PNEUMATIC CONTROL SYSTEMSPNEUMATIC CONTROL SYSTEMS

Instructed by: Mr. Priyadarshana Peiris

Name : Jayarathna K.H.E.HIndex No : 050170MField : EEDate of performance : 29/5/2007Date of submission : 12/6/2007

DISCUSSION:

Pneumatic systems are used in a lot of industries for system controlling and automation. Actually

Pneumatics is the use of pressurized gas in the industry to do lot of things. Pressurized gas or

compressed air is widely used in industry because compressed air has lot of advantages when

compares with the other methods. I will briefly explain the advantages and disadvantages of the

compressed air.

Advantages using compressed air in controlled system

1. Safety

When we using compressed air we don’t need to worry about fires and explosions compares with

the other methods used in industry. So safety is assured when we using compressed air.

2. Light weight

The working fluids, supply valves and Pneumatic devices are light when comparing with other

machine parts in industry.

3. Storing facility

There are purposely built tanks to store compressed air. So compressed air can be stored easily.

4. Easily transported

We can use pipe lines to transport compressed air to long distances. So it is easy to transport

compressed air to any place.

5. Clean

Compressed air means air in the atmosphere.So anytime we can release that in to the atmosphere

doing no change to that.So this quality in compressed air is a great advantage.

6. Economical

Pneumatic components are cheaper than other hydraulic components. Air systems operate at

relatively low pressure, the components can be made of relatively inexpensive material. So this

method is more economical than other methods.

7.Simple and easy to use

Installation , maintains and replacement of Pneumatic components are very easy. Design and

operation is also easy.

8. Fast work medium

Air is very light therefore easy to move. Air produces less friction. So pneumatic power is a very

past medium.

Disadvantages using compressed air in controlled system

1. Air is highly compressible so accurate speed control and position control is difficult when

comparing with electrical and hydraulic actuators.

2. Large space is needed to install the compressed air controlled system when compares with the

electrical actuators.

Industrial use of Pneumatic circuits in systems controlling and automation

As I explained above there are so many advantages when using Pneumatic circuits.So Pnematic

circuits are widely used in industrial applications.

Pneumatic tubes can carry objects to long distances. Pneumatic devices are also used where electric

motors cannot be used because of the safety reasons.

Recently pneumatic systems was highly replaced by a electrical control systems due to the small size

of that.But Pneumaic systems are still used in places where compressed air is the only energy source

having lot of advantages.

Air compressors,Vacum pumps,Pneumatic switches, Cable Jetting, Pneumatic drill and Pneumatic

actuators are good examples for industrial use of Pneumatic tools.

Cable jetting is a technique to install cables in ducts.This is the process of blowing a cable through a

duct while pushing that cable into the duct. Compressed air is injected at the duct inlet and flows

through the duct and along the cable at high speed.

I haven’t explained all the applications in pneumatic circuits.But above I have metioned the main

applications.