Basic Pneumatics

Module 2:
Direct Control of single acting cylinder

PREPARED BY

IAT Curriculum Unit

January 2011

Institute of Applied Technology, 20011

ATM 1112 Basic Hydraulics and Pneumatics

Module 2:
Direct Control of single acting cylinder
Module Objectives
At the end of this module the student will be able to:
1. Deal with the different types of valve actuators.
2. Control of single acting cylinder with 3/2 way valve normally close
3. Control of single acting cylinder with 3/2 way valve normally open
4. Draw pneumatic circuit diagram.
5. Construct a pneumatic circuit according to the requirements
6. Simulate pneumatic circuit using Fluid SIM software.

Module 2: Direct control of single acting cylinder

ATM 1112 Basic Hydraulics and Pneumatics

Module Contents
1

Introduction.. ..............................................................................4

Single acting cylinder ...............................................................5

3/2 way diectional control valve ................................................5

3.1
3.2

Valve actuation ...........................................................................8

4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4

Procedure of solution.. ..................................................................9

Simulation...................................................................................9
Assembling the circuit................................................................. 10

Practical Task -2 ..............................Error! Bookmark not defined.11

6.1
6.2
6.3

Manual actuation ......................................................................8

Mechanical actuation .................................................................8
Electrical actuation ....................................................................8
Pneumatic actuation ..................................................................8

Practical Task -1 ................................Error! Bookmark not defined.9

5.1
5.2
5.3

3/2 way valve Normally closed....................................................5

3/2 way valve Normally open......................................................7

Learning objectives.. .................................................................. 11

Problem description.................................................................... 11
Requirements.. .......................................................................... 11

Solution ...........................................Error! Bookmark not defined.21

6.1

Solution description.................................................................... 21

References .........................................................................................13

Module 2: Direct control of single acting cylinder

ATM 1112 Basic Hydraulics and Pneumatics

Introduction:

As mentioned in module 1, the pneumatic system consists of the following

main parts:
1- Air compressor
2- Pneumatic control valves
o Directional control valves
o Pressure control valves
o Flow control valve
3- Pneumatic actuators
o Single acting cylinders
o Double acting cylinders
o Motors
In this module, you will learn how to control the operation of the single
sting cylinder through certain directional control valves.

Module 2: Direct control of single acting cylinder

ATM 1112 Basic Hydraulics and Pneumatics

Single acting cylinder

Single acting cylinder is an output device. The

function of the SAC is to convert the pressure
energy to a mechanical energy (linear motion). In
single acting cylinder, the forward stroke is

(a) Single acting

cylinder

achieved by the compressed air, while the

backward stroke is achieved by the spring. Thus
the single acting cylinder produces the work in
only one direction (forward stroke).

(b) ISO symbol of

Single acting cylinder.

Figure (2.1.a) shows the picture of the single

Figure 2.1

acting cylinder.
Figure (2.1.b) shows the ISO symbol of the single
acting cylinder
3

3/2 way directional control valve

3.1 3/2 way directional control valve Normally Closed (NC)

Way of operation:
A 3/2-way valve has 3 ports (1, 2 and 3) and 2
switching positions (before operating and after
operating).
position.

Its

represented

Normally

closed

by

the

means

normal
that

compressed air cannot flow through the valve as

shown in figure (2.2.a). When the pushbutton is
actuated the valve is opened, thus allowing the

(a) pressure port (1) is

blocked
Figure 2.2

air to flow from port (1) to port (2)

Module 2: Direct control of single acting cylinder

ATM 1112 Basic Hydraulics and Pneumatics

Un-actuated
In normally closed 3/2 way valve, a springloaded disk seal blocks the air flow from the air
supply port (1) to the working port (2). The

(a) 3/2 way directional

working port (2) is connected with exhaust port

control valve NC (before

actuation)

(3) as shown in Figure (2.3.a).

Actuated
Actuating this valve results in allowing the flow
from port (1) to port (2) and blocking the
exhaust port (3) as shown in figure (5.2.b)

(b) 3/2 way directional

Figure (2.3.c) shows the ISO symbol of 3/2 way
valve normally closed (N/C) and spring reset

control valve NC (after

actuation)

Advantages

Switching without overlap

Larger

flow

cross-section

with

shorter

actuation stroke

Insensitive to dirt

Long service life

Note: you may visit the below link for some nice
animation about 3/2 normally closed valve

(c) ISO symbol of 3/2 way

directional control valve NC

http://www.mekanizmalar.com/valf3nc.html
Figure 2.3

Module 2: Direct control of single acting cylinder

ATM 1112 Basic Hydraulics and Pneumatics

3.2

3/2-Way Valve - Normally Open

Position

Way of operation:
A 3/2-way valve has 3 ports (1, 2 and 3) and 2
switching positions (before operating and after
operating).
position.

Its

represented

Normally

open

by

which

the

normal

means

that

compressed air flows through the valve as

shown in figure (3.2.a). When the pushbutton is
actuated the valve is closed, thus stopping the
air to flow from port (1) to port (2)

(a) 3/2 way directional

control valve NO

Un-actuated
In normally closed 3/2 way valve, a spring
loaded disk blocks exhaust port (3). The air
supply port (1) is connected to the working port
(2)
Actuated
Actuating this valve results in allowing the flow
from port (2) to port (3) and blocking the supply
air port (1)
Figure (2.4.b) shows the ISO symbol of 3/2 way
valve normally open (N/O) and spring reset
Advantages

Switching without overlap

Larger

flow

cross-section

with

shorter

actuation stroke

Insensitive to dirt

Long service life

Module 2: Direct control of single acting cylinder

(b) ISO symbol of 3/2 way

directional control valve NC
Figure 2.4

ATM 1112 Basic Hydraulics and Pneumatics

Valve actuators:

The pneumatic directional control valves can be

actuated (operated) in several ways such as
follows:
4.1

Manual actuators

(a) Manual actuation

Figure (2.5.a) shows (from left to right) three

manual actuation methods: manual, push button
and foot pedal
4.2

Mechanical actuators

Figure (2.5.b) shows (from left to right) two

(b) Mechanical actuation

mechanical actuation methods: roller and idle

return roller.
4.3

Electrical actuators

Figure (2.5.c) shows an example of electrical

(c) Electrical actuators

actuation (solenoid valve)

4.4

Pneumatic actuators

Figure (2.5.d) shows an example of pneumatic

(pressure) actuation

Module 2: Direct control of single acting cylinder

(d) Pneumatic actuation

Figure 2.5

ATM 1112 Basic Hydraulics and Pneumatics

Practical Task 2: Operating single acting cylinder

Controlling the operation of the single acting cylinder by using 3/2 way valve
manual actuated, spring reset and N/C.
Required components:
Single acting cylinder
3/2 way valve - push button - spring reset - N/C
Pressure supply
The pneumatic circuit diagram is shown in Fig.2.6

Fig.2.6 Pneumatic circuit diagram

5.1 Procedure of solution
5.2 Simulation
Build the circuit on your computer using the fluidSIM software and run the
simulation. Write down your observations.

Module 2: Direct control of single acting cylinder

ATM 1112 Basic Hydraulics and Pneumatics

5.3 Assembling the circuit
1- Prepare the components according to the above components list.
2- Mount all components according to the pneumatic circuit.
3- Connect pneumatic tubes according to the pneumatic circuit.
4- Check that all parts are connected properly and firmly with each other.
5- make sure that the supply air pressure is set to five (5) bar
6- Switch on the service unit.
7- Start the circuit.
8- Check the operation of the circuit by actuating 3/2 way valve
9-Troubleshoot the circuit for any malfunctions
10- Turn off the service unit
11- Dismantle and tidy up.
12- Write down your observation.

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Module 2: Direct control of single acting cylinder

ATM 1112 Basic Hydraulics and Pneumatics

6

Practical Task 2: Opening fodder silo

6.1

Learning objectives:

After completing this task you will be:

Familiar with the set-up and mode of operation of a normally open

3/2- way valve.

Able to recognize and sketch the various types of actuation of

directional control valves.

6.2

Able to explain and set up direct actuation.

problems Description:

The slide of a fodder silo is to be opened by pressing a pushbutton. When

the pushbutton is released, the slide is closed once again as shown in
figure 2.7 below.

Figure (2.7) Postional schetch

6.3

Requirements:

1. Draw pneumatic circuit diagram using the space provided below

2. Simulate the circuit using FluidSim software.
3. Assemble the circuit practically and check its operation.
4. Write down your observation below

Module 2: Direct control of single acting cylinder

11

ATM 1112 Basic Hydraulics and Pneumatics

Draw the pneumatic circuit here

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Module 2: Direct control of single acting cylinder

ATM 1112 Basic Hydraulics and Pneumatics

References:
1- Festo manuals and workbook TP501
2- www. Fest-didactic.com

Module 2: Direct control of single acting cylinder

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ATM 1112 Basic Hydraulics and Pneumatics

Students notes
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Module 2: Direct control of single acting cylinder

ATM 1112 Basic Hydraulics and Pneumatics

Worksheet 1
Define the single acting cylinder and draw its symbol.

What is the function of the 3/2 way valve push button normally closed?

..
What is the function of the 3/2 way valve push button normally open?

Draw ISO symbols of 3/2 way valve push button, spring return NO and NC.

Name the following valve and recognize what is the type of actuator

Module 2: Direct control of single acting cylinder

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ATM 1112 Basic Hydraulics and Pneumatics

Worksheet 2
Draw the ISO symbol for the following:
1- Manual valve actuator
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2-Mechanical valve actuator
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3-Pneumatic valve actuator
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4-Electrical valve actuator
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Module 2: Direct control of single acting cylinder