Pneumatic cylinders, rotary actuators, and air motors provide the force and movement of most pneumatic control systems, to hold, move, form, and process material.
Other pneumatic components are required to operate and control these actuators like air service units to prepare the compressed air and valves to control the pressure, flow, and direction movement of the actuators.
A basic pneumatic system consists of two main sectors.
- The Air Production and Distribution system.
- The Air Consuming System.
The Basic Pneumatic System
Air Production System
The air production system in a basic pneumatic system consists of different components. The main components and their main functions are:
Compressor
The air taken from the atmosphere at atmospheric pressure is compressed and delivered at a higher pressure to the pneumatic system. It thus transforms mechanical energy into pneumatic energy.
Compressor
Electric Motor
Electric Motor supplies the mechanical power to the compressor. It transforms electrical energy into mechanical energy.
Electric Motor
Pressure Switch
It helps in controlling the electric motor by sensing the pressure in the tank. It is set such that when the maximum pressure is reached it stops the electric motor and when it reaches the minimum pressure it restarts it again.
Pressure Switch
Check Valve
It lets the compressed air from the compressor into the tank and prevents it from leaking back when the compressor is stopped.
Check Valve
Tank
A tank is used for storing compressed air and size can be defined by the capacity of the compressor. The larger the volume, the longer the intervals between compressor runs.
Tank
Pressure Gauge
It helps in indicating the tank’s pressure.
Pressure Gauge
Auto Drain
Drains all the water condensing in the tank without supervision.
Auto Drain Valve
Safety Valve
Blows compressed air off if the pressure in the tank should rise above the allowed pressure.
Safety Valve
Refrigerated Air Dryer
It cools the compressed air to a few degrees above freezing point and condenses most of the air humidity. This avoids having water in the downstream system.
Refrigerated Air Dryer
Line filter
Being in the main pipe, this filter must have a minimal pressure drop and the capability of oil mist removal. It helps to keep the line free from dust, water, and oil.
Filter
The Air Consuming System
Air Tak-Off
For consumers, the air is taken off from the top of the main pipe to allow occasional condensate to stay in the main pipe when it reaches low point water takes off from beneath the pipe and will flow into an Automatic Drain and the condensate will be removed.
Auto Drain
Every descending tube should have a drain at its lowest point. The most efficient method is an Auto drain which prevents water from remaining in the tube
Air Service Unit
Conditions the compressed air to provide clean air at optimum pressure and occasionally adds lubricant to extend the life of those pneumatic system components which need lubrication.
Air Service Unit
Directional Valve
Alternately pressurizes and exhausts the cylinder connections to control the direction of movement.
Directional Control Valve
Actuator
Transforms the potential energy of the compressed air into mechanical work. Can be seen in a linear cylinder, it can also be a rotary actuator or an air tool, etc.
Actuator
Speed Controllers
Allow an easy and step-less speed adjustment of the actuator movement.
Speed Controllers
This is about the basics of pneumatic systems. We will post more about all the components in more detail. This is a must for understanding what happens in a pneumatic system.
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