How to Design Efficient Pneumatic Systems

Rachel Desenberg — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 20:12:36 +0000

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Electronics have been a dominant control method for decades. But conditions sometimes exist that prohibit the use of electronic controls. For example, magnetic resonance imaging machines emit strong electromagnetic fields that are incompatible with strong ferrous metals and external electronic fields. Strong radio-frequency fields can interfere even with hard-wired electronic controls.

Furthermore, equipment operating in close proximity to explosives or fuels and other volatile fluids must be explosion-proof—a requirement that adds considerable bulk and expense to control components. These conditions may not be the norm, but any one of them can leave control system designers wondering what alternatives are available.

Designing Efficient Pneumatic Circuits

Pneumatic sequence controllers provide step-by-step system operation. Sequence valves and other components mount to the manifold subplates.

This is where pneumatic control provides a surprisingly wide array of solutions. Modular air-logic systems are often a good bet when a compact, economical unit is a must. They typically consist of a series of valves mounted onto standard manifold subplates.

For instance, compared with discrete air-valve control systems, a modular system provides:

• Proven, reliable design
• Lower component costs
• Simple plumbing and troubleshooting
• Lower air consumption
• No air locks
• A smaller total package

Compared to electrical-relay control, a modular system offers:

• An explosion-proof system with no danger of burnouts
• Lower power consumption
• Lower costs by eliminating solenoids and relays
• A single air supply
• No heat buildup

Only a few manufacturers offer modular, manifold-mounted pneumatic control systems. For instance, �ǳ�web offers a pneumatic programmable controller—a sequential controller that provides step-by-step system operation. It consists of a clear acrylic manifold for mounting sequence valves and other such components in a compact, efficient package.

A selector valve gives the option of one-cycle operation or continuous cycling.

The system is designed to automatically generate feedback signals to initiate the next step when an operation finishes. Many types of sensors can generate feedback signals, including limit valves, proximity sensors, pressure sensors, Hall-effect switches, back-pressure cylinder sensors, and manual pushbuttons.

Feedback signals provide positive, safe operation. If no signals are sent (due to a component failure, missing or jammed parts, and so on), the sequence stops and an indicator pinpoints where to troubleshoot. Internal interlocks prevent out-of-sequence feedback signals.

A pneumatic output signal at each step actuates air-piloted devices, including power valves, hydraulic valves, pressure switches, and other components that may control air cylinders. The last sequence valve resets the system to repeat the cycle of operations.

Design Basics

Modular systems can contain just a few valves or dozens, with many built-in functions to permit a systematic approach to circuit design. As with any control system, it is essential to outline system requirements to save time and reduce the chances of missing a critical step.

Designers must also have a clear understanding both of the sequence of operations (including pressure, temperature, filtration, and other operating conditions) and the control requirements (including manual, automatic, start, stop, etc.). As a final check of circuit operation, consider proper actuation during all conceivable events. This includes startup, shut down, loss of air, panic stops in mid-cycle, restarts in mid-cycle, and control during any other event likely to occur.

Programming Guidelines

After defining the overall functions and requirements of a system, configure the system following some basic guidelines. First, label all components in the pneumatic circuit. At �ǳ�web, we recommend labeling each cylinder with a letter of the alphabet, starting with A. The same holds for air motors and other controlled devices. Label the valve controlling the cylinder with the same letter.

System shutoff prevents accidental machine operation.

Label the pilot of the valve that extends the cylinder (or activates a device) with a plus symbol, and the pilot of the valve that retracts the cylinder (or turns off a device) with a minus symbol. Label the limit sensor the cylinder rod strikes with the letters LV (limit valve), the letter of the cylinder, and position of the sensor for extending or retracting. LVA+, for example, would mean the limit valve of an extended cylinder A.

Second, list in detail every sequence of operation. This includes the action or control that initiates a step, what function takes place during that step, and the limit sensor that ends the operation. Note what position all actuators are in for every step. An example of a simple two-cylinder sequence is shown in the accompanying table.

Third, select components for the control system. Modular systems offer great flexibility because users can incorporate multiple options when selecting sequence valves. For instance, in the "Two-cylinder sequence" example, five steps (extend and retract the two cylinders plus reset) require five sequence valves.

A basic valve could be used for each step, or you could choose valves with special features. For example, the first two steps could use a valve that provides a sequence reset lock if the start button is held down or if the limit valve LVA+ is locked down. Reset lock means the sequence will not reset to bypass the valve being actuated.

After choosing components, assemble fittings and modular valves into the subplate. Connect the air supply and lines from the limit valves and electrical connections from the Hall-effect sensors to the inlet connections. Finally, connect air lines from the outlet to the air pilots of the power valves.

Changing Operations

A shuttle valve to the pilot of a power valve lets a function actuate twice during a sequence.

Modular systems can be quickly tailored to meet specific requirements. Sequence conditions can be altered or adapted to the application by using different control modules. Here's a look at some common options.

Start options—If the application demands an input for each cycle of operations, use a pushbutton input signal and a sequence valve that provides a reset lock if the button is held actuated. If continuous cycling is required, use a selector or toggle valve at the input of the first step along with a valve that permits continuous cycle sequences. For applications requiring choosing between one cycle or continuous cycling, add a selector valve that determines the type of operation.

Manual jog—This control option lets users jog (step-by-step) through the machine sequences. One way to do this is to control air flow to the limit valves, with the jog control a pushbutton or spring-return selector. If held actuated, the sequence continues until released.

Another method for manual-jog control is to use a binary-trigger circuit that controls the input to the sequence circuit. This approach requires actuating the jog signal for each step. A delay-out valve resets the binary trigger when there are an odd number of sequence steps.

Two-cylinder sequence.

Reset—This control, when actuated, returns the sequence to the start position. Reset can also place power valves in a home position. A reset circuit should only be used when the control is in manual mode.

E-stop—Emergency-stop controls can halt system operations in several ways:

1. Stopping the sequence only
2. Stopping the sequence and relieving pressure
from the power valves
3. Stopping the sequence and activating reset controls

A latching mushroom-head button is commonly used for the emergency-stop control because it gives users a positive response when activated.

Jog control lets users manually step through machine operations. This option can be added by controlling flow to limit valves or adding a binary trigger.

System shutoff—These controls turn off the main air supply. This prevents harming people or product from accidental machine operation. If the system has large power valves, a piloted three-way main supply valve can control a specific machine section. When electrical circuits are part of the system, an air-piloted pressure switch ensures the system has electric power only if the air is on.

Multiple outputs—When two (or more) functions start with the same step, connect the output from that sequence step to both power valves.

Multiple functions—Functions that actuate twice during the sequence call for the system to connect a shuttle valve (OR function) to the pilot of the power valve.

Multiple inputs—When two functions actuate at the same time, a piloted three-way valve (AND function) ensures both functions are complete before the next step begins.

Delays—Applications requiring a delay before a step can use a delay-in module between the limit valve and the input to the step being delayed.

Backpressure sensing—Many air-cylinder applications cannot use mechanical limit valves for sensing because of physical interference, temperature extremes, or other conditions. A method called backpressure sensing indicates cylinder position without limit valves. For example, as a cylinder retracts, it creates a backpressure behind the piston. Restricting exhaust air at the control valve further increases pressure and slows return of the cylinder rod.

This backpressure holds the pilot down on a normally open (NO) three-way valve. When the cylinder fully returns, backpressure diminishes at the pilot port of the NO three-way valve, letting a spring shift the valve to send a pneumatic signal to the next step. If the system requires a delay, substitute a delay-out module for the three-way valve.

Original Article, March 2016
By Mike Kettering • Tech Sales Specialist • �ǳ�web

Download Whitepaper (PDF)

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Modular Circuit Assembly Tips

Rob �ǳ�web — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 21:26:10 +0000

Category:

Troubleshooting

Versatility is the key when it comes to
�ǳ�web’s Minimatic® Modular Valves.

Available in an unlimited variety of directional, flow, pressure and special control valves - each in a valve body designed to mount and link together with a simple piping system.

The piping system eases assembly and plumbing, resulting in reduced labor costs, errors in installation, and the potential for plumbing leakage. In addition, multiple valve elements

can be contained in a single body; providing incredible flexibility and variety to accomplish

a myriad of control challenges. The Minimatic modular valves are the supreme “Plug and

Play” devices for pneumatic applications.

Application Ideas for All Pneumatic Modular Circuits

Your Pneumatic Circuit

The first step in building a modular circuit is designing the pneumatic circuit using ANSI or simplified symbols.

We have chosen the Two-Hand, No-Tie-Down Circuit for this demonstration.

Specifications for the R-315 modular valve
Click here for more informatino on the Octoport port coding.

Octoport Diagrams

The next step is selecting the octoport diagram for each modular valve. Each �ǳ�web modular valve (R-series) has its own unique octoport diagram which is shown to the right of the ANSI symbol.

Components
for Modular Circuit

Next, you need to gather the required components. Typically, the modular portion of a circuit consists of modular valves, subplates, mounting strips, 1/16” and 1/8” fittings, 1/16” and 1/8” hose, and the main air supply connect fitting.

This List is:

R-315
R-401 (2)
MAV-3 (2)
PC-5E-BK (2)
R-102 (2)
R-101 (3)

MAC-B
11752-4
11755
11752-5

Tubing

Mounting Strip
& Subplate Assembly

The next step is assembling the mounting strips (R-102) and subplates (R-101/R-101-M5).

Install the fittings into the R-101/R-101-M5 subplates using the octoport, octoport port coding, and pneumatic circuit diagrams. Generally, 1/16” hose or 5/32" is used for pilot ports and their adjoining lines and 1/8” hose are

for supply lines and cylinders.

Looking at the Two-Hand, No-Tie-Down circuit:

1. Valve RV-1 has fitting 11752-5 (#10-32 to 1/16” I.D.

hose fitting) installed in ports 4 and 8

2. Fitting 11752-4 (#10-32 thd. to 1/8” I.D. hose

fitting) installed in ports 1 and 2 because port 1 is the

main air supply for the circuit and port 2 is the outlet.

3. On valves V-1 and V-2, fitting 11752-5 was installed

in both the inlet and outlet of each valve because both

valves are used for pilot actuation of valves RV-1 and RV-2.

Hose and barb sizes were picked with this particular pplication in mind. Both may vary to meet your needs. Feel free to contact our facility for technical support.

4. Being in a pilot line, the inline fixed orifice air choke

N-1 was fitted with an 11752-5 on one end and a UTO-2 universal “L” fitting on the other.

Connecting Hose

With the fittings installed, the circuit is ready for hose.

The color coding we use at �ǳ�web is quite simple.

Red hose is used for all supply lines. For all other hose

as many different colors as possible are used in order

to facilitate circuit trouble shooting.

1. Supply lines - Red hose

2. The 1/16” I.D. fittings require URH1-0402 hose

3. The 1/8” I.D. fittings require URH1-0804 hose

4. The main supply line was fitted with a MJQC-CB4

which can be attached to any of the MJQC valve

bodies.

Modular Valve Hookup

The final assembly step is installing the modular valves and mounting gasket to the subplates.

Hose and barb sizes were picked with this particular application in mind. Both may vary to meet your needs. Feel free to contact our facility for technical support.

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�ǳ�web Knowledgebase - circuit