basic Pnumatics

Pneumatics is a branch of technology, which deals with the study and application of use of pressurized gas to affect mechanical motion. Pneumatics is used in applications where only a fair accuracy of control is needed with medium pressure. Cylinders and other pneumatic devices are powered by a compressor, which compresses the gas/air. Generally most of the pneumatic systems (mostly I factories) use compressed air as a sustainable supply of compressed air could be obtained by atmospheric air. Smaller or stand-alone systems can use other compressed gases which are an asphyxiation hazard, such as nitrogen - often referred to as OFN (oxygen-free nitrogen), when supplied in cylinders.
  
Pneumatic systems are extensively used in industry, where factories are commonly plumbed with compressed air or other compressed inert gases. This is because a centrally-located and electrically-powered compressor that powers cylinders and other pneumatic devices through solenoid valves is often able to provide motive power in a cheaper, safer, more flexible, and more reliable way than a large number of electric motors and actuators.  Pneumatics also has applications in dentistry, construction, mining, and other areas.

In many industrial applications pneumatic logic systems are often used to control industrial processes, consisting of primary logic units such as And Units, Or Units, Relay or Booster' Units, Latching Units, Timer' Units, Sorteberg relay ,fluidics amplifiers with no moving parts other than the air itself. Pneumatic logic is a reliable and functional control method for industrial processes. In recent years, these systems have largely been replaced by electrical control systems, due to the smaller size and lower cost of electrical components. Pneumatic devices are still used in processes where compressed air is the only energy source available or upgrade cost, safety, and other considerations outweigh the advantage of modern digital control.

Pneumatic systems are widely used in industry due to the many advantages they provide.

Advantages of Pneumatic Systems over the other systems. 

 

·         Most pneumatic circuits run at low power -- usually around 2 to 3 horsepower. One of the main advantages of air-operated circuits is their low initial cost. Because air systems operate at relatively low pressure, the components can be made of relatively inexpensive material -- often by mass production processes such as plastic injection molding, or zinc or aluminum die-casting. Either process cuts secondary machining operations and cost.

·         Another main advantage of pneumatics is the simplicity of design. Pneumatics is easy to install and have useful mechanical movements. For an instance Straight-line movements can be obtained without further adjustments, such as levers, cams...etc.

·         Air-driven machines are usually quieter than their hydraulic counterparts. This is mainly because the power source (the air compressor) is installed remotely from the machine in an enclosure that helps contain its noise.

·         Pneumatic systems are highly reliable and need very little maintenance but operate continuously with high reliability. Air /gas used as the working fluid is less likely to damage the equipments since gas are good in absorption of shock, and excessive forces, but hydraulics react directly transferring the stress to mechanical parts.

·         Cleanliness of the work place is another main advantage as working fluid is purified air.. Also, since is used no risk of toxic hazards to machines or humans. This cleanliness factor is at most important in some industries like pharmaceutical.

·         Easy to move around (portability) is another factor. Air is very light compared with other fluids, which are very heavy. They don't need high power to transfer. Air is easily obtainable from atmosphere and can be used with little purification. Air can be pumped to long distances in pipelines, so can control pneumatic equipments for long distances. This makes central controlling possible. These also require no return line, so easy to manage and cost effective.

·         Safety of the work place is a major consideration in any industry. Pneumatic controls have high safety profile due to many reasons. Air used in these is fire proof, and less vulnerable to explosions and electric hazards. These are adoptable in extreme weather conditions, and we can rely on their continuous operation. This is because compressed air can stay in good condition in high temperature fluctuations, unlike hydraulic systems that tend to freeze or boil in these situations.