ELECTRO-PNEUMATIC CIRCUITS

(LECTURE - 6)

ENG’R. CHRISTOPHER GUTIERREZ

Instructor
 Electro pneumatics circuits

Module Objectives
After the completion of this module, the student will be able to:
1- Explain the concept of logic operation (OR circuits).
2- Explain the concept of logic operation (AND circuits).
3- Describe, Explain and construct a simple AND/OR circuits.
4- Describe and use the latching circuits.
 Electro pneumatics circuits

Module Contents
1 Direct Control of single acting cylinders
2 Indirect Control of single Acting cylinders
3 Direct Control of double Acting cylinders using electro pneumatics
4 Indirect Control of double acting cylinder (using 5/2 way, single solenoid)
5 Indirect Control of double acting cylinder (using 5/2 way, double solenoid)
6 Logic operations-OR circuit
7 Truth table of the OR circuit
8 Logic operations-AND circuit
9 Truth table of the AND circuit
10 Latching Circuits
11 Types of latching
 Electro pneumatics circuits
Direct Control of single acting cylinders
Forward stroke: The circuit is closed when push button PB closes. A magnetic field is produced in
the coil Y. The armature in the coil opens the passage for the compressed air. The compressed air
flows from 1 to 2 of the 3/2 DCV to cylinder, which travels to the final forward position.
Return stroke: When the push button PB is released, the circuit is interrupted. The magnetic field at
coil Y collapses, the 3/2 way valve switches back to its original position as shown in figure. The
compressed air in the cylinder then exhausts through port 3 of the DCV and the cylinder travel to the
final rear position.
 Electro pneumatics circuits
Indirect Control of single Acting cylinders
Forward stroke: The circuit is closed when push button PB closes. Closing of Push button
PB energizes a relay K1. The coil Y is energized via normally open contact K1 (indirect
energizing). A magnetic field is produced in armature of the coil Y opens the passage for
the compressed air. The compressed air flows from 1 to 2 of the 3/2 DCV to cylinder,
which travels to the final forward position.
Return stroke: When the push button PB is released, the circuit is interrupted. Opening of
Push button PB de-energizes a relay K1. The magnetic field at coil Y is collapses due to
the opening of contact K1 the 3/2 way valve switches back to its original position as
shown in Figure. The compressed air in the cylinder then exhausts through port 3 of the
DCV and the cylinder travel to the final rear position.
 Electro pneumatics circuits
Direct Control of double Acting cylinders using electro pneumatics
Forward stroke: The double acting cylinder is controlled by 5/2 way valve. When the pushbutton
PB is pressed, coil Y is energized and the directional control valve is activated by compressed air via
pilot control. The piston travels to the final forward position.

Return stroke: When the push button PB is released, the circuit is interrupted. The magnetic field at
coil Y collapses, the return spring of 5/2 becomes active and the 5/2 way valve switches back to its
original position as shown in Figure 1. The compressed air in the cylinder then exhausts through port
5 of the 5/2 DCV and the cylinder travel to the final rear position.
 Electro pneumatics circuits
Indirect Control of double acting cylinder (using 5/2 way, single solenoid)
Forward stroke: The circuit is closed when push button PB closes. Closing of Push button PB
energizes a relay K1. The coil Y is energized via normally open contact K1 (indirect energizing). A
magnetic field is produced in armature of the coil Y opens the passage for the compressed air
through internal pilot. The compressed air flows from 1 to 4 of the 5/2 DCV to cylinder, which travels
to the final forward position.
Return stroke: When the push button PB is released, the circuit is interrupted. Opening of Push
button PB de-energizes a relay K1. The magnetic field at coil Y is collapses due to the opening of
contact K1 the 5/2 way valve switches back to its original position as shown in Figure. The
compressed air in the cylinder then exhausts through port 5 of the DCV and the cylinder travel to
the final rear position.
 Electro pneumatics circuits
Indirect Control of double acting cylinder (using 5/2 way, double solenoid)
Forward stroke: when push button PB1 is
pressed, coil Y1 is energized and 5/2 way
directional control valve changes over. The
piston travels out and remains in the final
forward position until a signal is applied to coil
Y2. The 5/2 directional control valve will remain
in the last position because it is double
solenoid valve and has no return spring.

Return stroke: When the push button PB1 is

released and PB2 is pressed. Opening of Push
button PB1 de-energizes a relay K1. The
magnetic field at coil Y1 is collapses due to the
opening of contact K1. Closing of PB2
energizes Y2 and the piston returns to its
original position as a result of changeover of
the 5/2 way valve. The 5/2 way directional
control valve will not switch over if there is an
active opposing signal. For example, if Y1 is
switched on and a signal is given to Y2, there
will be no reaction as there would be an
opposing signal
 Electro pneumatics circuits

Logic Operations
In order to produce the required movements by pneumatic cylinders under certain
conditions, it is often necessary to combine signals from several control elements through
some logic operations such as:

1. OR circuits

2. AND circuits.
 Electro pneumatics circuits
Logic operation - OR circuit
The OR circuit has two inputs and a single output. The aim is to be able to extend the
piston rod of a cylinder with two different input elements, pushbutton S1 and S2. The
contacts of the pushbuttons S1 and S2 are arranged in parallel branches in the circuit
diagram as shown in Fig. 3.1.b.
❑ As long as no pushbutton is
pressed, the solenoid valve
remains in the normal position. The
piston rod is retracted.

❑ If at least one of the two

pushbuttons is pressed, the
solenoid valve switches to the
actuated position. The piston rod
advances.

❑ When both switches are released.

The solenoid valve switches to the
normal position. The piston rod is
(a): Pneumatic circuit (b): Parallel connection
retracted. of two contacts (OR circuit)
 Electro pneumatics circuits

Truth table of the OR circuit:

The truth table depicts the status of the output in relation with specific inputs. Let us
assume the following
❑ 0: push buttons are not pressed and thus there is no input signal.
❑ 1: push button pressed and thus the input signal exists.
❑ Y1 is 0 means the solenoid valve is not activated
❑ Y1 is 1 means the solenoid valve is activated
The table below shows the possible outputs based on the input operating
conditions.

Fig. : Truth table of the OR circuit.

 Electro pneumatics circuits

Logic operation - AND circuit

The AND circuit has two inputs and a single output. The output of the AND circuit exists only when
both inputs are existing. In this case the piston rod of a cylinder will be advanced only if both
pushbuttons S1 and S2 are pressed at the same time. The Two pushbutton switches are arranged in
series in the circuit diagram as shown in Fig.3.3.b

❑ As long as neither or only one of the two

pushbuttons is pressed, the solenoid valve
remains in the normal position and the
piston rod is retracted.

❑ If both pushbuttons are pressed at the same

time, the solenoid valve switches to the
actuated position and the piston rod
advances.

❑ When at least one of the switches is

released, the solenoid valve switches to the
normal position and the piston rod
retracted.
(a): Pneumatic circuit (b): Series connection of
two contacts (AND circuit)
 Electro pneumatics circuits
Truth table of the AND circuit:
The truth table depicts the status of the output in relation with specific inputs. Let us
assume the following
The truth table depicts the status of the output in relation with specific
inputs. Let us assume the following
0: push buttons are not pressed and thus there is no input signal.
1: push button pressed and thus the input signal exists.
Y1 is 0 means the solenoid valve is not activated
Y1 is 1 means the solenoid valve is activated
The table below shows the possible outputs based on the input operating
conditions.

Truth table of the AND circuit.

 Electro pneumatics circuits
Practical Task 1
Title: Operating a pneumatic press direct control circuit
Objectives: Upon the completion of this task, the student should
1- Explain and use the AND connection practically to ensure a safe operation.
2- Explain and use the OR connection practically.
3- Explain the direct (without using relays) control circuit with AND/OR.
Problem description:
The pneumatic press that is shown in the Figure has to be operated by two switches at
the same time in order to protect the operator hands from any possible injury during
the press operation. The press will be released automatically by a limit switch.
However, another switch has to be provided to release the press in case of the limit
switch malfunction.
Required components:
1- Double acting cylinder
2- 5/2 Directional control valve, double solenoid
3- Power supply
4- Switch blocks
 Electro pneumatics circuits
Required procedures:
1. Draw the elector-pneumatic circuit using the
2. 2. The speed of the forward and backward stroke of the cylinder rod is adjustable
3. Test the circuit functions against any errors or mistakes.
4. Construct the circuit on the workstation
5. Write down your notes and observations.
 Electro pneumatics circuits
Solution:
 Electro pneumatics circuits
Practical Task 2
Title: Operating a pneumatic press indirect control circuit

Objectives:
Upon the completion of this task, the student should
1- Explain and use the AND connection practically to ensure a safe operation.
2- Explain and use the OR connection practically.
3- Explain the indirect (using electric relays) control circuit with AND/OR.
Problem description:
The problem description for this task is the same as for the above task (task 1)

Required components:
1- Double acting cylinder
2- 5/2 Directional control valve, double solenoid
3- Power supply
4- Switch blocks
5- Relay blocks
 Electro pneumatics circuits
Required procedures:
1- Draw the elector-pneumatic circuit
2- Test the circuit functions against any errors or mistakes.
3- Construct the circuit on the workstation
4- Write down your notes and observations.
 Electro pneumatics circuits
Solution:
 Electro pneumatics circuits
Latching Circuits
Definition of latching: It is a process where the relay contacts remain on without keeping
the relay coil energized. In other words, it is required sometimes to keep the circuit
powered for a certain function even though a pushbutton switch is released to the open
position. Fig. 3.4 illustrates the concept of latching before activating the switch S1 and
Figure below after activating switch S1.

Before Latching After Latching

❑ Self-latching will enable the automation system to run in automatic mode after the START
button is pressed and the system repeats until STOP button is pressed.
❑ The advantage of having self-latching in the system is that it can be used as power switching
and emergency button.
 Electro pneumatics circuits
Way of operation:
When the “ON” pushbutton switch is actuated as shown in Fig.3.5.a, the relay coil is energized and
thus the contact K1 closes. Even after the “ON” pushbutton switch is released the electric current
continues to flow via contact K1 through the coil, and the relay remains in the actuated position. The
“on” signal is stored. When the OFF pushbutton is pressed the current flow is interrupted and the relay
becomes de-energized.

Types of latching:
Dominant ON:
In Fig.3.5.a, if the “ON” and “OFF” pushbuttons are both
pressed at the same time, the relay coil is energized. That’s
why the circuit in Fig. a is called a dominant ON latching
circuit.
(a): Dominant ON

Dominant OFF:
In Fig.3.5.b, If both pushbuttons are pressed simultaneously: the
relay coil is not energized. That’s why the circuit in Fig. b is
called a dominant OFF latching circuit.

(b): Dominant OFF

 Electro pneumatics circuits
Practical task 3
Title: Latching circuit
Objectives:
Upon the competition of this task, the student should be able to control an electro-pneumatic
system by using an electrical latching circuit.
Problem description:
Parts are to be pushed away from a multi-track gravity feed magazine into a clamping device as
shown below in Fig.3.6. By pressing a pushbutton switch the parts are pushed out of the multi-track
gravity feed magazine by a slide. After the slide has reached the forward end position it has to return
to its start position.
Hint: A relay with latching function is to be used for signal storage.

Required components:
1- Double acting cylinder
2- 5/2 DCV, single solenoid
3- Power supply
4- Switches block
5- Relay block
6- Limit switch
 Electro pneumatics circuits
Required procedures:
1- Draw the electro-pneumatic circuit
2- Test the circuit functions against any errors or mistakes.
3- Construct the circuit on the workstation
4- Write down your notes and observations.
 Electro pneumatics circuits
Solution:
 Electro pneumatics circuits
Automatic return of a double acting cylinder (spring return)

(Automatic return of double acting cylinders using single solenoid)

 Electro pneumatics circuits
Direct control of automatic return of a double acting cylinder ( double solenoid)

(Automatic return of double acting cylinder using double solenoid)

 Electro pneumatics circuits
Indirect control of automatic return of a double acting cylinder ( double solenoid)

Indirect Automatic return of double acting cylinder using double solenoid

 Electro pneumatics circuits
Automatic return of a double acting cylinder (using proximity switch)

Automatic return of double acting cylinder using proximity switch

 Electro pneumatics circuits
Oscillating motion of a double acting cylinder (Forward )

Oscillating motion of double acting cylinder (forward motion)

 Electro pneumatics circuits
Oscillating motion of a double acting cylinder (Return )

Oscillating motion of double acting cylinder (return motion)

END