Pneumatic systems have been helping various industries for many centuries. In fact, the first pneumatic system was built by Hero, a Greek mathematician, in 1st century. Today, pneumatics is powering many machineries to achieve efficient motion. Festo along with other companies have specialized in building pneumatic systems for a wide range of applications.
But same with other motion systems, pneumatics require proper quality assembly to work efficiently. It must have certain components which function for specific purposes. Note that this is about utilizing gas or air to produce motion, and air must be controlled accordingly to get accurate results.
How to make sure of having Quality and Efficient Pneumatic Systems
Pneumatics circles on usage of air to achieve mechanical motion. Air or gas is first prepared to achieve ideal state, such as being clean, dry and compressed. Clean and dry air is necessary to avoid moisture as well as other particles harming the machines. Whereas compression is important to decrease the volume of air, hence achieving ideal force or power when reaching cylinders or plunges.
Now, to make sure of having an efficient pneumatic system, having quality and right parts is valuable. Here are the most important basic components of pneumatic systems today:
- Air Preparation Machine
This are large tanks which harness air directly from the atmosphere, then clean and compress it for usage. Remember that it’s important to use appropriate state of air for a pneumatic system. Also, it has a secondary tank which acts as a buffer before releasing the air to the pneumatic tract. The buffer tank prevents surge of air from the air preparation machine.
- Check Valves
It’s important to keep pressurized air from going back to the compressor. Hence, check valves are installed on the tracts which connect the compressor and the buffer tank. These are one-way valves which stops air from moving on backward direction.
- Gauges and Controls
It’s important to maintain appropriately accurate pound per square inch (PSI) measurement of air for a pneumatic system. Hence, be sure your system has accurate gauges controls to monitor air pressure; before being released and while it passes through the pneumatic tracts. Also, controls help in triggering the air to be released from the buffer tank.
- Feed Lines
These are hoses with large diameters which allows efficient passage of pressurized air. Its large diameter is important to prevent or minimize air going backwards in the tract. Also, it delivers compressed air to appropriate destinations in the system.
- Actuators
Then there are the actuators, or the parts which do the motion in a pneumatic system. Actuators come in the form of cylinders or plunges which receives pressurized air. As the compressed air or gas pass through the chamber, the actuators move in a piston-like motion to achieve ideal results. This is how a pneumatic system produces practical application in a company.
From the air preparation machines to the actuators, it’s important for all parts to have best quality. For example, everything should be on the right size to allow accurate pressure of air passing through. And they should be assembled properly for the entire system to function. Yes, pneumatic systems are relatively easier to install and assemble than other systems, but it’s best to hire experts do the job in your facilities.
After all, having the right quality parts and professional installation of any system is necessary for stellar results.
