MAPÚA UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF MECHANICAL, MANUFACTURING, AND ENERGY
ENGINEERING
ME160P-3/E01
INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION AND CONTROL
WRITTEN REPORT ON
PNEUMATICS
EXPERIMENT NO. 1
SUBMITTED BY:
BARROGA, JOSH MARTIN F. (2019102713)
ORTEGA, PATRICK A. (2019100151)
VASQUEZ, ELCID JOSEPH L. (2021107950)
TAMAYO, FRANCIS JAMES O. (2020100307)
DEE, ALIYAH CHELSEA S. (2022102223)
SUBMITTED TO:
ENGR. JULIAN ALBERT NOHAY
JANUARY 11, 2025
ABSTRACT
Pneumatic systems are integral to various industries, powering applications from
industrial instruments and medical equipment to transportation systems like suspension and
brakes. This report outlines two key activities designed to demonstrate the principles of
pneumatic operation. The first activity focuses on the functionality of single-acting and
double-acting cylinders using two 3/2-way valves for manual control of piston movement.
The process begins with assembling the pneumatic circuit, calibrating pressure, and
adjusting the flow meter. Activating the system demonstrates how the cylinders extend and
retract through button manipulations. The second activity emphasizes air flow control using
a one-way valve, a flow meter, and an air-powered motor. The setup involves connecting
the air service unit to a reservoir and a pressure-regulating valve set at 0.2 MPa. Adjusting
the control valve affects flow meter readings, illustrating changes in air flow and system
pressure. Through these activities, students gained hands-on experience with the basic
components and operation of pneumatic systems. They successfully designed and
implemented circuits to perform mechanical tasks and gained a deeper understanding of
pneumatic valves and their roles in system functionality.
OBJECTIVES:
1. To be familiar with the basic components of pneumatic systems
2. To construct pneumatic systems to perform specific functions related in mechanical
and manufacturing processes
3. To know the purpose of different valves used in pneumatics
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE PAGE i
ABSTRACT ii
OBJECTIVES ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS iii
THEORIES AND PRINCIPLES 1
DISCUSSION 4
SAMPLE PROBLEMS 6
FINAL DATA SHEET 12
CONCLUSION 14
RECOMMENDATION 14
REFERENCES 14
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THEORIES AND PRINCIPLES
Pneumatics, derived from the Greek word “pneuma” meaning “air” or
“breath”, is an engineering field that uses pressurized air to perform mechanical tasks
and is widely valued for its cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and versatility. Pneumatic
systems are used across industries from powering industrial tools and medical devices
to operating breaks and suspension systems in transportation.
Pneumatics operates on key principles and laws. First is Boyle’s Law, which
states that if the pressure of a gas increases while its temperature remains constant, the
volume decreases, ensuring that the pressure and volume of the product remains
constant.
Figure 1: Boyle’s Law
In Figure 1, the compression process is depicted in two stages. On the left, the
initial state of the tank is illustrated, showing the starting pressure and volume before
compression begins. On the right, the diagram represents the tank after compression,
highlighting the increased pressure and reduced volume resulting from the process. To
express this mathematically, the formula is expressed as:
P1V1 = P2V2
Where P1 and V1 represent the initial pressure and volume, and P 2 and V2 are the
pressure and volume after compression.
Second is Charles' Law states that the volume of a gas is directly proportional to
its absolute temperature, provided the pressure remains constant. This means that as the
temperature of the gas increases, its molecules move more energetically, causing the
gas to expand and occupy a larger volume.
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Figure 2: Charles’ Law
In Figure 2, the left side shows the initial temperature and volume of the gas and
on the right side shows the temperature rising, which in turn, the volume expands.
Mathematically, this is expressed as:
V1 V 2
=
T 1 T2
Where V1and V2 represent the initial and final volumes of the gas, and T1and
T2 are the initial and final temperatures of the gas, measured in Kelvin.
Lastly is Pascal's Principle, which states that when pressure is applied to a
confined fluid, it is transmitted uniformly and undiminished throughout the fluid in all
directions meaning that any change in pressure at any point inside the fluid is felt
equally at every other point in the fluid, regardless of the shape and size of the
container.
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Figure 3: Pascal’s Principle
In Figure 3, if a force is applied to the fluid, the pressure created is evenly
distributed throughout the fluid. On the other side, this pressure is felt uniformly,
regardless of the container's shape or size. This uniform transmission of pressure is
what enables hydraulic systems to amplify small forces into larger ones, as the same
pressure acts on both sides of the system. Mathematically, this is expressed as:
F1 F 2
=
A1 A2
Where F1 and F2 represent the forces applied at two different points, and A1
and A2 are the areas of the pistons at those points.
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DISCUSSION
The primary objective of the first activity is to demonstrate the operation of
single-acting and double-acting cylinders using two 3/2-way valves, allowing manual
control of piston extension and retraction by manipulating the valves. The activity
begins with starting the air compressor and assembling the pneumatic circuit as guided.
After calibrating the pressure and adjusting the flow meter, air is delivered to the
system. Pressing the first button activates both cylinders, with the single-acting cylinder
retracting upon release, while pressing the second button retracts the double-acting
cylinder.
Figure 4: Pneumatic System Setup for Activity 1
The primary objective of the second activity is to demonstrate air flow control and
its impact on a pneumatic system using a one-way control valve, a flow meter, and an air-
powered motor. The activity begins with connecting the air service unit to a pressure
regulating valve set to 0.2 MPa and an air reservoir to maintain pressure. The pressure
regulating valve is linked to the flow meter, which is connected to the air motor, with its
output routed back to the air reservoir to prevent air losses. Manipulating the control valve
causes fluctuations in the flow meter readings, with notable decreases as the valve is
adjusted.
The same pneumatic system setup is used for the last activity, with its primary
objective is to measure the air motor’s RPM using a tachometer and the air pressure from
the flow meter.
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Figure 5: Pneumatic System Setup for Activity 2 & 3
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SAMPLE PROBLEMS
EXERCISE 10: FEED DIVIDER
A feed divider is needed to separate two raw materials at a time for a machining
station. There is a delay time for each cycle of movement. One button is for a single
cycle while another button is for continuous operation.
Figure 6: Feed Divider FluidSIM Diagram
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EXERCISE 11: WELDING MECHANISM
A welding mechanism is needed to join thermoplastic materials together in
which the pressure is controlled by a regulator. One button is for the downward motion.
There is a delayed time for the upward movement, but another button can be used for
immediate retraction. Gages are used to monitor pressure.
Figure 7: Welding Mechanism FluidSIM Diagram
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EXERCISE 12: SIEVE SHAKER
A vibrating movement with a regulator is needed for the sieving of aggregates.
The upper sieve and lower sieve move in opposite directions. There is a single-acting
cylinder moving with a pattern like the upper sieve. A button with a selector switch
activates the operation.
Figure 8: Sieve Shaker FluidSIM Diagram
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EXERCISE 13: TRASH COMPACTOR
In a trash compactor, when a button is pressed the pre-compactor first activates
followed by the main compactor. Both compactors retract at the same time with the
initialization of a pressure sequence valve. It is a machine that has a hydraulic-powered
metal ram which the purpose of compressing the waste material into smaller pieces
which makes it easier to dispose of.
Figure 9: Trash Compactor FluidSIM Diagram
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EXERCISE 14: CLAMPING MACHINE
A machine is needed to clamp coverings to the products. When a button is
pressed, the controlled clamping begins through a forward movement of a cylinder
followed by a perpendicular movement of a pressured regulated cylinder. Another
button is for the retraction in a reversed process.
Figure 10: Clamping Machine FluidSIM Diagram
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EXERCISE 15: CUTTING MACHINE
A mechanism is needed in a cutting machine. When a button is pressed, the
clamped material will be moved inside the cutting machine by two cylinders with
restricted motion. After the cutting process, the first cylinder retracts followed by a
quick extension of the second cylinder.
Figure 11: Cutting Machine FluidSIM Diagram
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FINAL DATA SHEET/SET-UP
ACTIVITY 1
In Activity 1, the single-acting cylinder automatically extends and retracts when
linked to the normally closed button, while the double-acting cylinder extends with the
normally open button and retracts using the normally closed button, which in turn allows
the single-acting cylinder to extend.
Figure 12: Activity 1 FluidSIM Diagram
ACTIVITY 2
The primary objective of the second activity is to demonstrate airflow control and
its impact on a pneumatic system using a one-way control valve, a flow meter, and an air-
powered motor. The activity begins with connecting the air service unit to a pressure
regulating valve set to 0.2 MPa and an air reservoir to maintain pressure. The pressure
regulating valve is linked to the flow meter, which is connected to the air motor which turns
when the system is turned on. Its output is routed back to the air reservoir to prevent air
losses. Manipulating the control valve causes fluctuations in the flow meter readings, with
notable decreases as the valve is adjusted.
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Figure 13: Activity 2&3 FluidSIM Diagram
ACTIVITY 3
For the last activity, 8 tests were conducted based on previous activity. It is a
continuous process that ends when the obtained values for pressure, flow rate, or RPM drop
to zero, as shown in the table below.
Table 1: Tachometer measurements for Activity 3
TRIAL Running Pressure Flow Rate RPM
1 0.19 MPa 50 L/min 5110
2 0.18 MPa 39 L/min 2672
3 0.17 MPa 38 L/min 4310
4 0.19 MPa 40 L/min 0
5 0.21 MPa 39 L/min 296
6 0.18 MPa 15 L/min 0
7 0.16 MPa 4 L/min 0
8 0 MPa 0 L/min 0
The trials indicate that as pressure and flow rate decrease, the RPM also declines or
stops. Trial 1 had the highest pressure and RPM, while subsequent trials showed reduced
pressure, flow rate, and RPM, with some trials resulting in zero RPM. Trial 8 had no
pressure, flow rate, or RPM.
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CONCLUSION
The students were able to accomplish the objectives for the activity. The
students were able to be familiarized with the basic components of pneumatic systems.
They were also able to apply and construct pneumatic systems to perform specific functions
related to mechanical and manufacturing processes. Lastly, the students were able to know
the purpose of each different valve used in pneumatics.
RECOMMENDATION
The researchers emphasize the importance of efficiency and effectiveness for future
course participants by encouraging a thorough understanding of the simulation process.
They suggest beginning with a detailed review of the schematic diagram, paying close
attention to the symbols that indicate the components required for the experiment.
Additionally, they highlight the need to understand the operation of key equipment, such as
the flow valve and compressor, to streamline tasks during practical activities. The
researchers also strongly recommend utilizing newer equipment, as the current air
compressor has leaks that disrupted previous activities, limiting their effectiveness and
creating urgency due to the risk of air loss. By gaining a solid grasp of the components,
their functions, and their purposes, students will be better equipped to engage with the
material and confidently demonstrate the workings of the system.
REFERENCES
Nuryasin, Alif. 2024. Basic Principles of Pneumatic Systems for Industrial Automation.
https://bawalaksana.co/basic-principles-of-pneumatic-systems/
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