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Experiment 1.6 – Automatic and Semi Automatic

Cylinder Control

Equipment required:
 TPS-3810/B + PNE-381H
 PNE-381A – Double acting cylinder 100mm + flow control valves module
 PNE-381C – 3/2-way valve with pushbutton switch
 PNE-381F – 5/2-way double valve, pneumatically actuated, both sides
 PNE-381G – 2 x 3/2 way roller lever valve module
 A compressor
 4mm flexible tubes

Discussion:
In this experiment we will learn how to build a semi automatic circuit. We will use a pneumatic limit
valve that will be operated by the piston popping out.

The limit valve is actually a 3/2 pushbutton valve.

The following control circuit is similar to the circuit that operates a double acting cylinder using two
pushbuttons, where one pushbutton is automatically pressed when the piston pops out.

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Figure 1-15

The system described in figure 1-15 is a semi automatic system. Pressing the pushbutton causes the
piston to pop out. When the piston reaches to the end of its course, the limit valve is activated and the
piston pops back in.

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If the pushbutton valve is replaced with an additional limit valve installed at the start of the piston's
course, we will get an automatic system. When the piston pops in it will activate this limit valve,
which will cause it to again pop out.

The flow control valves allow us to determine the piston movement speed, thus the system pace.

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Figure 1-16 Operating a Double Acting Cylinder Automatically

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Procedure:
Note:
Ensure that the valve in the air supply is closed, and that there is no pressure in the pipes.

Step 1: Install the 3/2 N.C. (Normally Close) pushbutton valve module.

Step 2: Install the 100mm double acting cylinder module on the system's panel.

Step 3: Install the limit valves before the cylinder module so the piston which pops out will
operate the right limit valve.

Step 4: Install the 5/2 air-air pneumatic valve module.

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Step 5: Implement the following system:

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Step 6: Adjust the air pressure on the air supply regulator to 2 ATM.

Step 7: Press the pushbutton.

The piston should pop out and pop in when it reaches the end of its course.

Step 8: Repeat the process a number of times while changing the piston's speed using the flow
control valve.

Step 9: Place the left limit valve so it will be pressed when the piston pops back in.

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Step 10: Implement the following system:

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Step 11: Observe the system's operation.

The piston should pop in and out automatically.

Step 12: Change the system's operation pace using flow control valve.

Question:
1. How does the control circuit function if the pipes that operate the second cylinder are replaced?
Explain.

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