ADVANCED PNEUMATICS
Low-pressure pneumatics: use of
Pneumatics - transforming the energy of
compressed air or gas
Advanced pneumatics - application of
pneumatic systems in more complex and
sophisticated industrial processes
Definitions of Terms
1. Actuator: converts the energy of
compressed air into mechanical motion.
2. Control valve: regulates the flow of
compressed air into and out of an
actuator
3. Directional control valve: determines
the direction of airflow to an actuator
4. Flow rate: amount of compressed air
that flows through a valve
5. Pressure regulator: maintains a
constant pressure in a pneumatic
system
6. Solenoid valve: uses an electric current
to control the flow of compressed air.
7. Pneumatic circuit: system of
interconnected pneumatic components
that work together
8. Pressure gauge: measures the pressure
of compressed air
9. Compressed air: Air that is compressed
to a higher pressure than the
surrounding atmosphere
10. Pneumatic system: uses compressed air
to perform mechanical tasks
Principles of Advanced Pneumatic
1. Pressure: The pressure of compressed
air is controlled using pressure
regulators
2. Flow control: is controlled using flow
control valves
3. Actuators: convert the pressure of
compressed air into mechanical work
4. Sensors: to monitor and control the
system's operation
5. Control systems: to manage and
control the operation of the system
6. Maintenance: To ensure optimal
operation and reliability
Classifications of Advanced Pneumatics
1. High-pressure pneumatics: use of
compressed air or gas at high pressures,
typically above 100 psi
2.
compressed air or gas at low pressures,
typically below 15 psi.
3. Cleanroom pneumatics: use of
specialized components and materials
to maintain a clean environment
4. Hazardous environment pneumatics:
use of specialized components and
materials to prevent explosions or other
hazards in environments
5. Medical pneumatics: use of
compressed air or gas in medical
applications
6. Robotics pneumatics: use of
pneumatics in robotics systems to
create motion and force
7. Aerospace Pneumatics: use of
pneumatics in aerospace applications
Types of Advanced Pneumatics
1. Proportional pneumatic systems: use
proportional valves and controllers
2. Vacuum pneumatic systems: use
negative pressure to generate force
3. Soft pneumatic actuators: flexible,
inflatable structures
4. Intelligent pneumatic systems: use
sensors and feedback control to
optimize performance
5. Electro-pneumatic systems: use
electronic controllers to control
pneumatic actuators
6. Pneumatic artificial muscles: inflatable
tubes that can contract and expand like
human muscles
Applications of Advanced Pneumatics
In terms of Industrial setting:
1. Automation and Robotics
2. Power Tools
3. Material Handling
4. Packaging and Labeling
5. Assembly
6. Machine Tools
7. Presses and Stamping Machines
In terms of Commercial setting:
1. Manufacturing
2. Food and Beverage Industry
3. Transportation
4. Construction
5. Medical Industry
6. Robotics
Design of advanced pneumatics
PNEUMATICS CYLINDER
1. Pull load - a tension load and tends to
pull the rod apart
2. Push load - called a compression or
thrust load and tends to press the rod
together
Cylinder Movements Opposing Forces
1. Load – the load includes not only what
needs to be moved but also the rod and
piston weight
3. Flange- are available with the flange at
either end of the cylinder
4. Clevis- used in applications where the
cylinder body must rotate
5. Trunnion- like the clevis, it is used in
applications where the cylinder body must
rotate
Quick Exhaust Valve Function
increases exhaust flow to atmosphere in order
to minimize the effects of decaying exhaust
pressure
The quick exhaust valve has three ports:

a. Pressure (P)
b. Cylinder (C)
c. Exhaust (E)

2. Seal Friction- rod’s movement in both

directions is opposed by the friction of the
piston seals and rod seals.

3. Exhaust Pressure- decaying air pressure on

the opposite side of the piston opposes the
driving force

An application of a 3-way Valve Using Double-

4. Acceleration -when a cylinder starts its Acting Cylinder
stroke, it must accelerate up to full speed - can be used to operate a double-acting
Pneumatic Cylinder Operation Load Factors cylinder at high speed
- works especially well when there Is a little
1. Positioning - Precise positioning of air or no load during the return stroke
cylinders can only be done with mechanical
stops Lift Table Description:
2. Deceleration - sometimes, only external
shock absorbers will provide safe
deceleration
3. Lubrication - Lubrication is necessary to
protect and maintain the seal

Cylinder mounting styles

1. Flush - used where mounting space is

limited
2. Foot - are popular because they are easily PNEUMATICS MOTOR
attached to flat surfaces
Tachometer Types:
A. Handheld Mechanical Tachometer - works
much the same as a car speedometer
B. Photo Tachometer- uses a beam of light
pointed at a place of reflective tape
Pneumatic Motor Torque Description
defined as the amount of turning force
generated at the motor shaft by the air
pressure that is applied to the pneumatic
motor.
Mechanical Efficiency
The actual torque an Air motor operates is
affected by the speed at which its shaft turns
because of friction between the internal
component
- This friction is described by the mechanical
efficiency
There are four types of torque specifications:
1. Starting Torque of the Motor - amount of
torque a motor will generate when it begins
turning
2. Running Torque of the Motor- the amount
of torque the motor generates at a given
speed.
3. Breakaway Torque of the Load - amount of
torque needed to move the load
4. Running Torque of the Load - load is the
amount of torque needed to turn the load
Calibration of Advanced Pneumatic
process of adjusting and verifying the accuracy
of the various components and instruments
• Manual Calibration- adjusting the system's
pressure using a pressure gauge and a
manual valve
• Automated Calibration - involves using a
programmable logic controller (PLC)
• Computer-Based Calibration- involves using
a computer to adjust
Tools Required for Manual Calibration
• Pressure gauge – measures the
pressure
• Manual valve – adjust the pressure
• Wrenches – loosen or tighten fittings
• Gloves – protect the technician’s hands
Safety Considerations
1. Ensure that the system is turned off and
depressurized before beginning calibration.
2. Wear safety glasses and gloves
3. Do not exceed the maximum pressure
rating of the system.
4. Ensure that all fittings and connections are
secure before pressurizing the system.
5. Monitor the pressure gauge and valve
carefully during calibration to prevent over-
pressurization of the system
Tools Required for Automated Calibration
• Pressure transducer - converts the pressure
into an electrical signal
• Controller- receives the electrical signal
• Actuator- moves a valve to adjust the
pressure
Safety Considerations
1. Ensure that the system is turned off and
depressurized before beginning calibration.
2. Ensure that all fittings and connections are
secure before starting the calibration
process.
3. Verify the accuracy of the pressure
transducer and controller before use.
4. Monitor the calibration process carefully to
prevent any potential hazards.
Tools Required for Computer-Based Calibration
• Pressure transducer- converts the pressure
into an electrical signal
• Data acquisition system- collects, analyzes,
and records data
• Calibration software- uses the data
acquired by the data acquisition system
Safety Considerations
1. Ensure that the system is turned off and
depressurized before beginning calibration.
2. Ensure that all fittings and connections are
secure before starting the calibration
process.
3. Verify the accuracy of the pressure
transducer and data acquisition system
before use.
4. Monitor the calibration process carefully to
prevent any potential hazards.
General steps for calibrating an advanced
pneumatics system
1) Determine the calibration range
2) Prepare the equipment
3) Adjust the calibration
4) Verify the calibration
5) Document the calibration 6. Turn off the air compression
6) Perform regular maintenance
Maintenance of Advanced Pneumatic
Some of the key components and instruments
1. INSPECTION
that may require calibration in advanced
2. CLEANING
pneumatics include:
3. LUBRICATION
• Pressure regulators – control the pressure 4. REPLACEMENT OF COMPONENTS
• Pressure sensors – send feedback 5. CALIBRATION
• Flow meters -measure the flow rate 6. RECORD KEEPING
• Control valves – regulate the flow
• Actuators – convert compressed air into
mechanical

Operation of advanced Pneumatic System

1. Air compression: foundation of pneumatics,

take in air and compress it
2. Actuation: convert the energy from
compressed air into mechanical motion

There are several types of pneumatic actuators

• Cylinders: most common type of

actuator
• Rotary actuators: to provide rotary
motion
• Grippers: are used to hold or release
objects
• Control: used to regulate the flow of
compressed air
• Sensing: used to detect changes
• Instrumentation: use of air pressure or
gas flow to measure

Some examples of advanced pneumatics

instrumentation include:

• Pressure regulators - used to regulate

the pressure of compressed air
• Flow control valves- used to control the
rate of flow of compressed air or gas
• Position sensors - used to detect the
position of pneumatic actuators
• Pneumatic controllers - used to
monitor and control the operation of
pneumatic systems
• Pneumatic actuators- convert the
energy of compressed air or gas into
mechanical motion

Operating an Advanced Pneumatic system

1. Inspecting the entire system

2. Check the air compressor
3. Turn on the treatment units
4. Check the pneumatic actuators
5. Turn on the control system