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Aircraft Pneumatic Systems
Aircraft Pneumatic Systems
SYSTEMS
• It employs air instead of a liquid for transmitting
power.
Pneumatic systems are sometimes used for:
• Brakes
• Opening and closing doors
• Driving hydraulic pumps, alternators,
starters, water injection pumps, etc.
• Operating emergency devices
• Both pneumatic and hydraulic systems are similar
units and use confined fluids.
• Liquids are practically incompressible; a quart
of water still occupies about a quart of space
regardless of how hard it is compressed.
• Gases are highly compressible
Pneumatic System Components
• do not utilize reservoirs, hand pumps,
accumulators, regulators, or engine-driven or
electrically driven power pumps for building
normal pressure.
• But similarities do exist in some components.
Air Compressors
On some aircraft, permanently installed air compressors
have been added to recharge air bottles whenever pressure is
used for operating a unit.
Relief Valves
Relief valves are used in pneumatic systems to prevent
damage. They act as pressure limiting units and prevent
excessive pressures from bursting lines and blowing out seals.
Control Valves
Control valves are also a necessary part of a typical
pneumatic system.
Check Valves
Check valves are used in both hydraulic and pneumatic
systems.
Restrictors
Restrictors are a type of control valve used in pneumatic
systems. The small outlet port reduces the rate of airflow and
the speed of operation of an actuating unit.
Filters
Pneumatic systems are protected against dirt by means
of various types of filters.
1. Micronic filter
2. Screen-type filter
Desiccant/Moisture Separator
The moisture separator in a pneumatic system is always
located downstream of the compressor. Its purpose is to
remove any moisture caused by the compressor.
– A complete moisture separator consists of a reservoir, a
pressure switch, a dump valve, and a check valve.
Chemical Drier
Chemical driers are incorporated at various locations in a
pneumatic system. Their purpose is to absorb any moisture
that may collect in the lines and other parts of the system.
Each drier contains a cartridge that should be blue in color.
Types of Typical air pressure
system