Basic Hydraulics and

Pneumatics
Module 1: Introduction to Pneumatics

PREPARED BY

IAT Curriculum Unit

March 2011

Institute of Applied Technology, 2011

ATM 1122 Basic Hydraulics and Pneumatics

Module 1: Introduction to Pneumatics

Module Objectives
After the completion of this module, the student will be able to:

Identify the common uses of pneumatic systems.

Identify the main parts of a pneumatic system.

Identify the main components of the pneumatic work station TP 101.

Understand how to to construct a pneumatic circuit

Explain the structure and signal flow of a pneumatic system.

List the main parts in the compressed air preparation stage.

Identify the symbol of air compressor and its function.

Identify the symbol of air tank and its function.

Explain the purpose of using the cooling and drying unit

Identify the main parts of the air service unit.

Identify the symbol of air filter and its function.

Identify the symbol of air pressure regulator and its function.

Identify the symbol of lubricator and its function.

Identify some important pneumatic accessories.

ATM 1112 Basic Hydraulics and Pneumatics

Module Contents
1

Introduction.. .............................................................................. 3
1.1
1.2
1.3

Applications of pneumatics ...................................................... 5

2.1
2.2
2.3

Advantages................................................................................. 8
Disadvantages............................................................................. 8

Structure and signal flow of pneumatic systems ........................ 9

4.1

industrial applications ........................................................ 5

Industrial processes ............................................................ 5
Some of the pneumatic applications in our life ........................ 6

Advantages and disadvantages of pneumatics ........................... 8

3.1
3.2

What does pneumatic mean ................................................ 3

Defentition of pneumatics ..................................................... 3
What is the fluid power ......................................................... 3

Primary levels of the pneumatic system ...................................... 9

Air generation and distribution ................................................. 11

5.1 Preparation the compressed air.. ................................................. 11
5.2 Main parts in the compressed air preparation.. ................................. 12
5.2.1 Air compressor ................................................................. 12
5.2.2 Air Tank (reservoir)............................................................ 13
5.2.3 Cooling and drying unit....................................................... 14
5.2.4 Piping ............................................................................... 15
5.2.5 Air service unit .................................................................. 17

Pneumatic accessories ................................................................. 20

6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4

Manifold (distributor) ...................................................... 20

Shut-off valves ................................................................. 20
Tubes and fittings ............................................................. 20
Pressure gauges ............................................................... 21

References ......................................................................................... 22

Module 1: Introduction to pneumatics

ATM 1122 Basic Hydraulics and Pneumatics

1 Introduction
1.1 What Does Pneumatic Mean?
Pneumatics comes from the Greek word pneuma, which means 'breath or
wind'. It is basically the use of under pressure gas that helps in performing a
certain work in science and technology.
1.2 Definition of pneumatics
Pneumatics is the transmission and control of forces and movements by means
of compressed air. (The use of compressed air as a medium to do work).
1.3 What is the fluid power?
Fluid power is the energy transmitted and controlled by means of a
pressurized fluid, either liquid or gas. The term fluid power applies to both
hydraulics and pneumatics. Hydraulics (oil or water) use liquids under pressure
while pneumatics use compressed air or other neutral gases.
Pneumatics technology has for some considerable time been used in carrying
out the simplest mechanical tasks, but nowadays has played a vital and
important role in automation and development of sophisticated technologies.

Module 1: Introduction to pneumatics

ATM 1112 Basic Hydraulics and Pneumatics

2

Applications of pneumatics:

2.1

industrial applications

Pneumatic systems are used in many industrial applications such as:

Material handling
Clamping
Shifting
Positioning
Branching of material flow
Packaging
Filling
Transfer of materials
Sorting of parts
Stamping and embossing of components
2.2

Industrial processes

Pneumatic systems are used in carrying out machining and some industrial
processes such as:

Drilling
Turning
Milling
Sawing
Finishing
Forming

Module 1: Introduction to pneumatics

ATM 1122 Basic Hydraulics and Pneumatics

2.3

Some of the pneumatic applications in our life:

A Pneumatic machine is used to

dismantle an automobile tire

A pneumatic machine is used in an

automobile painting

A heavy duty pneumatic jackhammer

A pneumatic filling machine

Module 1: Introduction to pneumatics

ATM 1112 Basic Hydraulics and Pneumatics

A dental drill is one of the uses of the

pneumatic technology

A pneumatic device is used to fill the

tire with compressed air to adjust the
tire pressure.

Module 1: Introduction to pneumatics

ATM 1122 Basic Hydraulics and Pneumatics

3

Advantages and disadvantages of pneumatics:

3.1 Advantages:
1- Availability: Air is available everywhere in unlimited quantities.
2- Transport: Air can be easily transported in pipelines, even over large
distances.
3- Storage: Compressed air can be stored in a reservoir/tank and removed
as required.
4- Temperature: Compressed air is relatively insensitive to temperature
fluctuations.
5- Cleanliness: Unubricated exhaust air is clean.
6- The running cost is relatively inexpensive
7- Speed: Compressed air is a very fast working medium. This enables high
working speeds to be attained.
8- Overload safe: Pneumatic tools and operating components can be loaded
to the point of stopping and are therefore overload safe.
3.2 Disadvantages:
1- Preparation: Compressed air requires good preparation. Dirt and
condensates should be removed.
2- Speed: As air is compressible; it is difficult to achieve uniform and
constant piston speed.
3- Force requirement: Compressed air is economical only up to a certain
force requirement. Under the normal working pressure of 600 to 700 kPa
(6 to 7 bar).
4- Noise level: The exhaust air is loud (noise). This problem has now,
however been largely solved due to the development of sound
absorption material and silencers.

Module 1: Introduction to pneumatics

ATM 1112 Basic Hydraulics and Pneumatics

4 Structure and signal flow of pneumatic systems
Pneumatic systems consist of an interconnection of different groups of
elements. This group of elements forms a control path for signal flow,
starting from the signal section (input) through to the actuating section
(output). Control elements control the actuating elements in accordance
with the signals received from the processing elements.
4.1

Primary levels of the pneumatic system:

Figure 1.1: Pneumatic signal flow and the coreesponding control elements

Module 1: Introduction to pneumatics

ATM 1122 Basic Hydraulics and Pneumatics

0Z

Figure 1.2 : Examples of pneumatic control elements shoen in a practical

circuit

Module 1: Introduction to pneumatics

ATM 1112 Basic Hydraulics and Pneumatics

5

Air generation and distribution

The main function of the air generation and distribution is to provide the
system with compressed air which is dry, clean, and at the required pressure
The compressed air supply for a pneumatic system should be adequately
calculated and made available in the appropriate quality.
Air is compressed by the air compressor and delivered to an air distribution
system in the factory. To ensure that the quality of the air is acceptable, air
service unit is utilized to prepare the air before being supplied to the control
system.
Malfunctions can be considerably reduced in the system if the compressed air
is correctly prepared. A number of aspects must be considered
5.1

Preparation of the compressed air:

The following points should be considered in preparing compressed air plants:

1. Quantity of air required to meet the demand of the system
2. Type of compressor to be used to produce the quantity required
3. Pressure requirements
4. Storage requirements
5. Requirements for air cleanliness
6. Acceptable humidity levels to reduce corrosion and sticky operation
7. Lubrication requirements, if necessary
8. Temperature of the air and effects on the system
9. Line sizes and valve sizes to meet demand
10. Material selection to meet environmental and system requirements
11. Drainage points and exhaust outlets in the distribution system
12. Layout of the distribution system to meet demand.

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Module 1: Introduction to pneumatics

ATM 1122 Basic Hydraulics and Pneumatics

5.2

Main parts in the compressed air preparation

5.2.1 Air compressor:

Air compressor is used to produce the
compressed air for the system by the
required volume and pressure.
As a rule, pneumatic components are
designed for a maximum operating
pressure of 800-1000 kPa (8 - 10 bar)
but in practice it is recommended to
operate at between 500-600 kPa (5
and 6 bar) for economic and safe use.
Due to the pressure losses in the

(a) Air compressor

distribution system, the compressor

should be delivered between 650-700
kPa (6.5 and 7) bar to attain these
figures. Figure 1.3.a and figure 1.3.b
are examples of air compressors while
figure 1.3.c shows the ISO symbol of
the air compressor.
(b) Air compressor

(c) ISO symbol of air compressor

Figure 1.3: (a) and (b) are examples
of some practical air compressors.
(c) ISO symbol of air compressor.

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ATM 1112 Basic Hydraulics and Pneumatics

5.2.2

Air Tank (reservoir)

An air reservoir should be fitted to:

Store

and

stabilizes

the

compressed air.
Compensate

the

pressure

fluctuation.
Cool the air.

(a) Air reservoir

Figure 1.4 (a) shows a real air tank

while the figure 1.4 (b) shows the
ISO symbol of an air reservoir.
(b) ISO symbol of air reservoir
Figure 1.4: (a) air reservoir. (b) ISO
symbol of an air reservoir.

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Module 1: Introduction to pneumatics

ATM 1122 Basic Hydraulics and Pneumatics

5.2.3

Cooling and drying unit

As the air comes out from the

compressor very hot and humid;
The cooling and drying unit is used
to:
Condensate

the

water

vapor

(humidity) from the compressed

air.
Reduce

the

compressed

air

temperature.
The accumulation of condensate

(a)

depends largely on the relative air

humidity. The relative air humidity
is

dependent

temperature

and

on
the

the

air

weather

situation. To remove the humidity,

we use many types of air dryers,
the very common and practical one
is by using a cooling unit which
cool the air and at the same time
remove the water vapor. Figure 1.5
(a) and (b) show some examples of

(b)

real air dryers, while figure 1.5.c

represents an ISO symbol of air
dryer.

(c)
Figure 1.5: (a): and (b) are some
examples of real air dryers.
(c) ISO symbol of air dryer.

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ATM 1112 Basic Hydraulics and Pneumatics

5.2.4

Piping

The pipe diameter of the air distribution system should be selected in such a
way that the pressure loss from the pressurized reservoir to the consuming
device ideally does not exceed approx. 10 kPa (0.1 bar).
5.2.4.1

Selection of the pipe diameter:

1. Flow rate
2. Line length
3. Permissible pressure loss
4. Operating pressure
5. Number of flow control points in the line
5.2.4.2

Piping layout

Ring circuits (figure 1.6.a) are most frequently used as main lines. This
method of installing pressure lines also achieves a constant supply in the case
of high air consumption. In pipe-run layout, the pipe lines must be installed in
the direction of flow with a gradient of 1 to 2% as shown in figure 1.6 b. This
is particularly important in the case of branch lines. Condensate can be
removed from the lines at the lowest point. Any branching of air consumption
points where lines run horizontally should always be installed on the upper
side of the main line. Branching for condensate removal is installed on the
underside of the main line. Shut-off valves can be used to block sections of
compressed air lines if these are not required or need to be closed down for
repair or maintenance purposes.

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Module 1: Introduction to pneumatics

ATM 1122 Basic Hydraulics and Pneumatics

(a) Ring (loop) pneumatic distribution system

(b) pipe-run pneumatic distribution system

Figure 1.6 : (a) shows the ring or loop distribution system. (b) shows the piperun distribution system

Module 1: Introduction to pneumatics

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ATM 1112 Basic Hydraulics and Pneumatics

.5.2.5

Air service unit

The air service unit shown in figure

1.7.a

is

combination

of

the

following:
1. Compressed

air

filter

(with

water separator)
2. Compressed air regulator
3. Compressed air lubricator
The main function of the service unit

(a)

picture of an air service

unit

is provide the pneumatic system with

a

well

cleaned,

lubricated

and

regulated compressed air.

(Condition the compressed air).
Removal

of

most

contaminants

(water, compressor oil, dirt, rust, pipe

(b) Detailed ISO symbol of the service

unit

scale and other foreign materials).

Obviously,

an

inefficient

system

results in higher costs per unit of

compressed air, improper or erratic

(c) Simplified ISO symbol of the

tool operation, shortened component

service unit

life,

reduced

capacity

and

the

formation of rust and sludge in the Figure 1.7: (a) Shows a real service
main and branch lines.

unit. (b) ISO symbol of the service

unit. (c) Simplified ISO symbol of the
service unit.

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Module 1: Introduction to pneumatics

ATM 1122 Basic Hydraulics and Pneumatics

5.2.5 .1

Air filter

Compressed air filter (Figure 1.8a)

has

the

job

of

removing

all

contaminants from the compressed air

flowing through it as well as water
which has already condensed. The
compressed air enters the filter bowl
through guide slots. Liquid particles
and

larger

particles

of

dirt

are

separated centrifugally collecting in

(a)a picture of a real air filter

the lower part of the filter bowl. The

collected condensate must be drained
before

the

level

exceeds

the

maximum condensate mark, as it will

otherwise be re-entrained in the air (b) ISO symbol of the air filter
stream.
Figure 1.8: (a) air filter.(b) The ISO
symbol of an air filter

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ATM 1112 Basic Hydraulics and Pneumatics

5.2.5 .2

Pressure regulator

(Reduce/regulate the pressure).

The purpose of the regulator (figure
1.9.a)

is

to

keep

the

operating

pressure of the system (secondary

pressure) virtually constant regardless

(a) real pressure regulator

of fluctuations in the line pressure

(primary

pressure)

and

the

air

consumption. Figure 1.9.b represents

the ISO symbol of the air regulator.
5.2.5 .3

(b) ISO symbol of the pressure

Air lubricator

regulator.

(Lubricate the moving parts)

Most moving parts require some type
of

lubrication.

The

efficiency

of

cylinders, valves and air motors can

be

greatly

improved

if

they

are

supplied with adequate lubrication.

Pneumatic
lubricated

components
by

using

an

can

be

air

line

lubricator (figure 1.9.c), a device for

adding lubricating oil in aerosol form

(c) air lubricator

into a compressed air line. The air

passing

through

the

lubricator

transports the lubricant to air tools,

cylinders

or

other

air

operated

(d) ISO symbol of the air lubricator.

equipment. Figure 1.9.d represents an Figure 1.9: (a) pressure regulator.(b)

ISO symbol of the pressure regulator.
ISO symbol of the air lubricator
(c) Air lubricator. (d)ISO symbol of
the air lubricator.

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Module 1: Introduction to pneumatics

ATM 1122 Basic Hydraulics and Pneumatics

6

pneumatic accessories

Other important components that are used in the pneumatic lab

6.1 Manifold (distributor): it is
used

to

pressure
shows

provide
outlets.

multi

equal

Figure

1.10.a

pneumatic

manifold

Figure

1.10.b

(distributor).

represents the ISO symbol of the

pneumatic manifold.

(a) pneumatic manifold (distributor)

Each output port has check valve

(Non return valve).

(b) ISO symbol of the pneumatic manifold

6.2 Shut off valves

It is used to open and close the
compressed
manually.Figure

air
1.8.c

supply
shows

sample of shut-off valve. Figure

1.10d represents the ISO symbol
of the shut-off valve
(c) Sample of a shut-off valve

6.3

(d) ISO symbol of the shut-off valve

Tubes and fittings

Figure 1.10e shows some types of

tubes that are used in connecting
pneumatic circuits. Figure 1.10f
shows

some

important

fittings

such as T connections and cross

connections.
(e) some types of tubes
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ATM 1112 Basic Hydraulics and Pneumatics

6.4
It

Pressure gauge
used

to display the

actual

amount of the pressure in two

main units Pascal and bar
1 bar= 14.5 p.s.i
Figure

1.10g

pressure

shows

gauge.

Figure

real
(f) different fittings

1.10h

represents the ISO symbol of the

pressure gauge.

(g) pneumatic pressure gauge

(h) ISO symbol of a pressure gauge

Figure 1.10

Activity:
Compare between hydraulics and pneumatics.

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Module 1: Introduction to pneumatics

ATM 1122 Basic Hydraulics and Pneumatics

References
1. Festo Didactic pneumatic basic level textbook TP 101.
2. Introduction to fluid power by James L. Johnson
3. http://www.omega.com/auto/pdf/CompressedAirTips.pdf

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ATM 1112 Basic Hydraulics and Pneumatics

Student notes
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Module 1: Introduction to pneumatics