MDB 4022Z MECHATRONICS: PNEUMATIC EXPERIMENT

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

SECTION A (To be filled by students)

DATE: MON: Group No : T10-3

X TUES: 23/10/18
Submission Date : 30/10/18
WED:
Session: Acknowledged by :
10AM – 12PM THURS: (report submission)
FRI:

EXP & TITLE : PNEUMATIC & ELECTRO PNEUMATIC SYSTEM

SECTION B (To be filled by students)

NAME ID TIME IN TIME OUT SIGN

Ng Zhongyan 21973 10 AM 12 PM
Mohd Idraki Eiyman Bin
21896 10 AM 12 PM
Mohamad Zamri
Andrew Yap Jiun Herng 21894 10 AM 12 PM
Mohd Izamil Bin Ismail 21921 10 AM 12 PM

SECTION D (by Examiner)

MARKS
ITEM ALLOCATED SCORE REMARKS

Abstract 10

Objectives 10

Theory & Procedure 10

Data collection 20

Results 20

Conclusions & Discussion 20

Report Format / Style 10

TOTAL 100
Contents
Table of Figures .......................................................................................................................... 1
Abstract ...................................................................................................................................... 2
Objectives ................................................................................................................................... 2
Theory ........................................................................................................................................ 3
Procedures .................................................................................................................................. 5
Data Collection & Results ........................................................................................................... 6
Discussion................................................................................................................................. 11
Conclusion ................................................................................................................................ 12

Table of Figures
Figure 1: Connections for Pneumatic/Hydraulic Actuation System .............................................. 5

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Abstract

The pneumatic actuator represents the main force control operator in many industrial
applications, where its static and dynamic characteristics play an important role in the overall
behavior of the control system. Therefore, improving the dynamic behavior of the pneumatic
actuator is of prime interest to control system designers. This experiment is related of the pneumatic
actuator systems. In particular the innovations in different control strategies applied to pneumatic
actuators along with the modeling and controlling techniques developed for different applications
of pneumatic actuators are investigated. The initial setup consists of one double acting cylinder
which moves from location a- to a+ with the help of limit switch. To study further the actuation
control of the system, another double acting cylinder, is added into the system and the actuation
control is modified so that it can move with sequence a+ > b+ > a- > b-. The result is recorded and
the error that arise while completing this experiment is discussed thoroughly.

Objectives

The objectives of this experiments are:

1. To study the mechanism of pneumatic system and its components.

2. To investigate how by changing the actuation system of the pneumatic will affect the
movement of the double acting cylinder.
3. To identify probable errors that causes the system to malfunction.

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Theory
Actuation systems are the components of control framework which are in charge of
changing the yield of a microprocessor or control framework into a controlling activity on
a machine or gadget. Consequently, for instance, we may have an electrical yield from the
controller which must be changed into a straight movement to move a load. Another
precedent may be the place an electrical output from the controller must be changed into
an activity which controls the measure of fluid going along a pipe. Pneumatics is the term
utilized when compressed air is utilized and power through pressure when a fluid, run of
the typical oil. Like how hydraulics is related to fluids, pneumatics is the undifferentiated
from identical with regards to gases. Gases have natural properties that connect and
communicate with every one of its physical properties, for example, pressure, temperature
and so on. The principle division of science that arrangements with gases and its
mechanical properties is the thing that that is referred to us as pneumatics. Pneumatic
signals are frequently used to control last control components, notwithstanding when the
control system is generally electrical. This is on account of such flags can be sed to activate
extensive valves and other high control gadgets thus move significant loads. The principle
disadvantage with pneumatic system and there are risks related with oil leaks which don't
happen with air leaks. The atmospherics pressure changes with both area and time yet in
pneumatics is by and large taken to be 1000000 P, such a pressure being named 1 bar.

furthermore, another gaseous medium is likewise known to be utilized in pneumatics. Such

models incorporate, yet are not constrained to nitrogen, carbon dioxide and some more.
The essential pneumatic system as a rule incorporate a compressor to compress and
increment the gaseous tension, to store more air inside a given volume, in a manner of
speaking. Next, a capacity tank is required with the end goal to store the pack air while it
holds up to be utilized. If there should arise an occurrence of a low interest situation, the
compressor is at times closed down to avoid over the top utilization of power and vitality
wastage.

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 Aside from the essential working instruments, other key focuses to be noted is that
the air is altogether cleaned before being compacted and sent to be utilized by the numerous
pneumatic devices. The purpose behind this is dirt and impurities noticeable all around can
trade off the usefulness of the pneumatic instruments, as well as the compacting system
itself. In this way, it Is not unprecedented to observe an array of filters and in a
commonplace air compacting system design.

As for this experiment, we will be looking at how to read a pneumatic diagram and
assemble the components as per the preassigned layout. Moreover, we will also tinker
about the many types of valves and pneumatic controllers to observe the many possibilities
of using pneumatics to actuate and control movement.

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Procedures

Figure 1: Connections for Pneumatic/Hydraulic Actuation System

1. Identify the pneumatic components in the diagram as shown above. Note down all
the types and the quantity of the components required and get all components from
the designated storage area.
2. The components were arranged by following the pneumatic diagram, the
components were being hooked into the workspace to avoid movements of the
components.
3. Connected all the component to together starting from the compressed air source,
according to the pneumatic diagram by using pneumatic tubes and wires.
4. Checked all the components to ensure there were no leaks and all the connections
were secure, a light pull is done on the tubes to ensure that they are fixed correctly
into the openings.
5. Turned on the main switch of the compressed air and will be resulting motion for
the piston cylinders was observed. Some adjustment had been made to the
pneumatic connections and the air pressure control to ensure a smoother motion
was obtained.

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Data Collection & Results
Activity 1:

The first activity was carried out by testing and observing the final speed of motion of the
cylinder together with the operation sequence of the cylinder. The pneumatic actuator
system was constructed as the image below by using the following instruments:

1. Double solenoid x 1
2. Pilot valve x 1
3. Limit switch x 1
4. Double act cylinder x 1
5. Wires

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 6. Plastic tubes

Pilot
Valve
Double
Solenoid

Limit
Switch

Double Act
Cylinder

The parameters and result of the experiments are as follows:

Experiment 1
Pressure 100 psi
Speed of Motion Slow
Operation Sequence A+A-

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 Experiment 2
Pressure 150 psi
Speed of Motion Moderately fast
Operation Sequence A+A-

Experiment 3
Pressure 200 psi
Speed of Motion Fast
Operation Sequence A+A-

Activity 2:

The second activity was carried out by constructing 2 separate pneumatic actuator system using the
same main power supply. The speed of motion of the cylinder and the operation sequence of
the cylinder was observed.

The pneumatic actuator system was constructed by using the following instruments:

1. Double solenoid x 2
2. Pilot valve x 2
3. Limit switch x 2
4. Double act cylinder x 2
5. Wires
6. Plastic tube

The parameters and result of the experiments are as follows:

Experiment 1
Pressure 100 psi
Speed of Motion Slow
Operation Sequence [A+B+] [A-B-] (In sync)

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 Experiment 2
Pressure 150 psi
Speed of Motion Moderately fast
Operation Sequence [A+B+] [A-B-] (Slightly out of Sync)

Experiment 3
Pressure 200 psi
Speed of Motion Fast
Operation Sequence A+ B+ B- A- (Cylinder B was faster than Cylinder A)

Activity 3:

The third activity was carried out by crosslinking 2 separate pneumatic actuator system
into a system that is able to deliver the desirable sequential operating sequence of A+ B+
A- B-. The speed of motion of the cylinder and the operation sequence of the cylinder was
observed.

The pneumatic actuator system was constructed as the image below by using the following
instruments:

1. Double solenoid x 2
2. Pilot valve x 2
3. Limit switch x 2
4. Double act cylinder x 2
5. Wires
6. Plastic tubes

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 Limit Switch B to
Pilot solenoid A (Red
Valve wires)
Double
Solenoid

Limit
Double Act Switch
Cylinder

Limit Switch A to
solenoid B (Green
Wires)

The parameters and result of the experiments are as follows:

Experiment 1
Pressure 100 psi
Speed of Motion Slow
Operation Sequence A+ B+ A- B-

Experiment 2
Pressure 150 psi
Speed of Motion Moderately fast
Operation Sequence A+ B+ A- B-

Experiment 3
Pressure 200 psi
Speed of Motion Fast
Operation Sequence A+ B+ A- B-

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Discussion
In the first activity, the cylinders were tested with different degree of air pressure.
Through observations, the operation sequence was the same for all of the experiments
which is A+ A- until the valve was shutoff. However, there was a considerable difference
in the speed of the cylinders. The cylinder moves at a slower pace when the air pressure
was at 100psi but moves rapidly when the air pressure was at 100psi. This situation is
similar for all of the 3 activities that had been carried out. Through discussion we revisited
the formula of pressure which was:

𝐹
𝑃=
𝐴

Where, 𝐹 = 𝑃𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑛 𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒

𝑃 = 𝑃𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑛 𝑂𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒

𝐴 = 𝐸𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑃𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑛 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎

Since we knew that all design instruments have loses, frictional force 𝐹𝑟, was
considered in this equation and the final equation of piston force is:

𝑃𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑛 𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒, 𝐹 = (𝐴 × 𝑃) − 𝐹𝑟

Therefore, it is reasonable to say that the piston force increases with increasing air pressure
which leads to the higher rate of operation of the piston as the high piston force, forces the
air through the tubes with a higher power. The displacement in this case is the length of the
tubes where the air travels.

𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒 𝑥 𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡
𝑃𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 =
𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑇𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑛

The equation above can be rewritten as:

𝑃𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 = 𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒 × 𝑉𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦

In the second activity, the operation sequence of the cylinder was observed to be in
synchronization when the air pressure is at 100 psi. After increasing the air pressure to 150
psi, the movement of the piston was observed to be out of sync. When the air pressure is at
200 psi, the movement of the piston was totally out of sync. Besides that, cylinder B moves

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at a higher rate than cylinder A. Previously mentioned, there are certain loses that could
not be totally avoided such as frictional forces in the piston, 𝐹𝑟. It is logical to believe that
the frictional loses in piston A might be higher which leads to a slower rate of operating
sequence. Furthermore, frictional loses will also be affected by the length of the plastic
tube used.

Activity 3 is a self-learning activity to test our knowledge on the logic behind the
working principle pneumatic actuator. The final sequential operation was expected to be
A+ B+ A- B-. Throughout this activity, there are many trail and errors to cross-link the two
system from activity 2 into one system. Finally, the expected operation sequence was
achieved by connecting the system as shown in activity 3. Firstly, the air pressure enters
the rear part of the cylinder A and the piston extends and clicks on the other end of the limit
switch A. The limit switch then send a signal to the other solenoid to control the opening
of the valve through the rear part to extend cylinder B. The limit switch B was clicked, and
an input was sent back to solenoid A to open the front valve to retract the piston back to
the original position. By now, limit switch A is back to the original position and it sends a
signal to solenoid B to open the front valve to retract the piston back to the initial position.
This sequence continues until the valve was shutoff preventing air flow into the pistons.

Conclusion
In conclusion, Pneumatic/Hydraulic Actuation System which involve several main
components to carry out the experiment which is double solenoid, pilot valve, limit switch,
double act cylinder and wires where able to connect and create a different command and
execution of the experiment. According to the electrical diagram given there are three
activities carried out and to understand the working principle of the pneumatic actuator.
With a different degree of air pressure applied on the system will determine the speed and
output of the piston. With rearrange the sensor input to obtain different sequential for the
experiment which there many possibilities of using pneumatics to actuate and control
movement.

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