MEM 665 : ROBOTICS & AUTOMATION

LAB REPORT : INTRODUCTION TO BASIC PNEUMATIC CIRCUITS

1.0 TITLE
Introduction to basic pneumatic circuits

2.0 ABSTRACT

The main purpose of this experiment is to study the function of pneumatic

components and circuit, understand the application of single and double acting cylinder
and distinguish the application of direct and indirect control of single and double acting
cylinder. We start our experiment with collect all the directional control valve and other
components same as in pneumatic diagram. Construct and arrange according to the
schematic diagram given and test whether the piston extended after the push button is
applied. Repeat the procedure for the other pneumatic diagrams and record all the result.

MEM 665 : ROBOTICS & AUTOMATION

LAB REPORT : INTRODUCTION TO BASIC PNEUMATIC CIRCUITS

3.0 OBJECTIVE
After finishing the laboratory session, students should be able to:
i.

Understand the function of every component for pneumatic circuits and the
connectivity.

ii.

Construct an accurate pneumatic circuit using the required equipment and

material.

iii.

Identify the application differences between single and double acting cylinder.

4.0 INTRODUCTION

Pneumatic systems form the most primitive and distinct class of mechanical control
engineering. They are classified under the term 'Fluid Power Control', which describes
any process or device that converts, transmits, distributes or controls power through the
use of pressurized gas or liquid. In a pneumatic system the working fluid is a gas (mostly
air) which is compressed above atmospheric pressure to impart pressure energy to the
molecules. This stored pressure potential is converted to a suitable mechanical work in an
appropriate controlled sequence using control valves and actuators.

Pneumatic actuators, usually cylinders, are widely used in factory floor automation.
Lately, robotics as well is starting to use pneumatics as a main motion power source. One
of the major attractions about pneumatics is the low weight and the inherent compliant
behavior of its actuators. Compliance is due to the compressibility of air and, as such, can
be influenced by controlling the operating pressure. This is an important feature whenever
there is an interaction between man and machine or when delicate operations have to be
carried out (e.g. handling of fragile objects. Several types of pneumatic actuatorse.g.
cylinders, bellows, pneumatic engines and even pneumatic stepper motorsare
commonly used to date.

MEM 665 : ROBOTICS & AUTOMATION

LAB REPORT : INTRODUCTION TO BASIC PNEUMATIC CIRCUITS

Pneumatic systems are well suited for the automation of a simple repetitive task. The
working fluid is abundant in nature and hence the running and maintenance cost of these
systems are exceptionally low.

All fluids have the ability to translate and transfigure and hence pneumatic systems
permit variety of power conversion with minimal mechanical hardware. Conversion of
various combinations of motions like rotary-rotary, linear-rotary and linear-linear is
possible. The simplicity in design, durability and compact size of pneumatic systems
make them well suited for mobile applications. These features make them versatile and
find universal applications including robotics, aerospace technology, production and
assembly of automotive components (power steering, chassis and engine assembly), CNC
machines, food products and packaging industry, bomb deployment units and fabrication
process of plastic products.

MEM 665 : ROBOTICS & AUTOMATION

LAB REPORT : INTRODUCTION TO BASIC PNEUMATIC CIRCUITS

5.0 EQUIPMENT & APPARATUS

Air supply system (compressor)

Single acting cylinder

Double acting cylinder

3/2 directional control valve push button operated

3/2 single pilot DVC

5/2 single pilot DVC

5/2 double pilot DVC

3/2 double pilot DVC

Figure 5.1 : Air Supply System (compressor)

MEM 665 : ROBOTICS & AUTOMATION

LAB REPORT : INTRODUCTION TO BASIC PNEUMATIC CIRCUITS

Figure 5.2 : Tube

Figure 5.3 : Single acting cylinder

MEM 665 : ROBOTICS & AUTOMATION

LAB REPORT : INTRODUCTION TO BASIC PNEUMATIC CIRCUITS

Figure 5.4 : 5/2 single pilot DVC

Figure 5.5: Double acting cylinder

MEM 665 : ROBOTICS & AUTOMATION

LAB REPORT : INTRODUCTION TO BASIC PNEUMATIC CIRCUITS

Figure 5.6 : 3/2 single pilot DVC

Figure 5.7 : 3/2 directional control valve push button operated

MEM 665 : ROBOTICS & AUTOMATION

LAB REPORT : INTRODUCTION TO BASIC PNEUMATIC CIRCUITS

6.0 PROCEDURE

6.1 Direct Control of Single Acting Cylinder

1. Set up the system as shown in the schematic diagram.

Figure 6.1.1 : Direct Control of Single Acting Cylinder

2. Turn on the compressor.

3. Push the button to extend the cylinder.
4. Release button to retract the cylinder.

MEM 665 : ROBOTICS & AUTOMATION

LAB REPORT : INTRODUCTION TO BASIC PNEUMATIC CIRCUITS

6.2 Indirect Control of Single Acting Cylinder (Normally Closed Valve)

1. Set up the system as shown in the schematic diagram.

Figure 6.2.1 Indirect Control of Single Acting Cylinder (Normally Closed Valve)

2. Turn on the compressor.

3. Push button to extend piston.
4. Release button to retract piston.

MEM 665 : ROBOTICS & AUTOMATION

LAB REPORT : INTRODUCTION TO BASIC PNEUMATIC CIRCUITS

6.3 Indirect Control of Single Acting Cylinder (Normally Open Valve)

1. Set up the system as shown in the schematic diagram.

Figure 6.3.1 Indirect Control of Single Acting Cylinder (Normally Open Valve)

2. Turn on the compressor.

3. Push button to retract piston.
4. Release button to extend piston.

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MEM 665 : ROBOTICS & AUTOMATION

LAB REPORT : INTRODUCTION TO BASIC PNEUMATIC CIRCUITS

6.4 Indirect Control of Double Acting Cylinder (5/2 DCV with Single Pilot Operated and
One Push Button)

1. Set up the system as shown in the schematic diagram.

Figure 6.4.1 : Indirect Control of Double Acting Cylinder (5/2 DCV with Single Pilot
Operated and One Push Button)

2. Turn on the compressor.

3. Push button to extend piston.
4. Release the button retract piston.

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MEM 665 : ROBOTICS & AUTOMATION

LAB REPORT : INTRODUCTION TO BASIC PNEUMATIC CIRCUITS

6.5 Indirect Control of Double Acting Cylinder (5/2 DCV with Double Pilot Operated and
Two Push Button)

1. Set up the system as shown in the schematic diagram.

6.5.1 : Indirect Control of Double Acting Cylinder (5/2 DCV with Double Pilot Operated and
Two Push Button)

2. Turn on the compressor.

3. Push left button to extend the piston.
4. Push right button to retract piston.

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MEM 665 : ROBOTICS & AUTOMATION

LAB REPORT : INTRODUCTION TO BASIC PNEUMATIC CIRCUITS

7.0 RESULT
7.1 Direct control of a single acting cylinder

Schematic Diagram

Figure 7.1 : Schematic diagram of direct

control of a single acting cylinder.

Actual figure

Figure 7.1.1: Single acting cylinder in home

position

Figure 7.1.2 : Single acting cylinder is

retract condition

Description: Air from compressor will flow

direct to the back of single acting cylinder
and make the piston to retract when student
push the push button. Piston will be back at
initial condition when student release the
push button.
Table 7.1 :Direct control of a single acting cylinder

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MEM 665 : ROBOTICS & AUTOMATION

LAB REPORT : INTRODUCTION TO BASIC PNEUMATIC CIRCUITS

7.2 Indirect control of a single acting cylinder

Schematic Diagram
Condition 1:

Actual figure
Condition 1:

Figure7.2 : Schematic diagram of Single

acting cylinder in normally closed valve

Condition 2:

Figure 7.2.1: Single acting Cylinder when

valve is normally closed

Condition 2:

Figure7.2.2 : Schematic diagram of Single

acting cylinder in normally open valve

Figure7.2.3: Picture of Single acting

Cylinder when valve is normally open

Description: When student push the push

button, air from compressor flow to the 3/2
single pivot valve and push it to the right.
Air from the single acting cylinder released
to air surrounding and return in initial
position after student released the push
button.
Table 7.2 : Indirect control of a single acting cylinder

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MEM 665 : ROBOTICS & AUTOMATION

LAB REPORT : INTRODUCTION TO BASIC PNEUMATIC CIRCUITS

7.3 Indirect control of a double acting cylinder

Schematic Diagram

Actual figure

Condition 1:

Condition 1:

Figure7.3 : Schematic diagram of 5/2 DCV

with single Pilot operated and one push
button

Figure7.3.1: Picture of 5/2 DCV with single

Pilot operated and one push button at initial
position

Figure7.3.2 : Double acting cylinder retract

after student push the push button

Description: Double acting cylinder

retracted when student pushed the push
button. 5/2 DCV with single pilot was
pushed to the right and air from compressor
filled up the back side of double acting
cylinder and piston retracted. Piston return
to original place after button is released.

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MEM 665 : ROBOTICS & AUTOMATION

LAB REPORT : INTRODUCTION TO BASIC PNEUMATIC CIRCUITS

Condition 2

Condition 2

Figure7.3.4 : Double acting cylinder initial

condition

Figure7.3.3: Schematic diagram of 5/2 DCV

with double pilot operated and two push
button

Figure 7.3.5: Student push the push button 1

and double acting cylinder is retract

Description: Piston retract when student

push the push button 1. This is because Air
from compressor will flow through push
button and push the 5/2 DCV to the right.
When student push the push button 2 air
from compressor push the 5/2 DCV to the
left and fill up front side of the double
acting cylinder. It is caused the piston to
return at initial condition.
Table 7.3 : Indirect control of a double acting cylinder

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MEM 665 : ROBOTICS & AUTOMATION

LAB REPORT : INTRODUCTION TO BASIC PNEUMATIC CIRCUITS

8.0 DISCUSSION
Pneumatic control valve and pressure regulators work together to control the amount
of air that passes through a pneumatic system. They influence the flow rate of pressurized
gas, which in turn influences the speed at which an actuator operates. This elegant system
is used in a variety of industries, from mining and construction to aeronautics and
automotive.

Controlling the flow of pressurized gases, such as air or nitrogen, provides a source of
energy that is more efficient than relying upon an electrical motor. Below, we'll describe
how a pneumatic system works, the components found in such a system, and the role of a
pneumatic control valve in its operation. We'll also discuss where pneumatic systems,
along with control valves and pressure regulators, are used.

How A Simple Pneumatic System Works

A pneumatic system works by compressing gas into a limited space. The compression
doesn't alter the amount of energy contained in the gas. It merely constricts its volume,
resulting in increased pressure. The more constricted the volume, the greater the pressure
found in the gas. This single principle makes possible the operation of myriad tools and
other applications.

It's important to note that the act of compressing gas and creating pressure is not
enough. It's the controlled release of the compressed gas that powers the aforementioned
tools and applications. When the gas is allowed to escape, it's used to exert force against a
solid object, moving that object in some way.

The challenge is optimizing the flow rate of the gas to ensure that minimal energy is
wasted. That's the job of pneumatic control valves and pressure regulators, both of which
we'll discuss in more detail in a few moments.

Also worth noting is the fact that pneumatic systems produce a relatively small
footprint compared to other energy sources. The use of compressed gas - essentially air generates little in the way of hazardous waste or contaminants. Moreover, the widespread
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MEM 665 : ROBOTICS & AUTOMATION

LAB REPORT : INTRODUCTION TO BASIC PNEUMATIC CIRCUITS

availability of air makes it an infinitely affordable source of energy. In addition,

compared to hydraulic systems, pneumatics are safer, more reliable, and simpler in
design.

Parts That Are Found In A Pneumatic System

We noted above that the basic design of a pneumatic system is simple. That simplicity
is evident in the small number of parts found in it. A basic assembly includes a
compressor, storage tank, actuator, one or more feed lines, pressure gauges, and a number
of valves, including safety, check, and control valves.

Despite the device's underlying simplicity, there are numerous configurations

designed to meet specific needs. For example, some pneumatics are designed to be used
in mechanical tools, air guns, exercise equipment, and the brake systems found in motor
vehicles. Others are employed in cable jetting, vacuum pumps, pipe organs, and a broad
range of robotics. These systems are used in countless applications that affect companies
and consumers on a daily basis.

Operation Of A Pneumatic Control Valve

Recall that the operation of a pneumatic system is based on airflow - specifically, the
flow of pressurized air. When it is released, the air exerts force on an object, moving or
powering it. The job of a pneumatic control valve is to inhibit the flow of air, and when
appropriate, direct it to its destination.

Pneumatic control valves facilitate airflow in only one direction. Multiple valves are
used to create flow patterns that accommodate the needs of the application.

In order for compressed air to exert the proper amount of force upon an object, it must
contain the right amount of pressure. Too little or too much pressure will cause the
pneumatic system to operate at a subpar level of performance. A pressure regulator is
used to ensure that the level of pressure stays within a specified range. Slight variations in
the level are acceptable as long as the range remains unbroken.

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MEM 665 : ROBOTICS & AUTOMATION

LAB REPORT : INTRODUCTION TO BASIC PNEUMATIC CIRCUITS

Examples Of Pneumatic Systems In Use

Few consumers would be able to specify places in which they've seen pneumatic
systems in use. However, most people have seen them, even if they didn't realize it at the
time. For example, anyone who has taken his or her vehicle to an auto repair shop will
have witnessed pneumatics being used. Likewise, anyone who has sat in a dentist's chair
will have observed pneumatic systems in use. From research labs to road construction
sites, there are countless applications that rely on them.

For companies that need to streamline processes that rely on compressed air, the right
pneumatic system offers an affordable, efficient means of flow optimization. They're
reliable, durable, and can be employed in a broad range of industrial applications.

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MEM 665 : ROBOTICS & AUTOMATION

LAB REPORT : INTRODUCTION TO BASIC PNEUMATIC CIRCUITS

9.0 CONCLUSSION
In conclusion, the objectives of the experiment have achieved. The use of basic
pneumatic components and circuit has been learnt and can be easily understood.
Components used such as cylinder, control valve with push button and single pilot are
commonly found in real life application especially during lecture and laboratory
experiment. Moreover, the application of single and double acting cylinder can be
distinguish where single acting cylinder only extends by pressure from a pump and then
retracts by spring while double acting cylinder uses hydraulic power to both extend and
retract. The application of direct and indirect control of single and double acting cylinder
is understood. Direct control refers to the cylinder is being actuated directly via a
manually or mechanically actuated valve without any intermediate switching of additional
control valve. Indirect control usually used in cylinder with a larger piston diameter
which has high air consumption rates. Through this experiment, we are able to construct
accurately and arrange the component of pneumatic circuit systematically. It is also an
advantage where we able to learn to find the correct component and equipment based on
schematic drawing given. All in all, the experiment is successful.

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MEM 665 : ROBOTICS & AUTOMATION

LAB REPORT : INTRODUCTION TO BASIC PNEUMATIC CIRCUITS

10.0

REFERENCES

IAT Curriculum Unit (2011), Basic Pneumatic: Direct and Indirect Control of Double
Acting Cylinder, Institute of Applied Technology

Raghavan. N., (n.d), Pneumatic Control for Robotic and Industrial Automation. Retrieved
on 2016, October 20 from
www.zen94865.zen.co.uk/resources/RobotConstruction/Mechanics/pneumatic.PDF

Daerden, F. & Lefeber, D., (n.d), Pneumatic Artificial Muscles: Actuators for Robotic and
Automation, Vrije Universiteit Brussel. Retrieved on 2016, October 20 from
lucy.vub.ac.be/publications/Daerden_Lefeber_EJMEE.pdf

Winshaw Hydraulic Tools, (2014), What Is The Difference Between Single Acting And
Double Acting Cylinders?. Retrieved on 2016, October 21 from
http://www.winshawhydraulictools.com/blog/services-and-training/what-is-the-differencebetween-single-acting-and-double-acting-cylinders/

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LAB REPORT : INTRODUCTION TO BASIC PNEUMATIC CIRCUITS

11.0 APPENDIX

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