PNEUMATICS AND HYDRAULICS TECHNOLOGY

1.0 INTRODUCTION TO PNEUMATIC SYSTEM

1.1 Fundamentals of pneumatics

1.1.1 Definition of Pneumatics

Pneumatics is the science of mechanical properties of elastic fluids. In industry,

"Pneumatic" generally refers to the use of compressed air to transmit power and/or
motion.

1.1.2 Introduction to Pneumatics

The term “pneuma” is derived from the ancient Greek and meant breath or wind, and
also the soul in philosophy.

Amongst the fundamentals of pneumatic rank amongst the earliest perceptions of

mankind, it was not until the last century that the behaviour and the fundamentals
were researched systematically. Real practical industrial application of pneumatic in
production dates back only to about 1950.

There were of course, some earlier applications and areas of use such as in the
mining industry, in the construction industry, and also on the railways (compressed
air brakes).

In spite of initial rejection, which in the main was due to ignorance and lack of
education, the fields of application continued to increase.

Today, it is not possible to imagine modern factories being without compressed air.
For this reason, compressed air devices are installed in the most diverse branches of
industry.

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1.2 Application of Pneumatics

1.2.1 Clamping

1.2.2 Transfering

1.2.3 Shifting

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1.2.4 Stamping

1.2.5 Pressing

1.2.6 Embossing

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1.3 System structure and signal flow

A pneumatic system can be divided into a number of level structures and signal flow.
The basic structures in a pneumatic system are shown below. The elements or
components are represented by symbols which indicate the function of the element. The
symbols can be combined to represent a complete solution for a particular control task
using the pneumatic circuit diagram. The circuit is drawn with the same structure as the
signal flow diagram below. The actuator does the final task such as extending a cylinder
and at the same time pushing box. The directional control valve (DCV) may have a
sensing, a processing or actuating control function. If the DCV is used to control a
cylinder motion, then it is a control element for the actuator. If it is used in the function of
processing signals, then it is defined as a sensor. The distinguishing feature between
each of these roles is normally the method of operating the valve and where the valve is
situated in the circuit diagram.

Signal flow

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A1

Actuator

4 2

14 12
Final Control Element
5 3
2
1
1 1
Signal Processor

2 2 2

A1 Signal Inputs (Sensors)

1 3 1 3 1 3

Energy Supply (Source)

Pneumatic Circuit Diagram

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