circuit applications

7/31/2019 Circuit Applications

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DET Technological Studies Support Materials:Applied Electronics (Int 2) Outcome 1

1

TECHNOLOGICAL STUDIES

Intermediate 2

Mechanical Systems

Section 1

Outcome 1 Pneumatic Systems


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OUTCOME 1

Outcome 1 Design, construct and evaluate pneumatic systems

When the students have completed this unit of work they should be able to:

Interpret pneumatic system and circuit diagrams.

Describe the operation of pneumatic systems

Pipe up/construct pneumatic systems.

Have an appreciation of safety requirements when operating pneumatic systems.

Perform calculations to determine cylinder pressure, piston force and area.

Evaluate pneumatic systems.


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INTRODUCTION

Pneumatics is all about using compressed air to do work. Compressed air is simply

the air we breathe forced into a small space. Pneumatic systems are more common

than you would think and are used extensively in industry, for example to move

objects off a conveyor or hold/clamp parts of an assembly together. In fact,

pneumatics is used quite a lot every day.

CAR TYRE

MOVING PARTS IN A PROCESSBUS DOORS

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 1

You will all have used compressed air when you have blown up a football or the tyre

on a bicycle. To understand how pneumatics uses compressed air to do things we

simply need to think of blowing up a balloon. It takes a lot of air to fully inflate the

balloon and to stretch the balloon to its full size. If we inflate the balloon too much,the air will force the balloon to burst. If you release the balloon, the air will begin to

escape and will propel the balloon around the room until all the air has escaped. All

of this happens because you have squashed or compressed a lot of air inside theballoon and stored up energy.

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 2

Most pneumatic systems rely on a constant supply of compressed air to make them

work. This is provided by a compressor, which is an air pump driven by a motor or

engine. The compressor sucks in air and stores it in a tank called a receiver. This

compressed air is then supplied to the system through a series of pipes.


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Health and Safety

Pneumatic devices and systems are safe, clean and reliable but we must learn to use

them properly to avoid accidents. When using pneumatic equipment, we must always

follow these safety rules:

1. Never blow compressed air at anyone, not even yourself.

2. Never let compressed air come into contact with your skin, as this can be very

dangerous.

3. Always wear safety goggles when you are connecting and operating circuits.

4. Check that all air lines are connected before turning on the main air supply.

5. Always turn off the main air supply before changing a circuit.

6. Keep your hands away from moving parts.


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CYLINDERS

Pneumatic equipment can be split up into two basic categories of cylinders and

valves.

Cylinders are the muscles of pneumatic systems as they are used to move, hold and

lift objects. They can even be used to operate other pneumatic components.Cylinders are operated by compressed air and they covert the stored energy into linear

motion.

There are two types of cylinder that we will be using: a single acting cylinder and a

double acting cylinder.

Single Acting Cylinder

A single acting cylinder requires only one air supply. If we supply compressed air to

a single acting cylinder, the air pushes against a piston inside the cylinder and causes

it tooutstroke. When the piston has fully outstroked it is said to bepositive. If westop the supply of air then a spring inside the cylinder causes the piston to instroke to

its starting position and the piston is said to benegative. The symbol for a singleacting cylinder is shown below.

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 3

Single acting cylinders are used in situations where their simple design and small size

are an advantage. They produce small outstroke forces and their use is limited tooperations that only require use of the outstroke. This is because the spring produces

only enough force to instroke the piston.

Double Acting Cylinder

A double acting cylinder requires two air supplies, one to outstroke the piston and the

other to instroke the piston. Compressed air is applied to one side of the piston then

other to make it move positive and then negative. The symbol for a double acting

cylinder is shown below.

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 4

Double acting cylinders are used more often in pneumatic systems than single acting

cylinders. They are able to produce greater forces and we can take advantage of boththe outstroke and instroke forces to lift and move objects.


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VALVES

Valves provide the necessary control of the compressed air being supplied to the

cylinder. They can turn the air on or off, change the direction that the air is flowing or

even slow down the airflow. The most common type of valve is the 3/2 valve.

3/2 ValveA 3/2 valve is so called because it has 3 ports or connections and two states of

operation. The ports are always numbered in the same way.

Port 1 main air supply connection

Port 2 output connection to other components

Port 3 exhaust

The valve has two states of operation. One state prevents air from being supplied to

other components and the other allows the air to flow freely.

State 1 Off/Unactuated StateIn this state, the main airflow through the valve is blocked and so air is unable to

reach other components such as cylinders. However, any air within the cylinder is

able to exhaust through the valve and this will allow the cylinder to return to its

original position. Study the symbol below and ensure that you understand how the air

flows through the valve.

1

3

2

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 5

State 2 On/Actuated State

In this state, the main air supply is able to flow freely through the valve and supply

components such as cylinders with air. Study the symbol below and ensure that you

understand how the air flows through the valve.

1 2

3

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 6

The complete symbol for a 3/2 valve combines both states and is usually drawn in the

off or unactuated state. The complete symbol is shown below.

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 7


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ACTUATORS

There are a number of different ways that we can change the state of the 3/2 valve.

The most common way is by using a push button. A push button is useful for quick

and easy starting of a sequence or as a safety circuit breaker. By pressing the button,

the valve changes to the actuated state and allows main air to flow through to other

components. If we release the button, a spring inside returns the valve to its off state.The symbol for a push button, spring return 3/2 valve is shown below.

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 8

Below is a list of the most common types of actuators. They are always drawn onto

the standard symbol for the 3/2 valve.

PLUNGER

PUSHBUTTON

LEVER

ROLLER

ROLLERTRIP

SOLENOID

PILOT AIR

DIAPHRAGM

SPRING

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 9

Not all of these actuators are intended to be used by a human operator. For example,

an outstroking piston from a single or double acting cylinder actuates the roller trip.

The solenoid uses an electrical pulse to change the state of the valve and this allows

us to use combined electrical and pneumatic systems.


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SIMPLE CIRCUITS

A bottling plant uses a single acting cylinder to press lids onto bottles. The cylinder is

controlled by a push button, spring return 3/2 valve. An operator presses the button

when the bottle is in the correct position.

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 10

The pneumatic circuit is shown below.

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 11

When the button is pressed, the valve changes state and supplies air to the single

acting cylinder. This causes the piston to outstroke with enough force to press the lid

onto the bottle. When the button is released, the valve returns to its original state and

the piston is able to instroke ready for the process to begin again.


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Assignment 1

1. Build the circuit shown above for the bottling plant.

a. Press the button on the valve and keep it pressed. Explain what happens.

b. Release the button and explain what happens.

c. Using the correct terminology, explain how the circuit operates to seal the bottleswith the lids.


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In a section of a recycling plant, metal cans are dipped in a chemical solution to

remove traces of dirt, oil and paint. A double acting cylinder is used to raise andlower a basket containing the cans.

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 12

The pneumatic circuit is shown below.

Valve A Valve B

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 13

When the operator presses the button on valve A, air is supplied to the double acting

cylinder which outstrokes and lowers the basket into the chemical solution. When the

button on valve B is pressed, air is supplied to the other side of the piston which

instrokes and raises the basket. Any air in the cylinder at this time is able to exhaust

through port 3 of valve A.


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Assignment 2

1. Build the circuit shown above for raising and lowering the basket.

a. Press the button on valve A to outstroke the cylinder. Does the piston instroke

when you release the button?

b. Press the button on valve B. What happens to the cylinder?c. What happens when you press both buttons at the same time?

d. Leave both valves unactuated and try moving the piston. Why is it so easy to

move?e. Using the correct terminology, explain how the circuit operates to raise and lower

the basket.


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5/2 VALVES

The problem with controlling a double acting cylinder with two 3/2 valves is that

when neither valve is actuated, no air is being supplied to the cylinder to hold the

piston in place. Any air within the cylinder is able to exhaust through port 3 on each

valve. This means that any force or effort placed on the piston will make it move

easily. A further disadvantage is that the 3/2 valve needs to be actuated until thedouble acting cylinder has fully outstroked or instroked. Releasing the valve before

the stroke is complete will result in the piston stopping short of its final position.

We have greater control over a double acting cylinder if we control its outstroke and

instroke using a 5/2 valve. This valve has 5 ports and two states of operation. The

ports are always numbered in the same way.

Port 1 main air supply connection

Port 2 output connection to cylinder

Port 3 exhaust

Port 4 output connection to cylinder

Port 5 exhaust

The valve has two states of operation. One state supplies air to outstroke a double

acting cylinder and the other state will cause it to instroke.

State 1 - Instroke

In this state, the main air flows through the valve from port 1 to port 2. Any air within

the cylinder is able to exhaust through the valve from port 4 to port 5. In this state, a

5/2 valve will cause a double acting cylinder to instroke or hold the piston in the

negative position as air is always being supplied to the cylinder. Study the symbolbelow and ensure that you understand how the air flows through the valve.

1

2

3

4

5

AIR FROMCYLINDER

AIR TOCYLINDER

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 14


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State 2 Outstroke

In this state, the main air flows through the valve from port 1 to port 4. Any air on the

other side of the piston is able to exhaust through the valve from port 2 to port 3. In

this state, a 5/2 valve will cause a double acting cylinder to outstroke and hold it in the

positive position. Study the symbol below and ensure that you understand how the

air flows through the valve.

1

2

3

4

5

AIR FROMCYLINDER

AIR TOCYLINDER

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 15

The complete symbol for a 5/2 valve is shown. The cylinder, main air and exhaustlines are only ever drawn on one half of the symbol depending on which part is active

in the circuit. It is usual, however to draw the symbol in such a way as it would holda double acting cylinder in the negative position.

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 16

5/2 valves can be operated or actuated in the same way as 3/2 valves however, the

most common way of actuating a 5/2 valve is pilot air. A pilot air 5/2 valve will

change state when a brief air signal acts at either end of the valve. This signal is most

often supplied from a 3/2 valve. In the example shown below, the button on Valve Aonly needs to be pressed momentarily in order to change the state of the 5/2 valve.

The 5/2 valve will supply the double acting cylinder with air in order for it tooutstroke.


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Valve A

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 17

Notice that the pilot air lines to the 5/2 valve are drawn as broken or dashed lines to

distinguish them from the other air lines in the circuit.


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Assignment 3

1. A hopper door is connected to the end of a double acting cylinder. Sand is fed

into the hopper from above and when the hopper is full, the door of the hopper

must open to allow the sand to fall through onto a wagon. The hopper door then

closes and the process is able to begin again.

Valve A Valve B

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 18

a. Build and test the circuit shown above for opening and closing the hopper door.

b. Does pressing Valve A or Valve B close the hopper door?c. Using the correct terminology, explain how the circuit operates.


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2. The door in a secured entry system is controlled by pneumatics. A simplified

circuit diagram is shown below with some of the piping missing.

CRANK

SLIDER TRACK

CYLINDER

A

B

C

MS.Int 2 .O1 fig 19

a. Name each of the components A, B and C used in the pneumatic circuit shownabove.

b. Complete the missing piping in the circuit diagram.

c. Using appropriate terminology, describe how the systems works from when ValveA is actuated.


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3. A barrier to a company car park is controlled by a security guard. The guard

carefully checks all cars entering the premises. The barrier is to be raised andlowered by a double acting cylinder.

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 20

a. Design a pneumatic system that will solve this problem using equipment that you

have available.

b. Pipe up and test your solution.

c. Produce a list of all the components used in your solution using their correct

names.

d. Using the correct terminology, describe how your solution raises and lowers the

barrier.e. Why is a double acting cylinder used instead of a single acting cylinder in these

circumstances?


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FLOW CONTROL VALVES

You will have noticed in all the circuits you have built so far, that the cylinders

operate very quickly. Sometimes this is exactly what we want but very often it would

be dangerous or impractical for the cylinder to work this fast. For example, think

back to the exercise where a basket was lowered into a chemical solution. If this

happened too fast then the chemical would splash out of the container. In this case,we would want the cylinder to raise and lower the basket slowly.

We can slow down the airflow to a cylinder by using flow control valves. The most

common type is the unidirectional restrictor. This type of valve slows down the

airflow in one direction only. The symbol is shown below.

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 21

When air flows into the restrictor in the direction shown in figure 22, some of the air

takes the bypass route and forces the ball to seal the path. The air is then forced to

pass through the restriction and the flow is slowed down. We can alter the flow by

adjusting the small screw on the top of the restrictor.

AIR

FLOW

RESTRICTION

BYPASS

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 22

When air flows in the opposite direction into the restrictor, most of the air takes the

bypass route and forces the ball to open up the path. This allows the air to flow freelyand unrestricted.

AIR

FLOW

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 23

If we want to restrict the stroke of a cylinder, it is normal practice to restrict the

exhaust air coming from the cylinder rather than the main air being supplied to thecylinder. This provides a much smoother motion in the piston.


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Remember our example with the hopper door. It would be much more practical for

the door to open slowly, as this would allow the sand to fall more gently into thewagon below. We would still want the door to close quickly so that the process could

begin again as soon as possible. Study the new circuit diagram below.

Valve A Valve B

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 24

To open the door of the hopper slowly, we need to control the speed of the instroke.

When Valve B is pressed, the pilot air 5/2 valve changes state and supplies the air toinstroke the double acting cylinder. However, air is trapped behind the piston and this

must escape or exhaust in order for the piston to move. The restrictor is connected in

such a way that the exhausting air must pass through the restriction. This slows down

the exhaust air and so slows down the speed that the cylinder can instroke.


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Assignment 4

1. Build and test the pneumatic circuit shown above.

a. Using appropriate terminology, explain how the circuit works.

b. Explain why the exhaust air has been restricted in order to slow down the instroke.

2. For safety reasons, the entrance door to a storeroom in a warehouse must open and

close slowly. A double acting cylinder is used to slide the door. A simplified

circuit diagram is shown below.

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 25

Valve A Valve B

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 26

a. Build and test the pneumatic circuit shown above.

b. Explain why two restrictors are needed in this circuit.

c. Where would you place the push button, spring return 3/2 valves in relation to the

warehouse door?


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Sometimes we might want to control the instroke and outstroke of a single acting

cylinder. We can control the instroke in the same way as a double acting cylinder, byrestricting the exhaust air. However, when a single acting cylinder outstrokes the

piston pushes against a spring and there is no exhaust air to control. In this case, we

use two back to back restrictors. The spring prevents the jerky action of the piston

that occurs when this arrangement is used with a double acting cylinder.

A B

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 27

A simpler device for controlling the speed of the outstroke and instroke of a single

acting cylinder is a bi-directional restrictor. This restrictor has just one route for the

air and so the same rate of flow is achieved in both directions. A small screw on thetop of the restrictor adjusts the flow rate

Although this device is more economical than using two unidirectional restrictors, it

means that the instroke and outstroke speeds will be the same. If used with a double

acting cylinder then a jerky motion is produced rather than a smooth controlled one.

The symbol for a bi-directional restrictor is included in figure 28 below.

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 28


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Assignment 5

1 a. In figure 27, which unidirectional restrictor controls the speed of the outstroke?

b. What is the purpose of the other restrictor in this circuit?

2. Describe some of the disadvantages of using a bi-directional restrictor to control

the speed of a double acting cylinder.

3. Part of a production line requires the company logo to be stamped on the

packaged goods. The content of the packages is fragile and so care must be takennot to damage the boxes. It has been decided that a single acting cylinder is used

but it should outstroke slowly to avoid damaging the goods.

BO X BO X BO X BO X

STAMP

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 29

a. Design a pneumatic system that will perform this task.

b. Build and test your solution.c. Name each of the components used.

d. Using the correct terminology, describe how the circuit operates.

4. As part of a drilling operation, the work piece requires to be held in a vice. The

vice is to be operated pneumatically by a double acting cylinder. To allow the

operator time to position the work piece, the vice must close slowly.

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 30

a. Design a pneumatic system that will perform this task.

b. Build and test your solution.

c. Name each of the components used.

d. Using the correct terminology, describe how the circuit operates.

e. The weight of the vice means that a large force is required to open and close it. It

is suggested that two cylinders operating at the same time would be better. Using

a T-piece, alter your circuit so that two double acting cylinders operate at the sametime.


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AND CONTROL

We can create basic control circuits using pneumatic equipment relatively easily. On

many production lines, operators become careless because they are so familiar with

the machine that they constantly use. One way to avoid accidents happening is to fit

the machine with a guard system, where the machine will only operate if the guard is

in position and the machine is switched on by the operator.

SLIDING

DOOR

VALVE

POSITION

START/STOP

VALVE

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 31

This type of control can be achieved if we connect two 3/2 valves together in series.

Valve A Valve B

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 32

The single acting cylinder in this circuit will only outstroke if both 3/2 valves are

actuated at the same time. This is because Valve B is supplied with air coming fromValve A. Pressing the button on Valve A supplies air to Valve B and if we press the

button on Valve B at the same time, this allows air to flow into the single actingcylinder and cause it to outstroke.


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We can summarise the behaviour of this type of circuit in a truth table.

VALVE A

OFF

ON

OFF

ON

VALVE B

OFF

OFF

ON

ON

CYLINDER

INSTROKE

INSTROKE

INSTROKE

OUTSTROKE

MS.Int 2.O1.fig 33


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Assignment 6

1. A machine in a factory is very difficult to guard without affecting how the

machine carries out its task. The manager is very concerned that the operator

may have an accident as a result. In order to prevent this, the manager wants to

redesign the start/stop system of the machine so that the operator needs to press

two buttons before the single acting cylinder outstrokes.

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 34

a. Design a system that will only work if the operator is pressing two buttons at the

same time.b. Build and test your system to check that it operates correctly.

c. Draw a truth table of your results.

d. Using appropriate terminology, describe how the system operates.

e. The manager thinks that the single acting cylinder operates too quickly. Alter

your design so that the cylinder outstrokes more slowly.

2. A single acting cylinder is used to bend metal brackets using a former attached to

the end of the piston rod. In order to operate safely, the system must satisfy the

following conditions:

The cylinder must only outstroke if the guard is down.

The process must only start if the operator presses both start buttons.

The process can only begin when the metal is in the correct position and actuates a

3/2 valve.

a. Design a pneumatic circuit to carry out this operation.

b. Build and test your solution and ensure that it operates properly.

c. Using appropriate terminology, explain how your circuit controls the action of the

single acting cylinder.


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OR CONTROL

In many industrial applications, pneumatic systems are controlled by either of two

operators. They may be working together on the same process or controlling a

process from two different positions. Quality control checks on production lines

usually involve two or more people. Damaged or unsatisfactory goods are rejected if

one or other person detects a fault and the goods are removed from the line by a singleacting cylinder.

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 35

This type of control requires two 3/2 valves to be connected together in parallel and

the use of an additional component called a shuttle valve.

Valve A Valve B

Shuttle Valve

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 36


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A shuttle valve is a very simple device but it is essential to how an OR control circuit

works. If the button on Valve A is pressed, the ball in the shuttle valve is blownacross towards Valve B and air is directed towards the single acting cylinder. This

will outstroke the piston. If the button on Valve B is pressed, the ball is blown across

towards Valve A and air is directed towards the cylinder. This also causes the piston

to outstroke.

We can summarise the behaviour of this circuit in a truth table.

VALVE A

OFF

ON

OFF

ON

VALVE B

OFF

OFF

ON

ON

CYLINDER

INSTROKE

OUTSTROKE

OUTSTROKE

OUTSTROKE

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 37


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Assignment 7

1. A window in a large factory is to be opened and closed by a single acting cylinder.

The cylinder is to be controlled by lever operated 3/2 valves, one placed at either

end of the factory floor as this provides the workers with nearby control. If either

of the two 3/2 valves is actuated, the cylinder should outstroke and open the

window.

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 38

a. Design a system that will work if a person at either end of the factory activates a

lever.b. Build and test your system to check that it operates correctly.

c. Draw a truth table of your results.

d. Using appropriate terminology, describe how the system operates.

e. Someone suggests changing the shuttle valve to a T-piece. Explain why this is not

a good idea.

2. A pneumatic circuit has been devised for use in operating a sliding door to a

refrigerated store in a supermarket. For safety reasons, it must be possible for thedoor to be opened or closed from both inside and outside the room. Additionally,

the door should open and close slowly.

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 39


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A layout of the components to be used in the system is shown in figure 40.

CLOSE (OUTSIDE)

CLOSE (INSIDE)

OPEN (OUTSIDE)

OPEN (INSIDE)MS.Int 2.O1 fig 40

a. Complete the circuit so that it operates properly.b. Using appropriate terminology, explain how the circuit operates.

c. It is decided after a while that the door should open as quickly as possible butcontinue to close slowly. Adjust your circuit to suit these new conditions.


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3. A single acting cylinder is used to punch a hole in thin aluminium sheet. The

sheet forms part of a household accessory that the company manufactures. Theprocess can be controlled locally by an operator who must press two buttons at the

same time to outstroke the cylinder. The alternative is to control the process from

the control area directly above the production line. Both arrangements help to

prevent accidents during this potentially dangerous process. The pneumaticcircuit to carry out this process is shown.

Valve A Valve B Valve C

MS.Int 2.O1 fig

a. Build and test the pneumatic circuit shown above.

b. Draw a truth table of your results.c. Using appropriate terminology, describe how the system operates.

d. When the process is controlled from the control area above the production line, it

is possible that someone working near the cylinder could still be injured, as the

machine is not guarded. Redesign the circuit to ensure that the single acting

cylinder will only outstroke if a guard is in position.

e. Explain the changes that you have made and how they improve the overall

performance of the circuit.


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TIME DELAY CIRCUITS

Sometimes we require a time delay or pause in a circuit before something else

happens. Time delays are easily achieved with the use of two additional components

inserted into the system at the point where the delay is required. The components

required are a unidirectional restrictor (which we have already used) and a reservoir.

The arrangement is shown below.

Air

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 41

A reservoir is simply an empty container. When placed in a circuit it takes some time

to fill up with air and restore the working pressure of the circuit. The time it takes to

fill creates the pause or delay. We can change the length of the delay in two ways.

The first is to use a reservoir of a different size as large reservoirs take longer to fill.

The second way is to adjust the flow of air into the reservoir using a unidirectional

restrictor. We can slow down the airflow using the restrictor so that the air takes a

much longer time to fill the reservoir.

Time delay circuits can be useful in clamping or pressing applications where pressure

is applied by a cylinder for a set time. Such a circuit can be used to make plasticcontainers. This type of pressing system makes use of a double acting cylinder to

press a hot plastic sheet into a mould. The plastic needs to be held in position for

several seconds to allow it to cool. The circuit for this system is shown in figure 42.


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3

3

3

1

1

1

1

1

1

2

2

2

2

2

4

4

5

HOT P LASTIC

SHEET

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 42

When the push button, spring return 3/2 valve is pressed, the 5/2 valve changes state

and the cylinder containing the former outstrokes. When fully outstroked, the former

forces the plastic sheet into the mould and at the same time trips the roller. Althoughthis 3/2 valve has been actuated, the instroke is delayed because of the time delay.

The airflow to the reservoir is slowed and it takes several seconds for the reservoir to

fill. This allows the plastic container to cool before it is released when the piston

finally instrokes.


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Assignment 8

1. Build and test the pneumatic circuit shown in figure 42.

a. Adjust the circuit to achieve a 2 second delay. Explain how to do this.

b. Explain the difference between piston speed control and a time delay.

c. Describe how the time delay could be increased to 10 seconds.

2. A machine is designed to test for wear and tear on drawer guides in a kitchen unit.

A double acting cylinder is used to constantly open and close the drawer and therunners are checked regularly.

DRAWER GUIDES

KITCHEN UNIT

DRAWER

PISTON MOVEMENT

A

B

C

X

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 43

a. Build and test the pneumatic circuit shown in figure 43.

b. Name the components labelled A, B and C.c. Describe how the circuit operates to complete one cycle of operation from the

position shown.

d. To allow the system to be stopped and checked, a 3/2 lever operated spring return

valve is inserted at point X in the circuit. Adjust the circuit to contain this valve.

Explain why this is an improvement to the original design.


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3. A double acting cylinder is used to mark out even sections of fudge on a food

production line. It is important that the process runs continuously and that eachfudge bar is the same size. Pneumatics is used in many food production lines

because it is clean, safe and reliable to use. The circuit diagram is shown below.

MS.Int 2.O1 fig

a. Build and test the circuit shown above.

b. Adjust the restrictors so that the delay on each side is the same or as close as you

can make it.

c. This circuit is designed to run constantly but sometimes the machinery needs to becleaned. The only way to shut the process down is to shut down the main air

supply. Insert a 3/2 valve in the circuit that will allow the process to be stopped atany time. Explain your choice of actuator for this valve.

d. Are there any other problems with this system that you think may affect the size of

the fudge bars?

e. Why is pneumatics a good choice for this type of production line?


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AIR BLEED CIRCUITS

When designing pneumatic circuits it is often necessary to detect if something is in

place before the operation of the circuit continues, for example that a work piece to be

drilled is in the correct position. It is possible to use some actuators on 3/2 and 5/2

valves (such as a plunger or roller trip), to detect this but sometimes they interfere

with the set up of the system or are not sensitive enough. To overcome theseproblems, we use what is known as an air bleed circuit.

The diagram below shows the junction between two conveyor systems in a factory.

Boxes are transferred from one conveyor to another by the action of a single acting

cylinder. The boxes are fairly light and an air bleed is used to detect when a box is in

the correct position ready for transfer.

AIR BLEED

SINGLE ACTING

CYLINDER

CONVEYOR BELTS

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 44

The circuit used to achieve this is shown below.

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 45

Main air in the circuit is connected to a unidirectional restrictor in such a way as to

slow down the airflow. Air passes through the restrictor to a T piece, one end of

which has an unconnected pipe that allows the air to escape or bleed out into the

room. When the boxes block the air bleed, the pressure in the pipe increases and this

air provides a pilot air signal to the diaphragm valve. This actuates the 3/2 valve

which in turn outstrokes the cylinder and the box is moved from one belt to the other.

The single acting cylinder instrokes automatically ready for the process to beginagain.


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Assignment 9


a. Explain what happens when the air bleed is blocked.

b. Why is an air bleed more useful for sensing when an object is in place than a

plunger operated 3/2 valve?

2. A paper mill uses a large guillotine controlled by a double acting cylinder to cut

the reams of paper to size. An air bleed is used to detect when the paper is inposition ready to be cut.

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 46

The pneumatic circuit to solve this problem is shown below.

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 47


b. What is the purpose of the roller trip, spring return 3/2 valve? What would you

expect to activate this valve?

c. It is discovered that the roller trip isnt always actuated and needs to be reset

manually by an operator. It is very dangerous for the workers to be so close to the

guillotine blade and so it is decided to change the roller trip to an air bleed.Redesign the circuit to take account of this.


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3. A double acting cylinder is used to form hot acrylic sheet into the shape of soap

dishes. The process is started by an operator pressing a button which causes thedouble acting cylinder to outstroke. It is important that the plastic is pushed fully

into the mould before the cylinder instrokes. To ensure this, two air bleeds are

used to sense that the soap dish has been fully formed.

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 47a

a. Design a pneumatic circuit that will carry out this operation.

b. Build and test your solution to ensure that it operates correctly.c. Using the correct terminology, describe how your circuit operates.

d. Explain why air bleeds are a good choice for detecting that the dish has been

formed correctly. Can you suggest another way of achieving this?

e. A further improvement to the system is that it should only operate when theacrylic sheet is in the correct position, otherwise some of the dishes are not formed

properly. Redesign the circuit taking this into account.


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39

4. An automatic door is designed so that, when the door is opened there is a time

delay before it automatically closes again. An air bleed is used to detect when aperson is approaching the door as the piping can be easily hidden under the

entrance mat. The pneumatic circuit is shown below.

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 47b

a. Build and test this circuit and ensure that it operates properly.

b. Study the circuit diagram carefully and explain what is controlling the instroke of

the cylinder.

c. Using appropriate terminology, explain how the circuit operates.d. Alter the circuit so that the door closes slowly.

e. Describe any problems that may be encountered if this system was to be used at

the entrance of, say, a hospital.


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40

SEMI-AUTOMATIC CIRCUITS

In a semi-automatic circuit, either the instroke or outstroke of the piston is automatic.

The most commonly used semi-automatic circuits involve an operator starting the

circuit and when the piston is fully outstroked, it actuates a valve that controls the

instroke. We have come across examples of semi-automatic circuits in the course

already.

On some production lines, drilling operations are started by an operator who is able to

ensure that the component to be machined is in the correct position. When the holehas been drilled to the correct depth, a roller trip is activated which automatically

instrokes the cylinder.

DEPTH STOP

ROLLER TRIP

DRILL

WORK PIECE

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 48

The pneumatic circuit that controls this operation is shown below.

Valve A

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 49


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41

The operator starts the operation by pressing the push button. This changes the state

of the 5/2 valve and the cylinder outstrokes. The cylinder pushes the drill into thework piece and when the correct depth has been reached, the roller trip is activated.

This changes the state of the 5/2 valve and the cylinder instrokes. The process is

ready to begin again.


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42

Assignment 10


a. Why is this type of circuit described as semi-automatic?

b. The drill is inserted into the work piece too quickly for the hole to be drilled

properly. Alter the circuit so that the outstroke is slower.

2. A guard on a plastic forming machine is held in position by a double acting

cylinder. The guard is raised to allow the worker to remove the component andinsert a blank. The guard is raised on the push of a button but lowers

automatically.

TRAVEL

OF

DO

OR

GUIDES

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 50

a. Design a semi-automatic circuit that will automatically lower the guard by

outstroking the piston.b. The operator complains that the guard raises and returns too quickly and he

doesnt have enough time to remove the component. Someone suggests slowingdown the outstroke while another designer thinks that a time delay circuit would

be better. How would you improve the circuit? Explain your decision.

c. Rebuild the improved circuit and test it.

d. Using appropriate terminology, explain how the circuit operates.


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43

3. Quality control on a production line is very important to ensure that all products

are made to the correct standard. A quality control officer can randomly selectgoods on the line to be checked. He does this be pressing a button which activates

a double acting cylinder which pushes the object off the line. However,

sometimes the goods can become jammed and the piston should automatically

instroke. A circuit is shown below.

VALVE A

VALVE B

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 50a


b. Explain the purpose of Valves A and B.c. Why is this described as a semi-automatic circuit?


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44

AUTOMATIC CIRCUITS

Automatic circuits can perform tasks over and over again without the need of input

from an operator. These circuits make use of actuators such as a roller trip and

plunger to sense the position of the piston. We have come across an automatic circuit

already in the course.

Automatic control circuits are used in applications that require reciprocating motion

of the piston. For example, a production line requires the finished products to be

directed towards two loading bays ready for shipping out to customers. A doubleacting cylinder controls the movement of a chute so that every second container is

sent to each bay.

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 51

The pneumatic circuit that controls this operation is shown below. Notice that roller

trip, spring return 3/2 valves are used to detect when the piston is positive andnegative.Valve A Valve B

XY

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 52

As the piston instrokes, it trips Valve A and the 5/2 valve changes state and the piston

is sent positive. When it is fully outstroked, it trips Valve B and the 5/2 valve returns

to its original position allowing the piston to instroke. The process begins all overagain and continues to operate.


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45

Assignment 11


a. Sometimes the containers get trapped or jammed in the system and it needs to be

switched off. How do you get the circuit to stop? Is this an acceptable way of

controlling the circuit?b. Someone suggests placing a lever operated 3/2 valve in the circuit at position X

but another worker disagrees and believes it should be point Y. Try both positionsand explain how these changes affect the operation of the circuit.

c. Why must a lever operated 3/2 valve be used instead of a push button?

2. A polishing machine requires reciprocating motion of a double acting cylinder.

So that the polished work piece can be removed, a valve is required to stop the

operation of the complete circuit. Experience of this type of process shows that if

the piston operates too quickly, the brush becomes hot and sticks to the surface of

the material.

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 53

a. Design a pneumatic circuit that will carry out this operation.

b. Build and test your solution and ensure that it fully solves the problem.

c. Using appropriate terminology, explain how you circuit works.d. Why do we describe this type of circuit as automatic?


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46

SEQUENTIAL CIRCUITS

Many pneumatic systems and machines are designed to perform a range of tasks in a

certain order or sequence. This usually involves the use of two or more cylinders

working together to complete the task.

For example, a company has automated its production line that involves metal blocksbeing placed in a furnace for heat treatment. One cylinder is used to open the furnace

door and another pushes the metal blocks into the furnace.

A

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 54

The sequence of operations for this process is:

a. An operator pushes a button to start the process.

b. The furnace door is opened.

c. The block is pushed into the furnace and the piston retracts.

d. The furnace door is closed.

e. The sequence stops.

For this system to work successfully, we need to fully understand the order and

movement of cylinders A and B.

Stage 1Cylinder A instrokes to raise the furnace door.

Stage 2

Cylinder B outstrokes and pushes the metal block into the furnace.

Stage 3

Cylinder B instrokes.

Stage 4

Cylinder A outstrokes and closes the furnace door.


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47

The pneumatic circuit that carries out this operation is shown below.

CYLINDER B

CYLINDER A

VALVE A

VALVE B

VALVE C

VALVE D

VALVE E

VALVE F

VALVE G

VALVE H

VALVE I

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 55


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48

The system begins by actuating Valve A. This changes the state of Valve B and

causes Cylinder A to instroke, raising the door. When fully instroked ornegative, thepiston trips Valve C and this sends a signal to Valve D. This 5/2 valve changes state

and sends Cylinder Bpositive. When fully outstroked, the piston trips Valve E and

the cylinder instrokes. Whennegative, Valve F is actuated and causes Cylinder A to

outstroke and stay in thepositive position. The system stops and waits for a signalfrom Valve A.

We can summarise the sequence of this circuit as follows:

Start, A-, B+, B-, A+, Stop


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49

Assignment 12

1. Build and test the pneumatic circuit in figure 55.

a. Name the components labelled Valve D, Valve F and Valve H.

b. If Valve H was removed from the circuit, explain the effect this would have on the

operation of the furnace door.c. Using appropriate terminology, explain how the circuit operates from when Valve

A is pressed.

d. A short delay is required before Cylinder B goes positive. Alter your circuit totake this into account.

2. A company has automated a small section of its production line. The system

involves a component being pushed into position by a cylinder, drilled and then

released ready to begin again. The system involves two cylinders working

together in sequence: A+, B+, A-, B-. The system is automatic and should

continue to work through the sequence. However, a start/stop button should be

incorporated that would allow the system to be shut down in the event of a jam or

the drill bit breaking.

CYLINDER B

CYLINDER ADRILL

GUIDES

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 56

a. Design a pneumatic system that would carry out this sequence of operations.b. Build and test your solution.c. Using appropriate terminology, describe how it completes one sequence.

d. Explain your choice of actuators that sense the fully instroked and outstroked

positions of the two pistons.


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50

3. Engraving is an operation that requires great skill and is very time consuming. In

an attempt to speed up the process, two double acting cylinders are needed towork together in sequence to position the component and hold it in place. Cylinder

A pushes the component to be engraved into position. The clamping process is

achieved by connecting a parallel linkage system to the end of cylinder B. When

the cylinder instrokes, the linkage closes around the component to hold it steady.The complete sequence required is A+, B-, A-, B+.

a. Design a pneumatic circuit to carry out this sequence.

b. Build and test the circuit and ensure that it operates correctly.

c. It is felt that the clamping operation works too quickly and sometimes the

component is moved out of line. Alter your circuit so that cylinder B instrokesmore slowly.

d. Not enough time is allowed for the engraving operation to take place before the

component is released. A short delay is needed in the circuit. Using the correct

components, position the delay where you think it would be most effective.

Explain your reasons for inserting it there.


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51

INTERFACING AND ELECTRONIC CONTROL

Electronic Control

Although pneumatic circuits have many advantages, they can become complicated

and expensive when lots of components are needed. They can also be difficult to set

up and control. One possible way of overcoming these problems is to use electronicsor a computer interface to control the operation of pneumatic circuits. The advantage

of this is that electronic signals can be transmitted over much greater distances thanpneumatic signals. However, the main advantage is that electronic signals respond

faster than pneumatic signals and use less energy.

To control a pneumatic system electronically, we require the use of a solenoid

operated 3/2 valve. This valve is actuated when an electric current energises the coil

of the solenoid. If we can control the current flowing to the coil, then we can control

the operation of the entire circuit. This can be achieved easily by connecting switches

or sensors in series with the solenoid.

For example, a ten-pin bowling complex uses double acting cylinders to set up theskittles once they have been knocked down. The cylinder is controlled by an electric

switch arrangement which energises solenoid operated 3/2 valves.

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 57

The circuit diagram is shown below.

12V dc 12V dc

A

BC

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 58


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52

Assignment 13

1. Build and test the electrical and pneumatic circuit shown in figure 58.

a. What advantages are there of controlling pneumatic circuits electronically?

b. If only pneumatic components were available, redesign the circuit so that it would

carry out the same operation.

2. A waste disposal system makes use of a hopper and container. The container

moves forward under the hopper, which tips up to empty its contents. Limitswitches are used to detect if the container is in place and if the hopper has been

tipped up properly. The system needs a start/stop button that will allow overall

control of the circuit.

a. Design an electronic and pneumatic system to fully solve this problem.

b. Using appropriate terminology, explain how the circuit operates.

c. Give examples of other sensors that could be used to detect if the container and

hopper are in the correct place.

d. It is discovered that once the hopper has tipped right over, the double acting

cylinder begins to instroke before all the contents have emptied out. Insert a timedelay into the circuit that will overcome this.


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53

Reprogrammable Interfacing

Most industrial pneumatic systems include a number of cylinders working together in

sequence. Certain sequences of operation are difficult to control using the equipment

we have come across so far. The circuits also become expensive to build and are

difficult to set up. However, we can overcome these problems by using a computer

interface to control complex tasks.

For example, a post office sorting system is used to separate three different sizes of

packages. The packages are carried on a conveyor belt to the first sort. At this point,a single acting cylinder removes the largest packages, which are detected by use of a

switch. At the second stage, the medium packages are separated from the smaller size

ones, which continue to the end of the conveyor. As the content of the packages is

unknown, they should be removed carefully from the conveyor. For safety reasons,

the system should not operate unless the guard around the conveyor is in position.

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 60


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54

The operation of this circuit can be summarised in a flow chart.

START

ISGUARDDOWN?

NO

YES

ISPACKAGE

LARGE?

YES

EJECTPACKAGENO

ISPACKAGEMEDIUM?

YES

EJECTPACKAGENO

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 61


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55

Assignment 14

1a. Write a program that will control the operation of this circuit.

b. Build the necessary pneumatic and electronic system and connect it to your

interface. Test that your circuit operates properly.

c. It is suggested that there should be a start/stop button to halt the system in case of

a jam. Make the necessary adjustments to your program and circuit toaccommodate this.


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56

2. A system is designed to control a chemical process. A cylinder moves a container

over the tank containing the chemical solution. Another cylinder lowers thecontainer into the tank. The chemical reaction takes several seconds to complete.

The cylinder lifts the container and it returns to its original position to be

unloaded.

CYLINDER A

CYLINDER B

TANK

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 62

a. Write a program that will control this operation.

b. Build the necessary pneumatic and electronic system and connect it to your

interface. Test that the circuit operates properly.

c. Investigate the reasons why this circuit would be very difficult to control usingpneumatic equipment only.


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57

3. Packets of sweets in a factory are boxed automatically. The packets pass along a

conveyor belt and drop into the boxes. Each box should contain 12 packets only.When full, the box is pushed onto another conveyor by a double acting cylinder

and taken away to be labelled and dispatched. A single acting cylinder pushes an

empty box into position ready for the process to begin again.

a. Draw a flow chart that clearly shows this operation.

b. From your flow chart write a computer program that will control the counting

sequence and the operation of the cylinders.

c. Build and test your solution and ensure that it works properly.

d. Describe what would happen if no empty box was in place to collect the sweets.

How could you overcome this problem?e. Describe any necessary safety precautions that would need to be in place for this

system to work safely. Have you included these in your design?


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58

FORCES IN A SINGLE ACTING CYLINDER

When a single acting cylinder outstrokes it produces a force. We can use this force to

lift objects or push them around. The size of the force produced by the cylinder as it

outstrokes depends on two things - the air pressure supplied to the cylinder and the

surface area of the piston. This means that we can increase the force by either

increasing the air pressure or increasing the size of the piston. However, systems andcomponents are designed to operate at specific pressure levels and we should never

increase the pressure beyond these levels.

The force produced by the cylinder as it instrokes is not affected by either of these

things. The instroking force is controlled by the return spring.

Pressure

Air pressure is measured in bar or in N/mm2. We can measure the pressure in a

pneumatic system using a pressure gauge. A gauge will always be connected to the

compressor but other gauges may be distributed throughout large systems to monitorthe pressure. This helps to detect leaks, as the pressure in the system would begin to

fall if air was escaping from the pipes.

Whenever we use pressure in calculations we require the units to be in N/mm2. This

often means converting from bar to N/mm2. This conversion is easy as you simply

divide the value in bar by 10. For example, if the pressure supplied to a system is 5

bar, we can find the equivalent value in N/mm2 by simply dividing 5 by 10.

Therefore, the value would be 0.5 N/mm2.

The chart below provides a quick reference.

0

0

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1

bar

N/mm2

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 63

Area

The surface area of the piston is the area that the air pushes against to outstroke thepiston. This area is circular or round.

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 64


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The surface area is calculated using the formula:

4

22 d

rArea ==

Force

The force produced as a single acting cylinder outstrokes is calculated using theformula:

AreaessureForce = Pr

where force is measured in Newtons (N); pressure is measured in N/mm2 and area is

measured in mm2.

Worked example:

Air is supplied to a single acting cylinder at a pressure of 4 N/mm2

. The diameter ofthe piston is 25 mm. Calculate the force produced as the piston outstrokes.

Pressure = 4 N/mm2

222

4914

2514.3

4mm

dArea ===

NAreaessureForce 19644914Pr ===

Force = 1.96 kN


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Assignment 15

1. What force is produced by a piston with a diameter of 20 mm supplied with air at

a pressure of 0.3 N/mm2?

2. What force will be produced by a 20 mm diameter cylinder as it goes positive

using a pressure of 0.8 N/mm2?

3. Calculate the outstroke force produced by a 40 mm diameter cylinder when it

operates with a supply pressure of 3 bar.

4. A stamping machine exerts a force of 454 N with a piston diameter of 34 mm.

Calculate the air pressure required for this operation.

5. A machine that places tops on bottles uses a single acting cylinder. The process

requires a force of 650 N. What air pressure needs to be supplied to the cylinder

with a diameter of 56 mm?

6. A force of 540 N is needed to push a packing case off a conveyor belt. The single

acting cylinder used has a diameter of 60 mm. What air pressure should besupplied to the system?

7. A force of 500 N is needed to open a sliding door. The single acting cylinder

available has a piston diameter of 50 mm. What air pressure should be supplied?

8. A single acting cylinder is used to lift parcels onto a conveyor. This requies a

force of 180 N with the system operating at a pressure of 6 bar. Calculate the area

of the piston required.

9. A door requires a force of 400 N to slide it open. A single acting cylindersupplied with a pressure of 5 bar controls the operation. Calculate the diameter of

the piston required to produce this force.

10. A furnace door weighs 100 N and is lifted by a single acting cylinder as it

outstrokes. Compressed air is supplied at a pressure of 4 bar. Calculate the

diameter of piston required to raise the door.


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FORCES IN A DOUBLE ACTING CYLINDER

We already know that a double acting cylinder can be much more useful to us in

pneumatics because both the outstroke and instroke are controlled by compressed air.

This allows us to make use of the outstroke force and the instroke force. What we

learn however, is that the outstroke force is greater than the instroke force. Why is

this the case?

During the outstroke, the compressed air pushes against the surface area of the piston

in the same way as the single acting cylinder.

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 65

However, during the instroke the surface area is reduced because of the piston rod.This means that the compressed air does not have as big an area to push against and so

it does not produce as big a force.

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 66

We can find this surface area or effective area as it is known, by calculating the area

of the piston rod and subtracting it from the surface area of the piston.


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Worked example:

A double acting cylinder has a piston with a diameter of 25 mm. The piston rod is 5

mm in diameter. Pressure is supplied to the system at 4 N/mm2. Calculate the force

produced by the cylinder as it outstrokes and instrokes.

a. Outstroke force

Pressure = 4 N/mm2

222

4914

2514.3

4mm

dArea ===

NAreaessureForce 19644914Pr ===

Outstroke force = 1.96 kN

b. Instroke force

Pressure = 4 N/mm2

Effective area = Piston area Piston rod area

222

4914

2514.3

4mm

dPistonarea ===

222

204

514.3

4mm

dreaPistonroda ===

Effective area = Piston area Piston rod area = 491 20 = 471 mm 2

NreaEffectiveaessureForce 18844714Pr ===

Outstroke force = 1.88 kN


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Assignment 16

1. Explain why the forces produced by a double acting cylinder on the outstroke and

instroke are different.

2. A double acting cylinder has a piston diameter of 20 mm and is supplied with air

at a pressure of 0.3 N/mm2. What force is produced as the piston outstrokes?1. The piston rod has a diameter of 6 mm. What force is produced on the instroke?

2. A double acting cylinder is used to raise and lower a barrier in a car park. The airpressure is 0.4 N/mm2 and the piston has a diameter of 40 mm. The piston rod is

12 mm in diameter. What forces are produced when the piston outstrokes and

instrokes?

3. A double acting cylinder produces a force of 0.4 kN. The effective area of the

piston is 0.04 m2. What pressure should be supplied to the cylinder?


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Assignment 17

1. Give three examples of the everyday use of compressed air.

2. What device is used to supply pneumatic systems with compressed air?

3. Give two reasons why pneumatic systems are used in industry.

4. List the safety rules that we must observe when using pneumatic equipment.

5. Draw the symbol for the following pneumatic components:

a. single acting cylinder

b. double acting cylinder

c. unidirectional restrictor

d. bidirectional restrictor

e. shuttle valve

f. reservoir

g. push button, spring return 3/2 valve

h. pilot air operated 5/2 valve

6. Name the actuators shown below.

MS.Int 2.O1 fig 67

7. Why are double acting cylinders used more often than single acting cylinders inindustrial applications?

8. Explain the reasons why a 5/2 valve is better for controlling a double actingcylinder than a 3/2 valve.

9. Explain, with the use of diagrams, how a unidirectional restrictor controls airflowin one direction but not the other.


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10. How do we control the speed of the outstroke of a double acting cylinder? Why

is it done this way?

11. Describe some of the functions that valves carry out in circuits.

12. Explain how a pneumatic AND circuit works and give one practical example ofits use.

13. Explain how a shuttle valve works.

14. Which two components are used together to create a time delay? Explain how

the components achieve the delay.

15. What is an air bleed and explain how it is used in pneumatic circuits.

16. Packages in a sorting system push against a plunger operated, spring return 3/2

valve. This triggers a single acting cylinder that ejects the package from the line.However, some packages are too light and dont always operate the plunger.

Describe, with the use of diagrams, an alternative method of controlling the

single acting cylinder.

17. Describe the difference between semi-automatic and automatic circuits.

18. What type of motion does an automatic circuit produce?

19. What is a sequential circuit?

20. What advantages are there in controlling pneumatic circuits with electronics?

21. In the formula Force = Pressure x Area, area is measured in mm2. What units dowe use to measure pressure and force?

22. What are gauges used for in pneumatic circuits?

23. Explain why the force produced by the instroke of a double acting cylinder is less

than the outstroke.

24. Explain how we might increase the size of force produced by a double actingcylinder.

25. Find out the typical working pressures of a car tyre and bicycle tyre. Give the

values in both bar and N/mm2.

circuit applications

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