How Do Industrial Pneumatic Systems Work?

If you have ever used a bicycle pump then you have seen the basic application of pneumatics. Many companies today incorporate industrial pneumatics into their machines. They have become so popular that you can find them in everyday items such as nail guns and vacuum cleaners.

A pneumatic system is a machine that uses pressurized air to control movements such as holding, moving, and forming materials together. Pneumatic equipment relies primarily on large amounts of compressed air to perform. It is important for many machines to carry and maintain constant air production.

In general, most pneumatic systems are composed of:

Compressor
Receiver
Valves
Actuators
Compressor

An air compressor is a pneumatic tool that converts the air we breathe into compressed air. The pressurized air is then used throughout the pneumatic system. Usually, the air compressor is fueled by a gas tank that forces air into the system to produce pressurized air. There are many types of air compressors available to meet your desired pressure and flow rate of the air. The different types of air compressors available are piston, rotary, centrifugal, and axial flow.

Receiver
Air receivers are what their name indicates. It receives air from the compressor and stores it in a bigger tank called the air receiver. The air receiver can smooth the flow of air and keep it cool as it enters the tank. A large tank is able to dissipate heat much more quickly than a smaller tank. To compensate for the loss of air, the air receiver stores the compressed air under higher pressure. This ensures the delivery of the required energy needed.

Air Valves
Air valves are an important pneumatic component because they stop and air valvechange the direction of air. They control the direction of airflow in order to move the actuator. Pneumatic systems may carry one or many valves. These can be manual like a foot valve or they can be electrical like a solenoid valve.

Pneumatic Actuators
Actuators are simply the “movers” or the required movement of the pneumatic system. These output devices can be in the form of air cylinders or even robotic arms that move and lift materials or drill bits. Most actuators move in a straight linear path.

Air Preparation

In order to maximize the performance of your industrial pneumatic system, air preparation is necessary. Maintaining clean and dry air throughout your entire pneumatic system will extend its service life. Industrial applications such as clamping, positioning and lifting require constant high-quality air running throughout the system. Proper air preparation includes components such as filters, regulators, and sometimes lubricators.