{"id":1637,"date":"2019-05-11T00:48:48","date_gmt":"2019-05-10T18:48:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/us.rs-online.com\/expert\/?p=1637"},"modified":"2022-03-31T17:39:54","modified_gmt":"2022-03-31T22:39:54","slug":"pneumatic-basics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/us.rs-online.com\/expert\/pneumatic-basics\/","title":{"rendered":"Pneumatic Basics"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><div id=\"tdi_1\" class=\"tdc-row\"><div class=\"vc_row tdi_2  wpb_row td-pb-row\" >\n<style scoped>\n\/* custom css - generated by TagDiv Composer *\/\n\n\/* custom css - generated by TagDiv Composer *\/\n\/* custom css - generated by TagDiv Composer *\/\n.tdi_2,\r\n                .tdi_2 .tdc-columns{\r\n                    min-height: 0;\r\n                }.tdi_2,\r\n\t\t\t\t.tdi_2 .tdc-columns{\r\n\t\t\t\t    display: block;\r\n\t\t\t\t}.tdi_2 .tdc-columns{\r\n\t\t\t\t    width: 100%;\r\n\t\t\t\t}\n<\/style><div class=\"vc_column tdi_4  wpb_column vc_column_container tdc-column td-pb-span12\">\n<style scoped>\n\/* custom css - generated by TagDiv Composer *\/\n\n\/* custom css - generated by TagDiv Composer *\/\n\/* custom css - generated by TagDiv Composer *\/\n.tdi_4{\r\n                    vertical-align: baseline;\r\n                }.tdi_4 > .wpb_wrapper,\r\n\t\t\t\t.tdi_4 > .wpb_wrapper > .tdc-elements{\r\n\t\t\t\t    display: block;\r\n\t\t\t\t}.tdi_4 > .wpb_wrapper > .tdc-elements{\r\n\t\t\t\t    width: 100%;\r\n\t\t\t\t}.tdi_4 > .wpb_wrapper > .vc_row_inner{\r\n\t\t\t\t    width: auto;\r\n\t\t\t\t}.tdi_4 > .wpb_wrapper{\r\n\t\t\t\t    width: auto;\r\n\t\t\t\t    height: auto;\r\n\t\t\t\t}\n<\/style><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\" >[vc_column_text]<em>Pneumatic systems are easily created from standard components to deliver a dependable compressed air supply and produce economical motion at machinery, equipment and actuators.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alliedelec.com\/pneumatics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Pneumatic systems<\/a> are commonly used for creating linear and rotational motion in many kinds of machinery and equipment applications. These systems are assembled from a variety of standard components and use compressed air to achieve controlled motion.<\/p>\n<p>There are other motion control options which may be used instead of or in conjunction with pneumatics. Hydraulics is also a fluid power technology, and it uses uncompressible liquids and can achieve greater forces. Electricactuators can provide more accurate control. However, both are more expensive than pneumatics, and require more maintenance.<\/p>\n<p>Pneumatic systems maintain a well-deserved reputation for offering an excellent combination of compact size, good power availability and reliable operation. These systems can be relatively simple and cost-effective to design, install and maintain compared to other options. This article examines some of the fundamentals necessary to create a pneumatic system.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Pneumatic Parts<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Any pneumatic system uses one or more of the following elements:<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/mktg-allied-electronics-automation\/image\/upload\/v1557433008\/Expert%20Advice\/Pneumatic%20Pipe%20Line%20Solenoid%20and%20Control%20Valves.jpg\" alt=\"pneumatic pipe line machine with solenoid valve and control valve\" width=\"450\" height=\"300\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#AirSupply\">Air Supply Compressors and Storage Tanks<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#AirFilters\">Air Filters, Dryers, Lubricators and Pressure Regulators<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Tubing\">Tubing, Hoses and Fittings<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#ControlValves\">Control Valves (Individual and\/or Manifold Assemblies)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#FlowControls\">Flow Controls and Silencers<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#LinearActuators\">Linear Actuators including Cylinders, Slide Tables, Rotary Actuators and Grippers<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#LogicElements\">Logic Elements<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Instrumentation\">Instrumentation<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><a name=\"AirSupply\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #9b080c;\">Air Supply<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Air supply systems are generally <a href=\"https:\/\/www.alliedelec.com\/pneumatics-fluid-control\/air-pumps-air-compressors\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">compressors<\/a>, which must be sized to supply a cubic feet per minute (CFM) volume sufficient for all the usage points. There are often several compressors in parallel for redundancy, and they may use alternating start schemes to balance the load. Compressed air can also be connected to storage tanks so the compressors cycle on\/off less often. Pneumatic control systems typically use operating pressures between 20 to 130 pounds per square inch (psi). Normally the main line is the highest pressure, which is then stepped down progressively as required for control valves and point of use tools.<\/p>\n<h4><a name=\"AirFilters\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #9b080c;\">Air Filters, Dryers, Lubricators and Pressure Regulators<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/mktg-allied-electronics-automation\/image\/upload\/v1557433008\/Expert%20Advice\/Lubricator%20and%20Air%20Filter%20Regulator.jpg\" alt=\"industrial air filter and lubricator\" width=\"275\" height=\"393\" \/><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>These components may be used at a main upstream location and also downstream at usage points, and they are collectively called <a href=\"https:\/\/www.alliedelec.com\/pneumatics\/air-prep-treatment\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">air preparation or treatment devices<\/a>. All air preparation devices serve to protect sensitive downstream components. A variety of filters are available to remove dust, dirt, moisture and compressor oil. Dryers are used when needed to lower the dew point. Pressure regulators maintain a consistent downstream pressure so equipment can operate reliably regardless of the upstream pressure. Some downstream equipment, such as high-speed rotating tools, require a small amount of oil in the air which can be provided by lubricators. Multiple functions may be combined into one device such as a filter\/regulator\/lubricator (FRL).<\/p>\n<h4><a name=\"Tubing\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #9b080c;\">Tubing, Hoses and Fittings<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Main compressed air pressure is usually routed through pipes. Metal tubing can be used on drop points off the main line when strength and rigidity is needed, but if pressure ratings allow, then flexible <a href=\"https:\/\/www.alliedelec.com\/pneumatics\/tubing-hoses\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">tubing and hoses<\/a> can be run to the points of use. Bulkheads can be selected to quickly connect\/disconnect multiple tubing points at one time to facilitate maintenance, while manifolds are a convenient way to distribute many tubing connections. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.alliedelec.com\/pneumatics\/fittings\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Fittings<\/a> can be classic threaded, or the much more popular one-touch push connect style. However, it is always important to ensure that matching metric or English sizes are chosen.<\/p>\n<h4><a name=\"ControlValves\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #9b080c;\">Control Valves<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alliedelec.com\/pneumatics\/valves\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Pneumatic control valves<\/a> will be explored in greater depth with another article. There are several types including manual\/mechanical, individual electrical solenoid and multiple manifolded. Manual types are used by service personnel, while mechanical types used to sense positions for pneumatic logic on a machine. Electric solenoid valves, whether individual or ganged in manifolds, are most suitable for automatic control.<\/p>\n<h4><a name=\"FlowControls\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #9b080c;\">Flow Controls and Silencers<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Flow controls and silencers are accessories for optimizing and improving equipment operation. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.alliedelec.com\/pneumatics\/flow-controls-speed-controls\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Flow controls<\/a> allow the speed of motion to be individually controlled in each direction. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.alliedelec.com\/pneumatics\/mufflers-silencers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Silencers<\/a> reduce the sound of exhausting air to provide a quieter operating environment.<\/p>\n<h4><a name=\"LinearActuators\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #9b080c;\">Cylinders, Slide Tables, Rotary Actuators and Grippers<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/mktg-allied-electronics-automation\/image\/upload\/v1557433008\/Expert%20Advice\/Industrial%20Air%20Cylinder.jpg\" alt=\"industrial linear actuator cylinder\" width=\"450\" height=\"300\" \/><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>All <a href=\"https:\/\/www.alliedelec.com\/pneumatics\/actuators\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pneumatic actuators<\/a> convert air pressure into physical motion. These will also be covered in more detail in another article. Most popular are cylinders, slide tables, rotary actuators and clamps\/grippers for motion applications, and quarter-turn actuators to control process valves. These devices come in many sizes and shapes and must be carefully coordinated with the mechanical design. Also, these devices, and how often they operate, determine the required supply of compressed air.<\/p>\n<h4><a name=\"LogicElements\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #9b080c;\">Logic Elements<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Although it\u2019s possible to pneumatically perform logic, such as <em>AND\u00a0<\/em>and <em>NOT<\/em>, with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.alliedelec.com\/pneumatics\/logic-elements\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">proper components<\/a>, this type of functionality has largely been superseded by PLC and relay-based automation of electrical solenoids. Some recent designs use PC based programming.<\/p>\n<h4><a name=\"Instrumentation\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #9b080c;\"> Instrumentation <\/span><\/h4>\n<p>When automating pneumatic systems, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.alliedelec.com\/pneumatics\/instrumentation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">instruments<\/a> are often incorporated into the control system to provide feedback. For instance, pressure switches can ensure that proper air pressure is present, while position sensors can be used to confirm actuator positioning.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Pneumatic Systems<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>With a basic understanding of the pneumatic components described in this article, users can create an endless variety of manual and automatic pneumatic systems. Detailed calculations are a good idea and often necessary, however using common sense and ensuring that equipment and fitting sizes are matchedmay suffice.[\/vc_column_text]<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div style='text-align:left' class='yasr-auto-insert-visitor'><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"[vc_column_text]Pneumatic systems are easily created from standard components to deliver a dependable compressed air supply and produce economical motion at machinery, equipment and actuators. Pneumatic systems are commonly used for creating linear and rotational motion in many kinds of machinery and equipment applications. These systems are assembled from a variety of standard components and use [...]","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":1638,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"yasr_overall_rating":0,"yasr_post_is_review":"","yasr_auto_insert_disabled":"","yasr_review_type":"BlogPosting","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[173,338],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-1637","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-pneumatics","8":"category-motion-control"},"yasr_visitor_votes":{"stars_attributes":{"read_only":false,"span_bottom":false},"number_of_votes":11,"sum_votes":45},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/mktg-allied-electronics-automation\/image\/upload\/v1557433008\/Expert%20Advice\/Pneumatic%20System.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/us.rs-online.com\/expert\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1637","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/us.rs-online.com\/expert\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/us.rs-online.com\/expert\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/us.rs-online.com\/expert\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/14"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/us.rs-online.com\/expert\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1637"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/us.rs-online.com\/expert\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1637\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3165,"href":"https:\/\/us.rs-online.com\/expert\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1637\/revisions\/3165"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/us.rs-online.com\/expert\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1638"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/us.rs-online.com\/expert\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1637"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/us.rs-online.com\/expert\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1637"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/us.rs-online.com\/expert\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1637"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}