Pneumatic components turn pressurized gas, usually just air, into a desired action. Pneumatic systems can be used on production lines, in fixtures or many other uses. These systems are relied on heavily in industrial applications. Many different types of equipment rely on pneumatics to function. 

Advantages: 

  • Clean - by using air or other compressed gasses, they are clean and do not have any oils or other liquids to contend with that hydraulics have. 
  • Safe - Compared to hydraulics, there is little chance of catching fire
  • Reliable - Requiring little maintanence over their life span, pneumatic systems have long operating lives with little downtime. Even when there is a power outage, pneumatic systems can use their reserviour to contine to opertate for some time. 
  • Cost Effective - Many buildings already have compressed air lines so little to no additional cost is incurred. Hydraulic systems can require large compressors to to run the systems. 

6 common types of pneumatic components

1. Solenoid Valves - electrically operated valves that can control pressure and direction of gas flow. Using a solenoid valve allows for the system to be automated and computer controlled. 

2. Pneumatic Cylinders - turns the gas pressure into into a linear actuation. The amount of force able to apply depends on both the size of the cylinder as well as the gas pressure. Some cylinders rely on a spring to return it to the original position while others have two way actuation using the pressurized gas to move the rod in both directions. 

3. Hand Valves - a manually activated valve. Used to turn on and off the gas pressure to the entire or part of the system. 

4. Pressure Regulators - maintains constant pressure in the system. They are able to reduce the air pressure downstream but can not increase the pressure. Therefore, a you need to make sure that even with regulator, you maintain the minimum desired pressure at the supply. 

5. Reservoirs - stores air pressure for later use. High amount of pressure is able to be stored in case of temporary loss of gas pressure or uneven gas flow. 

6. Flow Control Valves - allows air flow to travel only in one directly. Stops back flow. 

Basic Pneumatic System

Basic layout of a pneumatic system - http://gearseds.com/

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