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Fall 2012
Lecture 12
The air distribution system delivers high-pressure, conditioned air from the
receiver to workstations with a minimum of pressure drop
The type of distribution system depends on the size of the facility and the
level of demand for compressed air
Four general categories of air distribution systems are used with pneumatic
systems
Centralized grid with fixed piping
Decentralized grid with fixed piping
Loop system with fixed piping
Flexible hoses for portable compressor systems
Centralized grid has one centralized compressor station and one line network
for a facility
Loop system has a main line that forms a continuous loop with compressors
located at one or more locations
This design provides maximum airflow with a minimum of pressure drop
between the compressors and the individual workstations
Air-Distribution System
Loop system
11
Special attention must given to the setup of a hose air distribution in order to
minimize pressure drop
Minimize hose length
Reduce the number of couplings
Eliminate kinks in the hose
Care must be taken to protect the hoses from abrasion in the work
environment
Typical hose distribution system
Proper sizing of pipe for a fixed air distribution system is difficult because of
variety of work and loads conditions:
The pipe in air distribution lines should be installed with a pitch of 1 per
10 of line
Allows liquid water to drain to water traps
Water can be remove from traps either manually or with automatic
drain devices
Drop lines lead from the main air distribution line to the workstations
Should be attached to the top side of the distribution line
This prevents water in the distribution lines from entering the
workstation lines
The lubricator in an FRL unit meters oil into pressurized system air at the
workstation
This provides lubrication for system valves, actuators, and air-powered tools
Work Performers of
Pneumatic Systems
Pneumatic systems convert the potential energy of compressed air into force
and movement using:
Cylinders
Often called linear actuators
Force generated is controlled by system pressure
Speed of movement is determined by the volume of air allowed to enter the
unit
Motors
Often called rotary actuators
Torque depends on air pressure and the internal structure of the motor
Operating speed is determined by the internal displacement of the motor per
revolution and the volume of compressed air passing through the motor
Reciprocating movement
Process assistance
Nozzles
Impact tools
Piston air motors are most often found in installations requiring higher
horsepower output
They are available in both axial and radial piston designs
Nail drivers are used to install staples, nails, or other fasteners in wood
and other materials
Pneumatic models have become popular for use by general consumers, as
well as by the construction industry
Pneumatic rock drills are commonly used in quarries, mining, and road
construction
The holes bored by this equipment are used for the placement of explosive
charges that break the rock along a line connecting the holes
Controlling a Pneumatic
System
Pressure, Direction, and Flow
Direction of airflow
control airflow direction to establish the direction of
actuator movement
Rate of airflow
regulate the rate of airflow to control actuator operating
speed
In most directional control valves, resilient materials are used to seal the
space between the bore and the spool
In packed-spool designs, sealing materials are attached to the valve spool
lands
Exhaust mufflers:
Reduce the level of air exhaust
noise
Prevent the entrance of dirt and
liquids into the exhaust ports of
directional control valves and
actuators