Chapter 2:components of Pneumatic Component Unit 1:the Air Service Unit Component

CHAPTER 2:COMPONENTS OF PNEUMATIC COMPONENT
Unit 1:The Air Service Unit Component
1.BASIC COMPONENT
Figure.1 component of Pneumatic System
Important components of a pneumatic system are shown in figure 1
A.) Air filters: These are used to filter out the contaminants from the air.
B.) Compressor: Compressed air is generated by using air compressors. Air compressors are
either diesel or electrically operated. Based on the requirement of compressed air, suitable
capacity compressors may be used.
C.) Air cooler: During compression operation, air temperature increases. Therefore coolers are
used to reduce the temperature of the compressed air.
D.) Dryer: The water vapor or moisture in the air is separated from the air by using a dryer .
E.) Control Valves: Control valves are used to regulate, control and monitor for control of
direction flow, pressure etc.
F.) Air Actuator: Air cylinders and motors are used to obtain the required movements of
mechanical elements of pneumatic system.
G.) Electric Motor: Transforms electrical energy into mechanical energy. It is used to drive the
compressor.
H.) Receiver tank: The compressed air coming from the compressor is stored in the air receiver.
These components of the pneumatic system are explained
2.RECEIVER TANK
The air is compressed slowly in the compressor. But since the pneumatic system n eeds
continuous supply of air, this compressed air has to be stored. The compressed air is stored in an air
receiver as shown in Figure 2. The air receiver smoothens the pulsating flow from the compressor. It
also helps the air to cool and condense the moisture present. The air receiver should be large enough
to hold all the air delivered by the compressor. The pressure in the receiver is held higher than the
system operating pressure to compensate pressure loss in the pipes. Also the large surface area of the
receiver helps in dissipating the heat from the compressed air. Generally the size of receiver depends
on, • Delivery volume of compressor.
•Air consumption.
•Pipeline network
•Type and nature of on-off regulation
•Permissible pressure difference in the pipelines

Figure.2 Air Receiver
3. COMPRESSOR:
It is a mechanical device which converts mechanical energy into fluid energy. The compressor increases
the air pressure by reducing its volume which also increases the temperature of the compressed air. The
compressor is selected based on the pressure it needs to operate and the delivery volume.
The compressor can be classified into two main types

a.Positive displacement compressors
b.Dynamic displacement compressor
Positive displacement compressors include piston type, vane type, diaphragm type and screw type.
3.1.PISTON COMPRESSORS:
Figure 3.Single Acting Piston Compressor
Piston compressors are commonly used in pneumatic systems. The simplest form is single cylinder
compressor (Fig.3). It produces one pulse of air per piston stroke. As the piston moves down during the
inlet stroke the inlet valve opens and air is drawn into the cylinder. As the piston moves up the inlet
valve closes and the exhaust valve opens which allows the air to be expelled. The valves are spring
loaded. The single cylinder compressor gives significant amount of pressure pulses at the outlet port.
The pressure developed is about 3-40 bar.
3.2. DOUBLE ACTING COMPRESSOR
Figure 4.Double Acting Piston Compressor
The pulsation of air can be reduced by using double acting compressor as shown in Figure.4. It has two
sets of valves and a crosshead. As the piston moves, the air is compressed on one side whilst on the
other side of the piston, the air is sucked in. Due to the reciprocating action of the piston, the air is
compressed and delivered twice in one piston stroke. Pressure higher than 30bar can be produced.
3.3.Multistage compressor
Figure 5.Multi-Stage Compressor
As the pressure of the air increases, its temperature rises. It is essential to reduce the air temperature to
avoid damage of compressor and other mechanical elements. The multistage compressor with
intercooler in-between is shown in Figure 6.1.5. It is used to reduce the temperature of compressed air
during the compression stages. The intercooling reduces the volume of air which used to increase due to
heat. The compressed air from the first stage enters the intercooler where it is cooled. This air is given as
input to the second stage where it is compressed again. The multistage compressor can develop a
pressure of around 50bar.
3.4 COMBINE TWO STAGE COMPRESSORS
Figure 6.Combine Two Stage Compressor
In this type, two-stage compression is carried out by using the same piston (Fig.6). Initially when the
piston moves down, air is sucked in through the inlet valve. During the compression process, the air
moves out of the exhaust valve into the intercooler. As the piston moves further the stepped head
provided on the piston moves into the cavity thus causing the compression of air. Then, this is let out by
the exhaust port.

Chapter 2:components of Pneumatic Component Unit 1:the Air Service Unit Component

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CHAPTER 2:COMPONENTS OF PNEUMATIC COMPONENT

Unit 1:The Air Service Unit Component

Figure.1 component of Pneumatic System

Important components of a pneumatic system are shown in figure 1

These components of the pneumatic system are explained

•Type and nature of on-off regulation

•Permissible pressure difference in the pipelines

The compressor can be classified into two main types

Figure 3.Single Acting Piston Compressor

3.2. DOUBLE ACTING COMPRESSOR

Figure 4.Double Acting Piston Compressor

3.4 COMBINE TWO STAGE COMPRESSORS

Figure 6.Combine Two Stage Compressor

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