Tutorial 2: Pneumatic Components

In this tutorial we will try to understand each pneumatic component in detail. So let us take

each component one by one.

1. Air Compressor: A compressor compresses air up to the required pressure. It

converts the mechanical energy of motors and engines to potential energy of

compressed air. The task performed by a compressor is same as a cycle pump but

the same task is accomplished by a motor.

2. Air Service Unit: This is present after a compressor in a pneumatic circuit. The

function of this system is to remove dust particles, moisture, humidity etc. from the

compressed air. There several parts in an air service unit which is also called an air

preparation system.

a. Filter: removes impurities present in compressed air before it is delivered to

the pneumatic components

b. Pressure Regulator: allows us to regulate pressure manually

c. Lubricator: provides lubrication for pneumatic components

3. Pneumatic Pipes: These are hollow polyurethane pipes which are used to transport

air from one component to other.

4. Control Valves: Valves generally alter the flow of air. These can be controlled either

manually, electrically or pneumatically. These are basically of two types:

a. Direction Control Valves: Direction control valves are pneumatic switching

elements. They are used to control various pneumatic actuators. A pneumatic

valve is represented by ‘a/b’ where ‘a’ represents number of ports and ‘b’

represents the number of positions any valve can have. For example a normal

electrical switch can be called 2/2, it has 2 ports (+ and -) and 2 positions (ON

and OFF). There are various valves like 2/2, 3/2, 5/2, 5/3, 4/2 etc. Each valve

has its own symbol. A typical symbol of a pneumatic valve contains 2 or more

squares. The number of squares represents number of switching positions of

the valve.

b. Flow Control Valves: A Flow control valve is a valve that controls the flow of

air. Examples include non-return valves, one way flow control valves, shuttle

valves, etc.

We will talk more about control valves in Tutorial 4.

5. Actuators: An Actuator is a component which can undergo linear, rotary or

reciprocating motion. Cylinders are very common actuators in pneumatics but

pneumatics motors also find its place in pneumatic applications. When we talk about

cylinders, basically they are of two types:

a. Single Acting Cylinders

b. Double Acting Cylinders

In the next tutorial, we will talk about more about the Pneumatic Cylinders. Just click the

continue button to go the next tutorial.