MECH610/PNEUMATICS & ELECTRO-PNEUMATICS

Module 4 (LAB) – Development of Pneumatic Circuits using

Non-Return Valves and Flow-Control Valves

Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this module, students are expected to:
C4. Use pneumatic and/or electro-pneumatic hardware and software to develop
complex mechatronic circuitry.
C5. Conduct simulations, analyze system output and formulate conclusions using
pneumatic and/or electro-pneumatic core theories and principles.
C7. Communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
C8. Lead multiple groups and projects with decision making responsibilities.

Specifically,
 Dual-pressure Valve and the logic AND function
 Shuttle Valve and the logic OR function
 Flow-Control Valves

Practical Applications
(Sample Problems taken from: P. Croser and F. Ebel, Pneumatics (FESTO), 2002)

Problem on AND Valve

The piston rod of a double-acting cylinder is to extend when the cylinder is retracted
confirmed with the 3/2-way roller valve and a push button is pressed. If both or one of
the inputs are released, then the cylinder is return to the initial position.
Equivalent Control Circuit:

Figure 1

2
Problem on OR Valve
A double-acting cylinder is to advance if one of two push buttons is operated. If the push
button is released, the cylinder is to retract.

Equivalent Control Circuit:

Figure 2

3
Considering the above pneumatic circuit, a roller lever valves should be installed to
confirm that the cylinder is in extended position before the cylinder will retract.

Figure 3

If the cycle is to be repeated, installing 1S4 to ensure that the cylinder has reached it
retracted position is required. To add 1S4 in the circuit and additional AND valve must
be connected to pilot port 14. Also, having this connection will allow the cylinder to
retract even 1S1 and 1S2 are actuated.

Figure 4

4
Laboratory Exercise: Complete the task in the problems given below
(Sample Problems taken from: Introduction to Pneumatics from FESTO Didactic)

Isolating of boxes
Boxes (or certain production parts) are moved by a double acting cylinder away from a
gravity-feed magazine towards an assembly device. A push button or a pedal switch is
to be incorporated in the circuit for the cylinder to move out. The return stroke is
actuated by the cylinder rod after it reaches the end of the forward stroke. Draw the
circuit diagram and designate the valves and indicate the numbering system for the
connections (ports).

Positional Sketch:

Figure 5

Sliding Gate
A gate is to be controlled pneumatically. The gate is to be opened or closed by means
of four (4) push buttons “Open” and “Close” two being inside and two outside. Opening
And closing should be slow and separately adjustable. Cylinder diameter 150 mm and
stroke 500 mm. Draw the circuit diagram and designate the valves and indicate the
numbering system for the connections (ports).

5
Positional Sketch:

Figure 6
Toggle lever clamp
The clamping of a work piece is to be controlled by either of two Push buttons. A further
push button is to control declamping.

Additional conditions:
a) clamping is only possible when a work piece is present
b) the clamping speed is to be slow and adjustable
c) declamping is to be very fast
d) Cylinder position should be monitored

Positional Sketch:

6
 Figure 7

References and Supplementary Materials:

D. Waller and H. Werner, Pneumatics Workbook Basic Level. 2002
P. Croser and F. Ebel, Pneumatics (FESTO). 2002

Online Supplementary Reading Materials:

http://www.lagos.udg.mx/sites/default/files/adjuntos/cuadernoneumaticaeng.pdf
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/326701415_DEVELOPMENT_OF_PNEUMAT
IC_CONTROL_SYSTEMS
http://www.t4.ie/Professional_Development/RD9_Technology/Pneumatics/RD9%20Pne
umatics.pdf

Online Instructional Videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAvOQh43Erohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T
n3bsiQx1Ug