Daniel GrahamElectro, Pneumatic and Hydraulic Systems & Devices.

Y2C6

P6) Produce a Circuit Diagram to Meet a Given Pneumatic System Specification.

The double acting cylinder will operate the hopper door, the cylinder will extend when the
push button is pressed so the position of the 4/2 directional valve is changed. When the
push button is pressed the spring moves the directional valve back to its starting position
and the cylinder retracts back.
The unidirectional flow control valve will allow the control of air flow in one direction only. The
valve will be mainly used to control the double acting cylinder. The valve restricts air flow by
the use of screw adjuster which when screwed into the valve; it begins to block the airway
reducing the air flow rate.

P7) Produce a Circuit Diagram to Meet a Given Hydraulic System Specification.

The two spring return, push button operated 3/2 directional valves to direct the flow of air to
the valve. The valve is used for this operation as it requires both buttons to be pushed and
held for the air to pass through the 4/2 directional valve which then controls the movement of
the cylinder. But, if one of the 3/2 spring return push button valve is released the valve will
close and therefore the cylinder will retract at full speed this is a safety feature of the
circuit. They both have exhausts to get rid of air when the cylinder is retracting. I have used
a 4/2 directional spring return pilot operated control valve in order to direct the flow of the
hydraulic oil, the valve is then used to extend the double acting cylinder. It is spring returned
so that if the air fails to reach or activate the valve, it will close and the hydraulic oil will return
to the tank and the cylinder will then retract at full speed. I have used a hydraulic pump to
direct the oil from the tank to the directional valve and then onto the double acting cylinder,
this hydraulic pump is a necessity. The pressure relief valve is used as a safety precaution of
the circuit. I have used a double acting cylinder to operate the 20 tonne press, the cylinder
will extend or retract depending on the position of the 4/2 directional valve.

M1) Explain and Compare the Construction and Operation, Including Legislation and
Safety Precautions, of a Pneumatic System and that of a Hydraulic System.

Both pneumatics and hydraulics are applications of fluid power. Pneumatics uses a
compressible gas such as air; while hydraulics uses an incompressible liquid such as oil.
Pneumatics use pressures of 550 to 690 kPa. Hydraulics commonly use from 6.9 to
34.5 MPa. Constructions for single-and double-acting cylinders are based on how the two
end caps are attached to the barrel. Additional variations include wall thickness of the barrel
and end caps, and materials of construction. Hydraulic cylinders for example are built to
withstand very high pressure, and so are a lot more expensive when compared to pneumatic
cylinders. The body is a tube or barrel with a smooth finish to prevent seals wearing out.
Steel is usually used to provide the strength required. Pneumatics is a lot cleaner and easier
to run than hydraulics, however as stated above hydraulics have a lot more force than
pneumatics. Pneumatics does not have the potential force that hydraulics has to offer. The
lifting or moving of heavy loads is not best suited to pneumatics. Hydraulics can smoothly lift
and move loads because the hydraulic oil is not compressible, compared to air which can
become jerky and spongy as the air pressure fluctuates with cylinder movement or load
changes. In general a much larger pneumatic cylinder is needed to obtain the same force
that a hydraulic ram can produce.

All hydraulic hoses, tube lines and fittings should be periodically inspected. Any deterioration
should be carefully examined to determine whether further use of the component would
constitute a hazard. Conditions such as the following should be sufficient for consideration of
replacement:
Daniel GrahamElectro, Pneumatic and Hydraulic Systems & Devices. Y2C6

Any evidence of hydraulic oil leakage at the surface of a flexible hose or its junction
with the metal and couplings.
Any blistering or abnormal deformation to the outer covering of a hydraulic hose.
Hydraulic oil leakage at any threaded or clamped joint that cannot be eliminated by
normal tightening or recommended procedures.
Evidence of excessive abrasion or scrubbing on the outer surface of a hose, rigid
tube, or hydraulic fitting. Modification must be made to eliminate the interference of
the elements in contact, or otherwise protect the components.
Never begin work on a hydraulic system until fully trained.
Carefully review the manuals on equipment before beginning work. Ask questions
about anything you do not fully understand.
Maintain a clean work area free of slipping hazards and debris.
Use all required safety equipment.
Always use safety glasses.
Block, secure or lower to the ground components that may move, rotate or fall.
Relieve system pressures.
Use extreme caution when disconnecting hydraulic lines. Severe burns from hot fluid
can result.
Use test equipment designed for higher pressures than the system being repaired.
Use of gauges, lines, connectors, etc., designed for lower pressures can result in
bursting or equipment damage. Start with high pressure gauges and work down.
(Note: A good rule is to use equipment rated at twice what is expected. Example: For
a 2500 psi system, use a 5000 psi gauge.)
Do not use hands or fingers to find leaks. Fluid under high pressure can be injected
into skin causing extreme injury and serious infection.
Clean up spills immediately. Hydraulic fluid is an oily substance which can cause
slipping, falling and resulting injuries.

When working with pressure equipment and fluid power you need to work under the generic
HASAWA 1974 act but also the Pressure Equipment Regulations 1999 (PER), Pressure
Equipment Directive 1997 (PED) and Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000.