A pneumatic system is made up of the combination of many components: producing compressed air, removing its moisture, storing it, transporting it, conditioning it (filtering, pressure regulation, and lubrication), controlling its direction and flow, and finally using the air. Depending on requirements and conditions, the number, quantity, and type of these components can vary.
Components of a Pneumatic System
Compressors
Machines that produce compressed air by compressing ambient air are called compressors. Depending on the way they draw in air and the design of their components, the types of compressors are: Piston, Screw, Rotary, and Turbo compressors.
For compressors to operate efficiently, care should be taken to ensure the intake air is clean, dry, and cool.
Air Receivers
These are pressure vessels used to store pneumatic energy. They prevent the compressor from having to run continuously or under load. They meet the occasional need for a high volume of air.
They have a valve and a pressure gauge for draining the liquid that condenses from the air. In addition, a safety valve must be added to every receiver to eliminate the risk of the receiver bursting. The safety valve’s pressure setting should be set to a value close to, but above, the maximum working pressure.
Air Service Unit
The circuit components used to prepare compressed air for the working conditions are called an air service unit.
Air needs to pass through the air service unit before it’s used. The air service unit consists of 3 separate circuit components: a filter, a pressure regulator, and a lubricator.
A LUBRICATOR is needed to reduce friction and prevent circuit components from corroding. Lubrication is carried out by dripping oil into the air.
The occasional increase and decrease in air demand causes the working pressure to drop. To supply air to users at a steady pressure and to limit the working pressure at the point of use, a circuit component called a PRESSURE REGULATOR is used.
In most pneumatic systems, a FILTER is used right after the compressor outlet. But the compressed air can still become contaminated while being transported to the point of use. A filter is used to finely filter the air one more time before use.
The sediment that collects at the bottom of the filter bowl needs to be drained at regular intervals. Draining can be done manually or automatically. When filters get dirty, the outlet pressure drops. To replace the filter element, the inlet air is shut off. The filter bowl is removed, and the filter element is taken out and either cleaned or replaced with a new one.
Pneumatic Valves
Circuit components that stop or start the flow of air, change the direction of flow, or set flow rate and pressure values are called valves. Valves are generally divided into 3 groups.
1- Directional control valves
2- Flow control valves
3- Pressure control valves
We covered hydraulic valves earlier. Since pneumatic valves are largely the same as hydraulic valves in their operating principles, we won’t go over them again separately here. You can click on the valve names above to reach the detailed information.
Pneumatic Cylinders
This is the circuit component used to obtain linear motion. As compressed air acts inside the cylinder, a force is created that pushes the piston. There are ports for air to enter and exit on both sides of the cylinder. It’s the directional control valve that determines which side of the cylinder the air enters, and when.
Sealing elements are used on the cylinder to prevent air from passing to the other side of the piston
There are two types: single-acting and double-acting.
SEE For Detailed Information: Pneumatic Cylinders
Pneumatic Motors
Just like pneumatic cylinders, it generates motion from the pressure of the air delivered to it. Unlike a cylinder, it produces rotary motion.
There are two types: gear type and vane type.
Gear-type motors are low-speed, high-torque motors
Vane-type motors are the most widely used pneumatic motors. They’re used in situations that require low torque and high rotation speed
The Compressor’s Role
The pneumatic system’s compressor compresses atmospheric air to produce the compressed air the system needs to operate.
Importance of the Air Dryer
Air dryers remove moisture from compressed air, preventing pneumatic equipment from corroding.
Directional Control Valves
Directional control valves determine which direction compressed air flows in the system, controlling the motion of the actuators.
Related Questions
Compressed air produced by the compressor is stored in this tank so the compressor doesn’t have to run continuously. When there’s a sudden need for a large volume of air, this reservoir kicks in and reduces the load on the compressor.
Dirty or humid air can cause wear on the compressor’s internal parts and lead to failure over time. Clean, dry air intake both extends the compressor’s lifespan and ensures the system runs efficiently.
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