COURSE NUMBER: ME 433

Fluidics
 
Fluid logic control systems

Course teacher
 Prof. Mahbubur Razzaque

1
 Fluid logic control systems

Fluid logic control systems use logic devices that switch a fluid, usually air,
from one outlet of the device to another outlet. Hence, an output of a fluid
logic device is either ON or OFF as it is rapidly switched from one state to
the other by the application of a control signal.

Fluid logic control systems have several advantages over electrical logic
control systems. For example, fluid logic devices are not as adversely
affected by temperature extremes, vibration, and mechanical shock. In
addition fluid logic systems are ideally suited for applications where electric
arcing or sparks can cause a fire or an explosion. Also fluid logic devices do
not generate electric noise and therefore will not interfere with nearby
electric equipment.

Devices that use a fluid for control logic purposes are broadly classified as
either moving-part logic (MPL) devices or fluidic devices.

Moving-part logic devices are miniature valve-type devices, which-by the

action of internal moving parts-perform switching operations in fluid logic
control circuits. 2
MPL devices are typically available as spool, poppet, and diaphragm valves,
which can be actuated by means of mechanical displacement, electric
voltage, or fluid pressure. Moving-part logic circuits provide a variety of
logic control functions for controlling the operation of fluid power systems.

Fluidic devices use a completely different technique for providing control

logic capability as compared to MPL devices. Fluidics is the technology that
uses fluid flow phenomena in components and circuits to perform a variety
of control functions such as sensing, logic, memory, and timing. The
concepts of fluidics are basically simple. They involve the effect of one
fluid stream meeting another to change its direction of flow and the effect of
a fluid stream sticking to a wall.

Since fluidic components have no moving parts, they virtually do not wear
out. However, component malfunction can occur due to clogging of critical
flow passageways if contaminants in the air supply are not eliminated by
proper filtration.

Boolean algebra is a two-valued algebra (0 or 1) that can be used to assist in

the development of logic circuits for controlling fluid power systems.
3
Boolean algebra serves two useful functions relative to controlling fluid
power systems:

1. It provides a means by which a logic circuit can be reduced to its simplest

form so that its operation can be more readily understood.

2. It allows for a quick synthesis of a control circuit that is to perform

desired logic operations.

These two useful functions can be accomplished for both MPL control
systems and electrical control systems.

Moving-part logic (MPL) control systems use miniature valve-type devices,

each small enough to fit in a person's hand. Thus, an entire MPL control
system can be placed in a relatively small space due to miniaturization of
the logic components.

Moving-part logic circuits use four major logic control functions: AND,
OR,
NOT, and MEMORY.
4
AND Function

Figure 16-4(a) shows a circuit that provides the AND function, which
requires that two or more control signals must exist in order to obtain an
output. The circuit consists of three two-way, two-position, pilot-actuated,
spring-offset valves connected in series. If control signals exist at all three
valves (A, B, and C), then output D will exist. If any one of the pilot signals
is removed, output D will disappear.

OR Function

An OR circuit is one in which a control signal at any one valve will produce
an output. Thus, all control signals must be off in order for the output not to
exist.
5
This is accomplished in Figure 16-5(a), in which the three valves are now
hooked in parallel. If any one of the valves picks up an air pilot signal, it
will produce an output at D.

NOT Function

In a NOT function, the output is ON only when the single input control
signal A is OFF, and vice versa. This is illustrated in Figure 16-6(a), which
shows that the output will not exist if the control signal A is received.
6
MEMORY Function

MEMORY is the ability of a control system to retain information as to

where a signal it has received originated. Figure 16-7(a) shows a MEMORY
circuit, which operates as follows; If control signal A is momentarily
applied, output C will come on. Conversely, if control signal B is
momentarily applied, the output will exist at D.

Thus, an output at C means the signal was applied at A, and an output at D

means the signal was applied at B. The MEMORY circuit does not function
if control signals A and B are applied simultaneously because both ends of
the output pilot valve would be piloted at the same time.
7
Sequence Control of Two Double-Acting Cylinders

Figure 16.8 shows an MPL circuit which controls the extension and
retraction strokes of two double-acting cylinders. The operation is as
follows, assuming that both cylinders are initially fully retracted: when the
START valve V1 is momentarily depressed, pilot valve V2 shifts to extend
cylinder 1.

8
At full extension, limit valve V4 is actuated to shift valve V5 and extend
cylinder 2. On full extension, limit valve V6 is actuated. This shifts valve
V2 to retract cylinder 1. On full retraction, limit valve V3 is actuated. This
shifts valve V5 to fully retract cylinder 2. Thus, the cylinder sequence is as
follows: cylinder 1 extends, cylinder 2 extends, cylinder 1 retracts, and
finally cylinder 2 retracts.

The cycle can be repeated by subsequent momentary actuation of the

START push-button valve. The sequence can be made continuous by
removing the START valve and adding a limit switch to be actuated at the
retraction end of cylinder 2. Upon actuation, this limit switch would pilot
actuate valve V2 to initiate the next cycle.