displacement pump, variable displacement motor-constant
power transmission
(iii) Variable displacement pump, variable displacement motor-variable
torque, variable power transmission.

36. What are the two braking systems used in hydrostatic drives?

The two braking systems used in hydrostatic drives are regenerative

and dynamic braking.

37. What do you understand by the term power pack?

Power pack consists of a pump, electric motor, reservoir and

associated valving assembled to one unit to supply pressurised fluid. They
are relatively small in size and provide functions of pressure, direction and
flow control within the basic package.

38. What are the main criteria in the design of hydraulic system?

(i) Simplicity (ii) Reliability (iii) Efficiency (iv) Cost effectiveness

(v) Maintainability (vi) Safety.

39. List the parameters related to the selection of hydraulic cylinders?

(i) Purpose (ii) Stroke requirement (iii) Thrust (iv) Speed

(v) Acceleration and deceleration (vi) Cylinder mountings
(vii) Special seal requirement.
40. What is the purpose of stop tube in a hydraulic cylinder?

In cases, where the cylinder is rigidly fixed or pivoted at both ends,

there is a possibility for excessive loading to occur. The effect of side loading
can be reduced by a stop tube inside the cylinder.

41. What is cracking pressure of relief valve and how does it affect the
selection of relief valve?

The pressure at which the relief valve opens is called the cracking
pressure. The relief valve with a higher cracking pressure is selected
because once the relief valve cracks, the flow is lost over the relief valve
even when the system has not yet achieved the maximum system pressure.

42. Which type of flow control valve is preferable, if load on the actuator
undergo changes?

Pressure compensated flow control valve is selected, if load on the

actuator undergo changes.

43. Write the equation for finding the head loss in pipelines carrying
hydraulic fluid?
fL V 2
H e a d lo s s H L
2 gD
f - Friction factor L/D-Length over diameter ratio
V-Velocity g-acceleration due to gravity.

44. What is the difference between hydraulic tubing and hoses?

Tubes are constructed of cold drawn steel and they are used where
high pressures are encountered. Hose is made up of rubber or thermoplastic
tube reinforced with steel wire or textile braiding. Hoses are used for
medium pressure applications and moving machine members.
45. List the parameters affecting the selection of a pump.

Maximum operating pressure, maximum delivery, pump drive speed,

type of fluid, fluid contamination, pump pulsation, pump noise, size and
weight of pump, efficiency and cost.

46. What is the purpose of baffle plate in a fluid reservoir?

The baffle plate is provided between the pump's inlet and return lines for
preventing the continuous recirculation of the same fluid into the system. So
the foreign particles from the returning fluid are allowed to settle down
without any disturbance and the trapped air is allowed to escape.

47. What is an air breather in a fluid reservoir?

As the fluid level in the tank goes up and down during the various
operations, a
hole is provided at the top, for the inlet and exit of air and is known as air
breather.

48. What are the main functions of a fluid reservoir?

The functions are,

(i) To provide a chamber in which any change in volume of the
fluid in the hydraulic circuit can be accomodated.
(ii) To provide a radiating surface for allowing the fluid to cool.
(iii) To provide a volume of fluid to allow entrapped air to separate and
heavy contaminants to settle.

49. Give the empirical rule for sizing reservoirs.

(i) If there is no volume changes in the system, the minimum reservoir

capacity should be twice the pump delivery pressure.
(ii) For mobile applications, the reservoir capacity should be 3-4 times
the pump delivery per minute.
(iii) For high pressure system, the reservoir capacity should be 2-15
litres per installed horse power.
 UNIT IV
PNEUMATIC SYSTEM

1. What is the difference between a strainer and filter?

Strainer is a device for the removal of solids from a fluid wherein the
resistance of motion of such solids is in a straight line.
Filter is a device for the removal of sol ids from a fluid wherein the
resistance of motion of such solids is in a tortuous path.

2. Name the various filter media.

(i) Woven wire cloth (ii) Paper filter (iii) Woven cloth media
(iv) Sintered metal powders (v) Ceramic and plastic media.

3. List out the basic types of filtering methods used in hydraulic system.

The basic filtering methods are,

(i) Surface type (ii) Depth type (iii) Edge type.

4. List the various locations where filters are installed in hydraulic systems?

(i) Suction line filter (ii) Pressure line filter

(iii) Return line filter (iv) By pass and bleed-off filter.

5. What is meant by synchronisation of cylinder motion? Name the various

methods to achieve it.

If a load is to be lifted with the help of two or more hydraulic cylinders,

the cylinders are connected by some means to synchronise their
motion. The various methods are,
(i) Tie cylinders (ii) Series piping (iii) Synchronizing with flow control
valves (iv) Synchronizing with matching pumps (v) Synchronizing with
flow dividers.
6. What is the purpose of regenerative circuit and how is it attained?

A regenerative circuit is used to speedup the extending speed of a

double acting cylinder. This is attained by connecting the return flow from
cylinder to pump flow.

7. A double acting cylinder is provided in a regenerative circuit. The pump

flow is 751/min. The piston area and rod area are 6 x 10-3 m2 and 1.5 x 10-3
m2.Find the cylinder speed for extending stroke.
QP
Cylinder speed for extending stroke Vext
AR
75 10 -3
50 m /m in
1.5 10 -3

8. For the above problem, if the system pressure is 86 bar, what is the load
carrying capacity of the system.

Load carrying capacity = Au x P = 1.5 x 10-3 x 86 x 105=10.2 kN

9. What is banked unit and mention one of its applications?

The directional control valves, usually six port valves are grouped
together and is called banked unit. Banked units are mainly used in mobile
applications like elevators. cranes, fork Lifts etc.

10. When is pneumatics preferred over hydraulics?

Pneumatics is preferred, over hydraulics when high speed and lower

forces are required and do not require high precision.

11. Name the three types of positive displacement compressors that are
commonly used in industry?

(i) Reciprocating piston type (ii) Rotary vane type (iii) Rotary screw
type
12. What is a multistage compressor?

A compressor that draws in air and compress it to its final pressure in

two or more stages is called multistage compressor.

13. What is the purpose of a dryer?

The purpose of the dryer is to reduce the relative humidity and dew
point of the compressed air from the compressor.

14. What is the function of an air filter?

The function of an air filter is to remove contaminants from air before

it reaches the pneumatic components such as valves and actuators.

15. What is the purpose of a pressure regulator?

The purpose of the pressure regulator is to regulate the incoming

pressure to the desired pressure.

16. Why should a lubricator be used in a pneumatic system?

Air is not a good lubricant. So to lubricate the moving parts in the

pneumatic system, a fine mist of oil is discharged into the air by a lubricator.

17. What is an F-R-L unit and give the graphic symbol of it?

F-R-L unit is a combined unit of Filter-Regulator-Lubricator.

18. What is the need for mufflers?

The use of exhausted air in industries has created noise problems. This
air generates high intensity sound energy, which causes fatigue to an
operator. The muffler is used to reduce the energy of exhausted air, thereby
reducing the noise.

19. Draw the graphic symbol and label the ports for a pneumatic
(i) Four-way, two position DCV (ii) Five-way, two position DCV.

20. What is the purpose of a shuttle valve?

The shuttle valve delivers an output when one input is present or when
both are present.

21. What is the purpose of a two-pressure valve?

The two-pressure valve delivers an output when both input signals are
present.

22. State the difference between quick exhaust valve and flow control valve.

The flow control valve is used to reduce the actuator speed from its
normal speed. But quick exhaust valve accelerates the speed of the
actuator.

23. Why air cylinders cannot be used for precise speed control?

Due to the compressibility characteristic of air, the air cylinder tends to

slow down on meeting increase in load and to accelerate when the load
suddenly decreases. So air cylinders cannot be employed for precise control.
28. Classify the pneumatic cylinders based on principle.

(i) Single acting cylinder (ii) Double acting cylinder

(iii) Tandem cylinder (iv) Three position cylinder
(v) Through rod cylinder (vi) Adjustable stroke cylinder
(vii) Telescoping cylinder.

29. Name the different types of air motors.

(i) Piston type motors--Axial, Radial

(ii) Vane type motors-Nan-reversible, Reversible (iii) Turbine motors.

30. Mention few advantages of air motor over electric motor.

(i) Air motors do not require electrical power. So they can be used in
volatile atmospheres.
(ii) Air motors can stall under full load for indefinite periods of time,
while electric motors will be damaged by heat generation when stalled.
(iii) Air motor speed can be regulated through simple flow control
valve instead of expensive and complicated electronic speed controls.

31. Where are suction cups used?

Suction cups can be used to pickup and hold work pieces with smooth
and impervious surfaces. They are commonly used in pick and place
application ill industries like glass, TV, printing, sheet handling, packaging
etc.

32. Define the terms running torque, starting torque and stall torque of an
air motor.

The torque generated when the motor is rotating at a particular speed

is 'running torque'. The maximum torque the motor can produce when
starting under load is 'starting torque'. The torque required to stop the
motor at a particular supply pressure is 'stall torque'.
 UNIT V
DESIGN OF HYDRAULIC AND PNEUMATIC CIRCUIT

1. What is the main advantage of hydro pneumatics?

The hydropneumatic systems use air and oil. By the use of both
media, the quick action of air and smooth high pressure action of oi I both
can be achieved.

2. Name the different hydropneumatic appliances.

(i) Air-oil reservoir (ii) Air-oil cylinder (iii) Air-oil intensifier.

3. What do you mean by logic control?

The logic control is a control based on logic functions like AND, OR,
NOT etc. The components of logic control are sensors and switching
elements called binary elements, i.e. at any moment they can be in one of
the two states. "ON-OFF".

4. Name the different pneumatic position sensors.

(i) Pneumatic limit valves (ii) Back pressure sensor

(iii) Proximity sensor (iv) Gap sensor or Interruptible jet sensor
(v) Limit switch.

5. What are moving part logic elements (MPL)?

The MPL elements are miniature pneumatic elements. These elements

are available as AND, OR, NOT logic elements. The elements use moving
parts such as diaphragms, springs, disk, balls, poppets.

6. What is Fluidics?

Fluidics is fluid logics. It is based on jet interaction. Fluidic elements

have no mechanical moving parts.
7. What are the advantages of fluidic elements?

(i) A wear and tear of elements. (ii) No actuating force needed.

(iii) Very little space needed for mounting.
(iv) Quite insensitive to temperature, vibration, shock, electric noise
and radiation.

8. Draw the symbol for fluidic OR element and write its truth table.

9. Draw the symbol for fluidic AND element and write its truth table.

10. Name the common methods used for designing logic circuits?

1. Classic method 2. Cascade method

3. Step counter method 4. KV map method
5. Combinational circuit design.
11. What is a step counter?

A step counter is a digital modular counter constructed from stepping

units. A stepping unit is built from memory valve and a preswitched AND
valve with two inputs.

12. What is the difference between pressure switch and a temperature

switch?

Pressure switches open or close contacts based on the system

pressure. Temperature switches senses change in temperature and open or
close contacts when a predetermined temperature is reached.

13. How does a limit switch differ from a push button switch?

Push button switches are momentary switches. They make or break

contact only as long as they are held pressed. But limit switches make or
break contact permanently when they are actuated.

14. What is an electrical relay?

Electrical relay is a switch whose contacts open or close when its coil is
energised. Relays are used for energising and de-energising solenoids.

15. What is the purpose of an electrical timer?

Timers are used to control the time duration of a working cycle. In this
way, a dwell can be provided when needed.

16. What is a ladder diagram?

The ladder diagram is a representation of hardware connections

between switches, relays and solenoids etc., which constitute the basic
components of an electrical control system. The left leg of the ladder
connected to the power and the right to the ground.
17. What is the advantage of using microelectronic control for fluid power
compared to electro-mechanical control?

When the sequence changes, the hardwired electro-mechanical has to

be changed. This is expensive, but microelectronic control is programmable.
So when the sequence changes, the program only has to be changed.

18. What is a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)?

Programmable Logic Controller is defined as a digital electronic device

that uses a programmable memory to store instructions such as logic,
sequencing, timing, counting and arithmetic to control machine or processes.

19. What are the basic elements of PLC?

(i) Central processing unit with an associated memory

(ii) Input modules (iii) Output modules.

20. What are the various approaches for entering the program in PLC?

(i) Ladder diagram based.

(ii) Low-level language based on Boolean expressions
(iii) Functional blocks (iv) High-level languages.

21. Explain why interfacing is necessary in a microprocessor control of fluid

power?

Microprocessors usually works with different levels of voltages and

currents than those used by sensors and actuators. So an interface is
needed to connect the items which are not directly compatible.

22. Compare PLC and a computer on the basis of fluid power applications.

PLC can be interfaced with hundreds of input and output lines. PLCs
are designed for industrial environments where they may be exposed to
heat, humidity, and corrosive atmosphere. Microcomputers are used where
the input and output lines are limited and more data processing is required.
23. What is the important requirement to get a maximum trouble-free life
from fluid power systems?

(i) Properly installed equipments (ii) Properly trained personnel

(iii) Planned bolts preventive maintenance
(iv) Effective troubleshooting.

24. What is the meaning of the term "troubleshooting"?

The tenn troubleshooting means an organised and systematic study of

the problem and a logical approach to the difficulty faced in the system.

25. List five things that can cause a noisy pump.

(i) Misalignment of pump and prime mover

(ii) Air remains in pump casing (iii) Pump bolts very loose
(iv) Very high viscosity of oil (v) Pump running too fast.

26. List three causes for low or erratic pressure in a hydraulic system.

(i) Very low relief valve setting

(ii) Leakage of pump delivery within the system
(iii) Pump slipping its entire volume.

27. If a pneumatic cylinder has erratic motion, name the causes.

(i) Valve sticking or binding (ii) Cylinder sticking or binding.

28. What is a tree-branching chart?

Tree-branching chart is a chart used to simplify the troubleshooting

process. This chart asks a question which has only two possible answers-Yes
or No. The answer determines the next step to be taken in fault analysis.
This chart helps to develop a logical and rapid approach to fault diagnosis.
29. Define Low-Cost Automation and what are its features?

Low-cost automation is defined as a technology that creates some

degree of automation around the existing equipment, tools and methods,
using mostly the standard equipment available in the market.

The features of LCA are,

(i) The automation of small to medium scale industries can be made

viable.
(ii) Since it is built using the existing resources, in a systematic way,
the investment risks are low.
(iii) Labour productivity can be enhanced substantially.