Compressed Air Supply
Adequate sizing of compressors and feed lines is the first place to start to ensure proper system operation. Consistent plant air pressure with suitable flow allows pneumatic devices to operate as designed, as low or varying air pressure can negatively impact the final product and overall machine sequence. For example, a manufacturing plant was experiencing low air pressure in its facility at the end of the day shift, causing one of the machines to fault due to low air pressure in its pneumatic actuation system. The problem was found to be high-volume air consumers nearby, namely blow guns being used to clean machines at the end of each day. Insufficient capacity at the air compressor, or undersized plant air supply tubing and piping is a common issue and one to look out for. If air consumption is a major concern for your factory, check out our Interactive Air Consumption Calculator here.
Air Flow Control
Once consistent and correct pneumatic system air pressure and flow is established, plant supply air should be connected to a manual, lockable air dump valve at each use point. This lockout, tag-out capability is important for isolating a machine—or a module of a large machine—for changeover, maintenance or tooling changes. A filter regulator should also be installed at the air dump valve. The filter removes dust particles and water that can cause wear and operation problems for pneumatic system components. A regulator is required to throttle to the design air pressure at the use point, typically 60 to 90 psi, as the plant air supply is usually higher, about 100 to 130 psi. Operating at the design pressure as opposed to plant pressure will reduce wear on pneumatic components.
An electric soft start valve downstream of the regulator allows air pressure to gradually increase at start-up, preventing sudden banging or slamming of cylinders at power up. This is especially important if 4-way, 2-position valves are used because a 2-position valve spool maintains its position after power off and the removal of air. When power and air is reapplied, air will return to the cylinder. If all air was exhausted, no air is available on the other side of the cylinder. This makes speed control with flow controls non-functional. The uncontrolled speed of the cylinder could cause a high-speed stroke, commonly ending with a bang. When soft start valves are correctly applied, a machine will typically return to its home position slowly and smoothly at power up.
Lubricators should be used sparingly and only when necessary. Most modern pneumatic components come lubricated from the factory and do not need oil. However, pneumatic motors on air tools and other equipment do require a lubricator and one should be supplied in these instances.
Cylinder Types
Pneumatic cylinders are a popular way to clamp, position and transfer parts in automated equipment and although there are many types of cylinders, their construction is fairly similar from one to another. Take a moment and review the Pneumatic Cylinders article to get a basic understanding of what cylinders are and how they operate. Understanding the basics helps to know how different applications affect the cylinder and piston rod.
Cylinder Sizing
The load is the primary consideration when determining cylinder type and piston size. The piston area (force factor) multiplied by the air pressure in the cylinder gives the available force. A general rule is to select a force factor that will produce a force 25% greater than the load to help compensate for friction and losses. Pneumatic systems are quite forgiving in terms of oversizing, but using components that are too big adds unnecessary expenses in terms of both purchase price and energy consumption.
The bore size (force factor) determines force at a given pressure. The operating pressure, which in a plant can typically range from 10 to 150 psi, is the first consideration when selecting a bore size. The next step in choosing the bore size is the amount of force that the application requires. Suppliers often provide charts to assist with calculating bore size. If the bore diameter is between sizes, fluid-power experts recommend rounding up to the next size. It’s also important to remember the bore diameter squares the thrust delivered. For example, a two-inch diameter cylinder has four times the power of a one-inch diameter unit. Therefore, doubling the bore quadruples the thrust.
In addition to load, designers must also take into account the speed at which the load will move. When compressed air flows through a system, there are pressure losses due to friction against the tube wall, flow around bends, and restrictions in valves and fittings (to name a few issues). Higher speeds result in greater pressure loss as the air must flow faster through the valves, tubing and ports. Attaining higher speeds also requires that the cylinder deliver more force in a shorter amount of time. A force that exceeds the load by 50% or more may be required to reliably move a load at high speeds. For example, a typical air compressor might supply air to a system at 100 psi. In an application with a slow-moving load, the actual pressure available at the piston might be reduced to no less than 90 psi. With that same load moving at a much faster rate, the available pressure could drop as low as 70 psi.
Pressure losses can be remedied by increasing pressure, but this must be done with caution: Too much pressure creates stress on the cylinder and could possibly damage the cylinder, as well as the load. In these instances, it’s better to go with a larger cylinder. Also keep in mind that raising system pressure means the compressor must work harder, increasing energy consumption of the overall pneumatic system.
(From Internet)
