Lab 5 – Introduction to Electropneumatics

ROB8220 Industrial Pneumatics

Name:___________________________

Date:____________________________

Sign-Off:__________________________

OBJECTIVES OF THE LAB

• To familiarize yourself with the design and mode of operation of a single and a
double-acting cylinder.
• To familiarize yourself with the design and mode of operation of a 3/2-way solenoid
valve.
• To familiarize yourself with the design and mode of operation of a 5/2-way solenoid valve.
• To be able to identify and draw various types of actuation of directional control
valves.
• To be able to explain and design an example of direct actuation.

MATERIALS NEEDED
1 single acting cylinder
1 double acting cycling
1 5/2 solenoid valve, normally closed
2 flow control valves
1 manifold
1 push button, normally open

PROJECT TASK
1. Answer the questions and carry out the exercises regarding the fundamentals of the
training contents listed.
2. Draw the pneumatic and electrical circuit diagram.
3. Simulate the electropneumatic circuit diagram and check its correct functioning.
4. Compile an equipment list.
5. Carry out the pneumatic and electrical circuit assembly.
6. Check the circuit operation.
Lab 5 Intro to Electropneumatics ROB8220

PART A:
PROBLEM DEFINITION
Use the power supply and an electrical switch to turn on a light.
1. The pressing of a pushbutton will cause the pushbutton to light up.
2. Create the circuit shown in the schematic below.

PART B:
PROBLEM DEFINITION
A sorting device is to be used to sort water samples according to the size of the sample bottle.
Design a control system whereby this process can be carried out.
1. Pressing of a pushbutton causes the piston rod of a single-acting cylinder to push the
sample bottle off the conveyor.
2. When the pushbutton is released, the piston rod is to return into the retracted end
position.
ADDITIONAL PARAMETERS
• A single-acting cylinder is to be used.
• The control of the cylinder is to be effected by means of a pushbutton.
• The cylinder should extend with control.
• In the event of a power failure the cylinder piston rod is to return into the retracted end
position.
Lab 5 Intro to Electropneumatics ROB8220

Complete the individual symbols with the help of the corresponding component descriptions.
Include the label for each port.
Description Symbol
Directly actuated 3/2-way solenoid valve, normally
open, with manual override, spring return

Pilot actuated 3/2-way solenoid valve, normally

closed, with manual override, spring return

Describe the design and function of the switches shown.

Switch 1: ___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Switch 2: ___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Lab 5 Intro to Electropneumatics ROB8220

In the event of a power failure which valve will allow the cylinder to return to the retracted end
position?
Spring return valve or double solenoid valve
Expain:________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

In order to prevent incorrect tubing of directional control valves, valve ports (working and pilot
lines) are identified to ISO 5599 1, both on the valve and in the circuit diagram. Describe the
meaning or function of the designations below.

12

Selecting solenoid valves:

Valves are selected according to the following criteria:
• Application requirements
• Required behaviour during a power failure
• Overall costs

If the following valves were available for selection for the actuation of the single acting cylinder,
which one would you choose and why?

• 3/2 pilot actuated, spring return solenoid valve

• 5/2 pilot actuated, spring return solenoid valve

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________
Lab 5 Intro to Electropneumatics ROB8220

How would you modify a 5/2 valve so that it can be used with a single acting cylinder?

CIRCUIT DIAGRAM
Design the pneumatic and electrical circuit diagrams for the sorting device.
Pneumatic: Electrical:
Lab 5 Intro to Electropneumatics ROB8220

PROCESS DESCRIPTION:
Describe the process, include the initial position of the cylinder and each step.

PART C:
PROBLEM DEFINITION
In a water treatment system numerous pipes need to be opened or and closed by means of
shut-off devices. A test setup is to be used to find a possible means of actuating the shut-off
valve.
1. Pressing of a pushbutton is to cause the valve to open the slide
2. Releasing of the pushbutton is to cause the slide to close.
ADDITIONAL PARAMETERS
• A double-acting cylinder is to be used.
• The cylinder control is to be effected by means of a pushbutton.
• In the event of power failure the cylinder piston rod is to return into the retracted
end position.
Lab 5 Intro to Electropneumatics ROB8220

Describe the mode of operation of the directional control valve shown:

Name: ________________________________________________

Mode of operation:
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

Depending on the installation and ambient conditions, electrical equipment is protected by

means of a housing or cover. The required protection class against dust, humidity and foreign
objects is to be identified.
Lab 5 Intro to Electropneumatics ROB8220

The classification IP 65 is shown on a valve

• Describe the meaning of this classification.
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

CIRCUIT DIAGRAM
Design the pneumatic and electrical circuit diagrams for the shut-off device.

PROCESS DESCRIPTION:
Describe the process, include the initial position of the cylinder and each step.
Lab 5 Intro to Electropneumatics ROB8220