Basic Pneumatics

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Principles of Pneumatics

Topics: Fluid power systems; Force, weight, and mass; Pressure; Work and energy; Diffusion and dispersion; Compressibility; Laws of pneumatics; Leverage; Air properties and flow; Bernoulli's Law; Components

Learning Objectives:

• Explain how force is transmitted in a pneumatic system.
• Calculate force and work.
• List two factors that affect the results of pressure calculations.
• Explain pneumatic leverage.
• Briefly explain the physical laws affecting the behavior of a confined gas.

Chapter 2: Reciprocating Compressors

Topics: Compressor construction, classification, and operation; Single-, double-acting compressors; Cooling requirements; Lubrication; Controls

Learning Objectives:

• Differentiate between a positive-displacement compressor and a dynamic compressor.
• Describe the operation of a reciprocating compressor.
• List one advantage of using a multistage compressor.
• Identify the cooling arrangements for reciprocating compressors.
• Compare the operation of compressor controls in large and small units.

Chapter 3: Rotary Compressors

Topics: Vane, rotary-screw, low-pressure, high-volume, diaphragm, centrifugal, and axial-flow compressors; Compressor capacity; Accessories

Learning Objectives:

• Compare the power output of a single-stage vs a two-stage vane compressor.
• Describe the main types of positive-displacement rotary air compressors.
• Explain the advantages and disadvantages of both types of dynamic compressors.
• Describe four methods of controlling centrifugal compressor output.
• Tell how to compensate for a low-speed drive in rotary screw compressors.

Chapter 4: Primary Air Treatment

Topics: Preliminary filtering; Relative humidity; Effects of moisture; Moisture separators; Oil scrubbers; Air dryers and receivers; Using a nomograph

Learning Objectives:

• Describe techniques for cleaning compressor filters.
• Define relative humidity and dew point.
• Explain the effects of temperature and pressure on the air's ability to hold moisture.
• Describe aftercooler operation.
• Explain the functions of separators, oil scrubbers, and air dryers.

Chapter 5: Secondary Air Treatment

Topics: Contaminant separation and filtration; Filter classification and rating; Surface, depth, adsorption, and absorption filters; Lubricating the air

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the two main methods of contaminant separation.
• Explain how filters are classified.
• List contaminant particle sizes and particle contamination categories as they occur in filters.
• List applications for the most common types of filter media.
• Identify system location for lubrication equipment installation.

Chapter 6: Piping, Hoses, and Tubing

Topics: Piping requirements and dimensions; Safety; Connections; Metallic tubing; Tube bending, fittings, and installation; Hoses, fittings, and installation

Learning Objectives:

• State the importance of laminar flow.
• List the factors that affect pressure loss in a pipe.
• State direction and amount of slope for compressor discharge pipes.
• Discuss procedures for pipe, tube, and hose installation.
• Describe safe working procedures for disconnecting air hoses.

Chapter 7: Directional Control Valves

Topics: Manually and automatically operated valves; Control valve elements: spools, poppets, disks, and plates; Two-, three-, four-, and five-way valves; Accessories

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the four methods of identifying control valves.
• List four basic types of manually operated, two-way valves.
• Describe the operation of a two-position, direct acting, normally closed solenoid valve.
• Explain one major advantage of using a four-way valve.
• Describe the construction of a three-way valve.

Chapter 8: Pressure-Control Valves

Topics: Safety vs relief valves; Relief valve construction; Pressure regulators; Pilot-operated, remote-controlled regulators; Logic functions

Learning Objectives:

• List two ways a valve can control compressor pressure output.
• Describe construction of two basic types of pressure-relief valves.
• Contrast a pressure regulator with a pressure-relief valve.
• State the limit imposed by Federal Law on the pressure allowed when an air hose is used to blow off chips.

Chapter 9: Pneumatic Cylinders

Topics: Double-, single-acting cylinders; Two-piston cylinders; Cylinder construction, mounting, and selection; Performance charts; Cushioning

Learning Objectives:

• Tell the difference between pneumatic and hydraulic cylinders.
• Describe the construction and operation of a single-acting cylinder.
• State the purpose of an exhaust flow control metering valve.
• Describe the action of a pivoted cylinder.
• Explain the size relationship between a cylinder port and a valve port.

Chapter 10: Pneumatic Motors

Topics: Motor rating; Selection factors: pressure, speed, torque, horsepower, reliability, and service life; Rotary vane and piston motors; Air boosters

Learning Objectives:

• Explain pneumatic motor classification.
• Define torque.
• Describe pneumatic motor construction.
• Calculate a motor's horsepower, given its torque and speed.
• Differentiate between a pneumatic motor and a rotary actuator.

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