Some electropneumatic pressure regulators work by combining three important elements: the mechanical valve, the solenoid, and the controller. The mechanical valve is comprised of the valve body, spring, and spool. The valve body is typically machined from aluminum or brass. It includes a port for the unregulated air to enter the valve. Internally machined is […]
Engineering Basics
What are electropneumatic flow controllers?
An electropneumatic flow controller provides precision control of the flow of a gas to an actuator — representing the latest flow control option. They are most commonly used to control the flow of air to an actuator; thereby controlling the speed which the actuator extends/retracts or rotates. To appreciate the advances that electropneumatic flow valves […]
What is compressed air’s water carrying capacity?
If experiencing troublesome “water in the compressed air” problems, it often helps to understand the moisture carrying capabilities of compressed air. A rule of thumb is often used to help understand the effect of temperature on the water content of saturated compressed air. The rule states: “At 100 psi, every 20° F increase in air […]
What are electropneumatic pressure regulators/controllers?
By Justin Fluegel, Contributor A simple example of explaining a self-relieving pressure regulator is to imagine having a balloon with two normally closed ends. Call the ends supply and exhaust. Assume the balloon is empty and you ask for more pressure in the balloon. The supply end opens until the balloon pressure equals the requested […]
How do you control pressure in a pneumatic circuit?
Pressure regulators, as the name indicates, control the pressure in a pneumatic circuit. Setting and maintaining pressure in a system is important for safety and energy efficiency of individual actuators, tools and instruments as well as for the complete circuit. A typical manufacturing facility has plant air pressure from the compressor set to around 110 […]
Where are single-acting pneumatic cylinders used?
By Frances Richards, contributor Pneumatic cylinders are a clean and cost-effective option for achieving reliable linear motion in many industrial environments. Because they are lighter weight and lower maintenance than their hydraulic and electric counterparts, they are an excellent choice in applications from factory automation and transportation to packaging and life sciences. Two main styles […]
How do you mount/install a compact pneumatic cylinder?
By Vicki Burt, Contributor One of the benefits in choosing a compact cylinder is getting effective motion in a small footprint. These short-stroke, low-profile, air cylinders are designed to fit into tight spaces and are available in a variety of mounting options. Pancake cylinders are a trademarked line of compact air cylinders from Fabco-Air Inc. […]
How do pneumatic rodless cylinders/slides work?
Contributed by Vicki Burt In a rodless air cylinder — also called a rodless slide — motion is transmitted through the body length by an internal piston moving with the cylinder, driven by compressed air. The piston is attached to a shuttle or carriage, which supports the load and moves it in a linear direction […]
What are single-acting pneumatic cylinders?
Contributed by Frances Richards Pneumatic cylinders, also called air cylinders, pneumatic actuators, or pneumatic drives, are relatively simple mechanical devices that use the energy of compressed air and turn it into linear motion. Lightweight and low maintenance, pneumatic cylinders generally operate at lower speeds and less force than their hydraulic or electric counterparts, but are […]
How do you specify pneumatic cylinders?
Contributed by Darryl Powell, Doc’s Hydraulic-Pneumatic Training LLC When specifying pneumatic cylinders, you may think that the most important information needed is the bore size and stroke. While these details are certainly important, the application’s requirements are more critical. For example, several questions should be considered: is the cylinder in a wet environment (maybe salt […]
