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Industrial Pneumatics: Introduction: Chapter 4 Pneumatics and Electropneumatics

Pneumatics uses compressed air or gas to power machines and control processes. It deals with the behavior and application of compressed air or gas. Common applications include industrial automation where compressed air is used for actuation or control. The choice between pneumatic or hydraulic systems depends on factors like required speed, pressure, precision, power needs, temperature variations, and safety considerations. While compressed air requires more energy to produce than hydraulic fluid, it has advantages like being non-explosive and suitable where fire or electrical hazards exist.

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47 views2 pages

Industrial Pneumatics: Introduction: Chapter 4 Pneumatics and Electropneumatics

Pneumatics uses compressed air or gas to power machines and control processes. It deals with the behavior and application of compressed air or gas. Common applications include industrial automation where compressed air is used for actuation or control. The choice between pneumatic or hydraulic systems depends on factors like required speed, pressure, precision, power needs, temperature variations, and safety considerations. While compressed air requires more energy to produce than hydraulic fluid, it has advantages like being non-explosive and suitable where fire or electrical hazards exist.

Uploaded by

Ravi Ranjan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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CHAPTER 4 PNEUMATICS AND ELECTROPNEUMATICS

Industrial Pneumatics: Introduction

PNEUMATICS AND ITS MEANING:

The English word pneumatic and its associate noun pneumatics are derived from the Greek
“pneuma” meaning breath or air. Originally coined to give a on of compressed air (pressurized
air) to power machine or control or regulate machines. Simply put, Pneumatics may be defined
as branch of engineering science which deals with the study of the behavior and application of
compressed air. Pneumatics can also be defined as the branch of fluid power technology that
deals with generation, transmission and control of power using pressurized air. Gas in a
pneumatic system behaves like a spring since it is compressible. Any gas can be used in
pneumatic system but air is the most usual, for obvious reasonname to the science of the motions
and properties of air. Compressed air is a vital utility- just like water, gas and electricity used in
countless ways to benefit everyday life. Pneumatics is applicatis. Exceptions are most likely to
occur on aircraft and space vehicles where an inert gas such as nitrogen is preferred or the gas is
one which is generated on board. Pure nitrogen may be used if there is a danger of combustion in
a work environment. In Pneumatic control, compressed air is used as the working medium,
normally at a pressure from 6 bar to 8 bar. Using Pneumatic Control, maximum force up to 50
kN can be developed. Actuation of the controls can be manual, Pneumatic or Electrical actuation.
Signal medium such as compressed air at pressure of 1-2 bar can be used [Pilot operated
Pneumatics] or Electrical signals [D.C or A.C source- 24V – 230V] can be used [Electro
pneumatics]

CHOICE OF WORKING MEDIUM AND SYSTEM.

The choice of medium depends on the application. Some of the general, broad rules followed in the

selection of a working medium are listed below.

When the system requirement is high speed, medium pressure (usually 6 to 8 bar) and less

accuracy of position, then pneumatic system is preferred.

If the system requirement is high pressure and high precision, a fluid system with oil is good.

When the power requirement is high like in forging presses, sheet metal press, it is impossible to

use air system. Oil hydraulics is the only choice


CHAPTER 4 PNEUMATICS AND ELECTROPNEUMATICS
Air is used where quick response of actuator is required.

If temperate variation range in the system is large, then use of air system may run into

condensation problems and oil is preferred.

If the application requires only a medium pressure and high positional accuracy is required then

hydro –pneumatic system is preferred

Air is non-explosive, it is preferred where fire/electric hazard are expected. Oil systems are more

prone to fire and electrical hazards and are not recommended in such applications.

Because air contains oxygen (about 20%) and is not sufficient alone to provide adequate

lubrication of moving parts and seals, oil is usually introduced into the air stream near the actuator

to provide this lubrication preventing excessive wear and oxidation.

In a practical sense, compressed air is a medium that carries potential energy. However it can be expensive

to produce, and from a simple energy efficiency point of view compressed air may not appear advantageous

at first. Considering that it takes about 6 kW of electrical energy to generate

0.75 kW output on an air motor, compressed air has an efficiency rating of only 12%. In spite of that

compressed air is used due to its other advantages.

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