Pneumatics

Pneumatik
Dr. M. Sabri, MT. IPM. ASEAN. Eng.
Pneumatic Power
Pneumatics
The use of a gas flowing under pressure
to transmit power from one location to
another
Gas in a pneumatic system behaves like
a spring since it is compressible.
Pneumatics vs. Hydraulics
Pneumatic Systems . . .
Use a compressible gas
Possess a quicker, jumpier motion
Are not as precise
Require a lubricant
Are generally cleaner
Often operate at pressures around 100 psi
Generally produce less power
Early Pneumatic Uses

Bellows
Tool used by
blacksmiths and
smelters for
working iron and
other metals
Early Pneumatic Uses

Otto von Guericke

• Showed that a
vacuum can be
created
• Created hemispheres
held together by
atmospheric pressure
Early Pneumatic Uses
America’s First Subway
• Designed by Alfred Beach
• Built in New York City
• Completed in 1870
• 312 feet long, 8 feet in
diameter
• Closed in 1873
Properties of Gases
Gases are affected by 3 variables
– Temperature (T)
– Pressure (p)
– Volume (V)
Gases have no definite volume
Gases are highly compressible
Gases are lighter than liquids
Properties of Gases
Absolute Pressure
Gauge Pressure: Pressure on a gauge
does not account for atmospheric pressure
on all sides of the system
Absolute Pressure: Atmospheric pressure
plus gauge pressure

Gauge Pressure + Atmospheric Pressure = Absolute Pressure

Properties of Gases
Absolute Pressure
Pressure (p) is measured in pounds per square inch
(lb/in.2 or psi)
Standard atmospheric pressure equals 14.7 lb/in. 2

If a gauge reads 120.0 psi, what is the absolute

pressure?

120.0 lb/in.2 + 14.7 lb/in.2 = 134.7 lb/in.2

Properties of Gases
Absolute Temperature
0°F does not represent a true 0°
Absolute Zero = -460.°F
Absolute Temperature is measured in degrees
Rankine (°R)
°R = °F + 460.

If the temperature of the air in a system is 65 °F,

what is the absolute temperature?

Answer:
65 °F + 460. = 525 °R
Basic principles
 Pressure Measurement
Measured Pressure

Gauge Pressure
Absolute Pressure

Atmospheric Pressure
Vacuum
Complete Vacuum
 Pressure Measurement
1 Bar = 100Kpa = 100KNm-2 = 14.5 PSI
F (Force, Newtons)
F
P =
A

A (Area, metres squared)

P (Pressure, Nm-2 )
 Compression
The pressure inside a closed cylinder will increase as
the volume decreases.
Properties of Gases
Gases are affected by 3 variables
– Temperature (T)
– Pressure (p)
– Volume (V)
Gases have no definite volume
Gases are highly compressible
Gases are lighter than liquids
Properties of Gases
Absolute Pressure
Gauge Pressure: Pressure on a gauge
does not account for atmospheric pressure
on all sides of the system
Absolute Pressure: Atmospheric pressure
plus gauge pressure

Gauge Pressure + Atmospheric Pressure = Absolute Pressure

Properties of Gases
Absolute Pressure
Pressure (p) is measured in pounds per square inch
(lb/in.2 or psi)
Standard atmospheric pressure equals 14.7 lb/in. 2

If a gauge reads 120.0 psi, what is the absolute

pressure?

120.0 lb/in.2 + 14.7 lb/in.2 = 134.7 lb/in.2

Properties of Gases
Absolute Temperature
0°F does not represent a true 0°
Absolute Zero = -460.°F
Absolute Temperature is measured in degrees
Rankine (°R)
°R = °F + 460.

If the temperature of the air in a system is 65 °F,

what is the absolute temperature?

Answer:
65 °F + 460. = 525 °R
Pascal’s Law
Pressure exerted by a confined fluid acts undiminished
equally in all directions.

Pressure: The force per unit area exerted by a fluid

against a surface

Symbol Definition Example Unit

F
p p Pressure lb/in.2

A F Force lb

A Area in.2
Pascal’s Law Example
How much pressure can be
produced with a 3 in.
diameter (d) cylinder and 50
lb of force? d = 3 in. p=?
F = 50 lb A=?

Formula A  r2 F
Formula p
A
Sub/Solve A  ( 1.52 )
50 lb
Sub/Solve p 2
Final A  7.1in.2
7.1in.
lb
Final p  7.0 2
in.
Perfect Gas Laws
The perfect gas laws describe the behavior
of pneumatic systems

Boyle’s Law

Charles’ Law

Gay-Lussac’s Law
Boyle’s Law
The volume of a gas at
constant temperature
varies inversely with the
pressure exerted on it.

p1 (V1) = p2 (V2)
NASA

Symbol Definition Example Unit

V Volume in.3
Boyle’s Law Example
A cylinder is filled with 40. in.3 of air at a pressure of 60. psi.
The cylinder is compressed to 10. in.3. What is the resulting
absolute pressure?
p1 = 60. lb/in.2 V1 = 40. in.3
p2 = ? V2 = 10. in.3
Convert p1 to absolute pressure.
p1 = 60. lb/in.2 + 14.7 lb/in.2 = 74.7 lb/in.2

Formula p(1 V1 )  p2( V2 )

lb
Sub / Solve 74.7 2
( 40.in.3
)  p(
2
10.in.3
)
in.
2988 in.  lb
32
 p2
10.in.
lb
Final p2  3.0  102
in2
Charles’ Law
Volume of gas
increases or decreases
as the temperature
increases or decreases,
provided the amount of
gas and pressure
remain constant. NASA

V1 V2 Note: T1 and T2 refer to

 absolute temperature.
T1 T2
Charles' Law Example
An expandable container is
filled with 28 in.3 of air and
is sitting in ice water that is
32°F. The container is
removed from the icy water
and is heated to 200.°F.
What is the resulting
volume?
V1 = 28in.3
V2 = ?
T1 = 32°F
T2 = 200.°F

Convert T to absolute temperature.

T1 = 32°F + 460.°F =492°R
T2 = 200.°F + 460.°F =660°R
Charles' Law Example
An expandable container
is filled with 28 in.3 of air
and is sitting in ice water V1 V2
Formula 
that is 32°F. The container T1 T2
is removed from the icy
3
water and is heated to 28 in. V2
Sub / Solve 
200°F. What is the 492R 660.R
resulting volume? 18480 in3
R
V 2
V1 = 28in.3 492 R
V2 = ?
T1 = 32°F
T2 = 200.°F Final V2  38 in.3
Convert T to absolute temperature
T1 = 32°F + 460.°F = 492°R
T = 200°F + 460.°F = 660°R
Gay-Lussac’s Law
Absolute pressure of a gas
increases or decreases as
the temperature increases
or decreases, provided the
amount of gas and the
volume remain constant.

p1 p2

T1 T2
Note: T1 and T2 refer to absolute
temperature.
p1 and p2 refer to absolute
pressure.
Gay-Lussac’s Law Example
A 300. in.3 sealed air tank is sitting outside. In the morning the
temperature inside the tank is 62°F, and the pressure gauge reads 120.
lb/in.2. By afternoon the temperature inside the tank is expected to be
close to 90.°F. What will the absolute pressure be at that point?

V = 300. in.3 T1 = 62°F p1 p2

Formula 
p1 = 120. lb/in.2 T2 = 90.°F T1 T2
p2 = ? 134.7lb / in.2 p2
Sub / Solve 
522R 550.R
Convert p to absolute pressure.
74085 lb / in2
R
p1= 120. lb/in. + 14.7 lb/in.
2 2
 p2
= 134.7 lb/in.2 522 R

Final p2  140 lb / in.2

Convert T to absolute temperature.
T1 = 62°F + 460.°F = 522°R
Gay-Lussac’s Law Example
A 300 in.3 sealed air tank is sitting outside. In the morning the
temperature inside the tank is 62°F, and the pressure gauge reads 120
lb/in2. By afternoon the temperature inside the tank is expected to be
closer to 90°F. What will the absolute pressure be at that point?

Final p2  141.9 lb / in.2

If the absolute pressure is 141.9 lb/in.2, what is

the pressure reading at the gauge?
141.9 lb/in.2 – 14.7 lb/in.2 = 127.2 lb/in.2
= 130 lb/in.2
 Gas Law’s
For a constant temperature, the volume and pressure
relationship will obey the law:

Pressure x Volume = Constant

(Boyle’s Law).
This means if volume halves, pressure will double.
If volume decreases by a factor of five, pressure will increase
by a factor of five etc.
Pressure Properties of Air

V1 P1
V2 P2

Pressure x Volume = Constant

P1 V1 = P2 V2

P 1 V1
P2=
V2
 Flow Properties of Air
When air flows through a The resulting output
restriction or orifice, there is a pressure is less than
drop in pressure. the input pressure.

When there is no air flow the

pressure is the same
regardless of the shape of the
vessel. This is Pascal’s Law.

P
Compressed Air Production
Drucklufterzeugung
 The Compressor
Kolbenverdichter
The compressor uses the gas compression principle to produce
high pressure air for pneumatic systems. There are many types
of compressor. A common compressor is the piston type shown
below.
 The Receiver
Speicher Kessel
The receiver collects and stores the air from the compressor.
 Air Dryer
Lufttrocknung
The compression process produces a lot of water which is
forced out of the compressed air. The water must be removed
using a dryer.
 Air Distribution
The pipework from the compressor is run downhill. This also
helps to drain water from the system.
The Distribution system
Pneumatic Valves
Pneumatik Ventile
 Pneumatic Circuits
 Pneumatic devices are used for machine
control.
 Actuating devices can be linear or rotary.
 Valves can:

Condition

Regulate

Restrict

Direct

Decide
 A Pneumatic Circuit
The circuit extends both cylinders in a sequence when the two push button
switches are pressed together. The cylinders will stop when the stop push
button alone is pressed.
 Components
 The previous circuit contains a filter
regulator lubricator unit (air delivery) which
is connected to the mains air supply from the
compressor.
 Logic valves decide when the operation
begins.
 Control valves direct the air.
 Restrictors control the speed of the cylinders.
 Symbols and Components

The following slides show some common

pneumatic devices and their symbols as used
on engineering drawings.
2/2 Way Directional Control Valve
2/2 Wegeventil
The circuit symbol describes the operation of the
valve.
 Symbol Operation
To see how the symbol works, consider the animation
below.
Air is initially blocked from passing through the valve.

Air Out
Air Blocked
Device Activated

AirInIn
Air
Air is now allowed through the valve to the output.
3/2 Directional Control Valve Normally
Closed
3/2 Wegeventil Sperr Ruhestellung

A 3/2 valve allows exhaust air to vent to atmosphere

in the ‘off’ position.
3/2 Directional Control Valve Normally
Open
3/2 Wegeventil Durchflu Ruhestellung
 5/2 Directional Control Valve
3/2 Wegeventil
A five port valve switches the two output ports from
exhaust/pressure to pressure/exhaust.
 Inside the 5/2 Valve
In this position,
pressure is
allowed from P
to B. Exhaust
from A to S.

In this position,
pressure is
allowed from P
to A. Exhaust
from B to R.
 Spool Operation
This animation shows the spool (schieber) operating when
each pilot is operated.
 Cylinder
Also known as a linear actuator. This is the component
that provides the movement to achieve the machine
operation.
Cushion Operation
 5/2 Valve Operation
The animation shows the operation of a 5/2 DCV when
connected to a differential cylinder.

Device Activated

When
In thisthe device pressure
position, is activated, pressure to
is connected is switched to the
the front of the
back of the cylinder which now extends. Note that in both
cylinder.
positions, air must be able to escape via the exhaust ports.
 Two Pressure Valve (AND)
Zweidruck Ventil
An output is achieved when input 1 AND input 2 are
activated.
Output

Input 1 Input 2
 Shuttle Valve (OR)
Wechselventil
An output is achieved when input 1 OR input 2 are
activated.
Output

Input 1 Input 2
 Pressure Regulator With Relief Port
Druckregelventil mit Druckentlastung
The output pressure is regulated by the spring pressure.
 Inside the Regulator

Input pressure is Output pressure acts on

allowed through the diaphragm against
the normally open the spring.
valve.

When the output

pressure is greater
than the spring force
the valve closes.
The Regulator in Action
 Filter
Druckluftfilter
The filter is used to remove small particles from the air. If the
particles are left in the air they will cause the pneumatic
components to stick.
 Inside the Filter
Air must pass
through the filter in Output air is cleaner
order to get to the and drier.
outlet.

Water in the air is

allowed to fall into the
water bowl. The bowl
must be drained
regularly.
 Lubricator
Druckluftoler
The lubricator puts a mist of oil into the air. This lubricates the
internal components of the pneumatic valves.
 Inside the Lubricator
Oil is drawn from the bowl
due to the pressure drop

Air flows through the

orifice causing a drop in
pressure.
 Restrictions
Drossel Blende
Restrictions are used to control the air flow to pneumatic
devices. The speed of the pneumatic devices will therefore
be controlled.
 Non Return Valves
Ruckschlagventil
Check valves are used to allow air in one direction only.
 Flow Control With Check Valve
Drossel Ruckschlagventil
By combining the restrictor and check valve, the air is
restricted in one direction only.
 Inside the Restrictor and Check
Valve

Air in this direction

closes the check
valve and is forced
through the
restriction.

Air in this
direction opens
the check valve.
The restriction is
now bypassed.
 Valve Actuators
Many valves are actuated by some mechanical or electrical
method. Below are some common actuation symbols.
Push Button Hand Lever

Pilot Solenoid (Elektromagnete)

Pilot Or Solenoid Pilot And Solenoid

 Pilot/Spring operation on a 5/2
Valve
Before the button is pressed, the spring holds the
valve spool in the spring position.

When the button is pressed, the button force overcomes the

spring force and the valve switches position.
Simple Circuit Operation
The Complete System
Common Pneumatic System
Components
Transmission
Lines
Regulator
Filter
Drain Directional
Control
Receiver Valve
Tank

Cylinder
Pressure Compressor
Relief Valve
National Fluid Power Association & Fluid Power Distributors Association
Compressor Types

Compair

Reciprocating Piston Compressor

Compressor Types

Compair

Rotary Screw Compressor

Compressor Types

Compair

Rotary Vane
Future Pneumatic Possibilities
What possibilities may be on the horizon for pneumatic
power?
Could it be human transport?

zapatopi.net
Image Resources
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March 5, 2008, from http://www.compair.com/About_Us/Compressed_Air Explained--
03The_three_types_of_compressors.aspx
Johnson, J.L. (2002). Introduction to fluid power. United States: Thomson Learning, Inc.

Microsoft, Inc. (2008). Clip Art. Retrieved January 10, 2008, from
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/clipart/default.aspx

National Aeronautics and Space Administration. (2008). Boyle’s law. Retrieved February
3, 2008, from http://www.grc.nasa.gov/

National Fluid Power Association. (2008). What is fluid power. Retrieved February 15,
2008, from http://www.nfpa.com/OurIndustry/OurInd_AboutFP WhatIsFluidPower.asp

National Fluid Power Association & Fluid Power Distributors Association. (n.d.). Fluid
power: The active partner in motion control technology. [Brochure]. Milwaukee, WI:
Author.

Zapato, L. (n.d.) The inteli-tube pneumatic transportation system. Retrieved February 29,
2008, from http://zapatopi.net/inteli-tube/