THERMO – FLUID ENGINEERING

COURSE NAME:
DESIGN OF FLUID ENGINEERING
SYSTEMS

Dr. D. John Panneer Selvam, Associate Professor

School of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
Ethiopian Institute of Technology – Mekelle,
Mekelle University
 PNEUMATIC SYSTEMS
 Pneumatic technology deals with the study of behavior
and applications of compressed air in our daily life in
general and manufacturing automation in particular.
 Pneumatic systems use air as the medium which is
abundantly available and can be exhausted into the
atmosphere after completion of the assigned task.
 Pneumatic systems used in industry are commonly
powered by compressed air or compressed inert gases.
 A centrally located and electrically powered
compressor powers cylinders, air motors, and other
pneumatic devices.
 PNEUMATIC SYSTEMS
 Most pneumatic systems rely on a constant supply of
compressed air to make them work.
 There are major differences between hydraulic and
pneumatic systems, but also a number of similarities.
 Both systems, hydraulics and pneumatics, work as an
actuator using a pump, and are controlled by valves to
convert fluid pressure to mechanical motion.
 Both hydraulic and pneumatic systems require a pump,
although compressed air is first stored in receivers/tanks
before being transmitted for use.
 The real difference between hydraulics and pneumatics is
the medium itself.
 ADVANTAGES OF PNEUMATIC SYSTEMS
 High effectiveness – There is an unlimited supply of air in
the atmosphere to produce compressed air. Also there is
the possibility of easy storage in large volumes. The use
of compressed air is not restricted by distance, as it can
easily be transported through pipes. After use,
compressed air can be released directly into the
atmosphere without the need of processing.
 High durability and reliability – Pneumatic system
components are extremely durable and cannot be
damaged easily. Compared to electromotive components,
pneumatic components are more durable and reliable.
 ADVANTAGES OF PNEUMATIC SYSTEMS
 Simple design – The designs of pneumatic system
components are relatively simple. They are more suitable
for use in simple automatic control systems. Either linear
movement or angular rotational movement with simple
and continuously variable operational speeds.
 High adaptability to harsh environment – Compared to
other systems, compressed air is less affected by high
temperature, dust, and corrosive environment, etc.
Hence they are more suitable for harsh environment.
 Safety aspects – Pneumatic systems are safer than
electromotive systems because they can work in
inflammable environment without causing fire or
explosion.
 ADVANTAGES OF PNEUMATIC SYSTEMS
 Easy selection of speed and pressure – The speeds of
rectilinear and oscillating movement of pneumatic
systems are easy to adjust and subject to few limitations.
The pressure and the volume of the compressed air can
easily be adjusted by a pressure regulator.
 Environmental friendly – The operation of pneumatic
systems do not produce pollutants. Pneumatic systems
are environmentally clean and with proper exhaust air
treatment can be installed to clean room standards.
 Economical – As the pneumatic system components are
not expensive, the costs of pneumatic systems are quite
low. Moreover, the cost of maintenance is significantly
lower than that of other systems.
PNEUMATIC SYSTEM COMPONENTS
 PNEUMATIC SYSTEM COMPONENTS
 Air filters: These are used to filter out the contaminants
from the air.
 Compressor: Compressed air is generated by using air
compressors. Air compressors are either diesel or
electrically operated. Based on the requirement of
compressed air, suitable capacity compressors may be
used.
 Air cooler: During compression operation, air
temperature increases. Therefore coolers are used to
reduce the temperature of the compressed air.
 Dryer: The water vapor or moisture in the air is separated
from the air by using a dryer.
 PNEUMATIC SYSTEM COMPONENTS
 Air Actuator: Air cylinders and motors are used to obtain
the required movements of mechanical elements of
pneumatic system.
 Electric Motor: Transforms electrical energy into
mechanical energy. It is used to drive the compressor.
 Receiver tank: The compressed air coming from the
compressor is stored in the air receiver.
 Control Valve: Control valves are used to regulate, control
and monitor for control of direction flow, pressure etc.
The main function of the control valve is to maintain
constant downstream pressure in the air line, irrespective
of variation of upstream pressure.
 Due to the high velocity of the compressed air flow, there
is pressure drop between the receiver and load
(application). Hence the pressure in the receiver is always
kept higher than the system pressure. At the application
site, the pressure is regulated to keep it constant.
 Receiver tank: The compressed air coming from the
compressor is stored in the air receiver.
Generally the size of receiver depends on,
• Delivery volume of compressor.
• Air consumption.
• Pipeline network
• Type and nature of on-off regulation
• Permissible pressure difference in the pipelines
PNEUMATIC CIRCUIT DESIGN AND ANALYSIS
 Pneumatic circuits are similar to hydraulic counter parts.
 One difference is that no return lines are used in
pneumatic circuits.
 Because the exhausted air is directly released into
atmosphere.
 This is mentioned by a short dashed line leading from the
exhaust port of each valve.
 Also no input device (such as pump in hydraulic circuit) is
shown. Because most pneumatic circuits use centralized
compressor as source of energy.
 The input circuit is mentioned by Filter-Regulator-
Lubricator unit.
PNEUMATIC CIRCUIT SYMBOLS
PNEUMATIC CIRCUIT DESIGN AND ANALYSIS
Perfect Gas Laws
Air flow rate through Orifice
Hand Lever Operated Four Way Valve
Design Calculation for Reciprocating Compressor