HYDRAULICS AND

PNEUMATICS LAB
DEPARTMENT OF MECHATRONICS ENGINEERING
AIR UNIVERSITY
Pneumatic Systems
 Pneumatic systems are designed to move loads by
controlling pressurized air in distribution lines and
pistons with mechanical or electronic valves.
 Air under pressure possesses energy which can be
released to do useful work.
Components of a Pneumatic System
Components of a Pneumatic System
 Compressor is the power source of a pneumatic
system. It is usually driven by a motor or an internal
combustion engine. The compressed air is first stored
in a strong metal tank called reservoir.
 Before entering the cylinders and valves, the
compressed air has to pass through the air
treatment devices, including air filter to remove dust
and moisture, pressure regulator to adjust pressure.
Example: Pneumatic Punching Machine
Hydraulic Systems
 Pneumatic systems are open systems, always
processing new air, and air is simply exhausted to
the atmosphere. Hydraulic systems are closed
systems, always recirculating the same oil.
Components of a Hydraulic System
 Example: Hydraulic Jack

Only a small force is

required by the
operator to raise the
heavy load. The large
piston can be stopped
at any point because
the oil cannot be
compressed.
Example: Hydraulic Brakes
Comparison B/W Hydraulic and
Pneumatic System (Advantages)
Pneumatic Hydraulic
Air is easily available High output force
Fast response Accurate hydraulic pressure
Air is non-flammable No corrosion
Continuous variable transmission Continuous variable transmission
Comparison B/W Hydraulic and
Pneumatic System (Disadvantages)
Pneumatic Hydraulic
Output force is limited Fluid might leak out
Compressibility of air Fluid may degrade due to heat
Corrosion may occur Fluid flow speed is limited
Pipe length is limited Pipes are complicated
Working fluid is often flammable
BASIC HYDRAULIC SYSTEM
 RESERVIOR
 PUMP
 CONTROL VALVES
 ACTUATOR
 RELIEF VALVE
HYDRAULIC RESERVIOR
PUMP TYPES
 GEAR TYPE (150 bar, 90% efficiency)
 VANE TYPE(95%)
 PISTON(98%)
GEAR PUMPS (Lobe Pump)
HYDRAULIC POWER PACK

Hydraulic Power Pack

PUMP SELECTION CRITERIA
 WORKING PRESSURE REQUIRED
 FLOW RATE REQUIRED
 TYPE OF FLUID TO BE PUMPED
 SIZE AND WEIGHT
 LIFE REQUIRED
 NOISE
 EFFECT/TOLERENCE OF DIRT
 EFFICIENCY
 EASE OF MAINTENANCE
 AVIALABILITY OF SPARE PARTS
 COST
CONTROL VALVES
 PRESSURE CONTROL VALVES
 DIRECTIONAL CONTROL VALVES
 FLOW CONTROL VALVES
 NON-RETURN VALVES
PRESSURE CONTROL VALVES
RELIEF VALVES
 The pressure in a system is set and restricted by
these valves. The control pressure is sensed at the
input (P) of the valve.
Directional Control Valves
The following rules apply to the representation of directional
control valves:
 Every switched position is represented by one square.

 Therefore the number of squares drawn indicates the

number of possible positions it can be switched in.
 The pressure and return lines are drawn attached to the
square that represents its normal (non-operated) position.
 By shifting the corresponding square we get the different
possible positions.
 Lines in the squares indicate the ways of flow within the
valve. Arrows represent the direction of the flow.
 The way of operation is drawn using symbols as well.
Example
The picture on the right is the base
symbol of a valve. Only the lines and
the arrows indicating flow-paths and
directions have to be applied.
What information can be derived from this symbol now?
We are dealing with a valve having 2 positions.
This valve has 5 connection points.
5 connections and 2 positions ==> a 5/2-valve
The square on the right is its normal position.
Example
Each individual position is shown in a square

Flow paths are indicated by means of arrows within a square

Closed square

Two flow paths

Two ports are connected and two are closed

Three ports are connected and one is closed

All ports are connected

Representation of a Direction Control
Valve

2/2-way valve Port Designations

P Pressure port
3/2-way valve T Return port
A
B }Power ports
4/2-way valve

4/3-way valve

Number of switching positions

Number of ports
Types of actuation
Flow control valves
 Flow control valves have the task of controlling the
speed of hydraulic actuator. This is achieved by
varying the open cross section of the restrictor,
therefore changing the volumetric flowrate through
the actuator.

Restrictor Throttle One way flow control

Example

Throttle One way flow control