An electro-pneumatic system, in general, consists of an electrical or electronic control part controlling a pneumatic power part. Integrating the power density of pneumatic systems with the controlling possibilities of the electric systems opens up a new world of opportunities for the high-performing pneumatic systems. In this hybrid technology, solenoid valves are used as interfaces between the control part and the power part. A conventional solenoid valve acts as a converter that generates pneumatic outputs in response to electrical input signals. Control and feedback elements like pushbuttons (PBs), relays, sensors, and timers are used in the electro-pneumatic systems for obtaining the desired control.
A well-written book entitled ‘Electro-pneumatics and Automation’ authored by Joji Parambath in the paperback and Kindle versions are available for the study of electro-pneumatics and automation. I am hopeful that a high level of competence in developing electro-pneumatic circuits can be achieved with the help of the book.
Paperback and Kindle eBook on
‘Electro-pneumatics and Automation’
JOJI Parambath
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This book explains the functioning of solenoid valves and various electrical control components such as relays, pushbuttons, limit switches, proximity sensors, timers, counters, pressure switches. Many typical single-actuator and multiple-actuator electro-pneumatic circuits are also developed to illustrate various applications of electro-pneumatics. The development of electro-pneumatic circuits is explained systematically with progression from simple to complex levels. Some typical circuits which are well-covered in the book are briefly indicated here.
Control of a Double-acting Cylinder Using an Electronic Timer
A double-acting cylinder is to extend when a pushbutton is pressed (short pulse). It is to remain in the extended position for 5 seconds and then to return automatically. The final forward position of the cylinder is registered with a proximity sensor S2. A 5/2-DC double-solenoid valve is used as the final control element. Develop an electro-pneumatic control circuit to implement the control task.
Design for a two-group Electro-pneumatic Multiple-actuator Circuit
In the development of a simple two-group electro-pneumatic circuit, it is necessary to divide the power supply into two groups in such a way that at any point of time, only one group is live with the other group switched off. A two-group circuit can efficiently be designed using a single relay. The structure of a group-changing cascade circuit for two groups (say G1 and G2) using a relay is given in the Figure below.
Control of a Pneumatically-controlled drilling machine
Work-pieces are to be drilled using a pneumatically-controlled drilling machine given in Figure 4.10. The work-pieces are arranged in a gravity feed magazine. The work-pieces are pushed and clamped using a clamping cylinder A, drilled by a drilling cylinder B, and ejected by an ejecting cylinder C. Develop an electro-pneumatic control circuit to implement the control task as given in the associated displacement-step diagram.
Figure | Pneumatically-controlled drilling machine
Joji Parambath
Director
Fluidsys Training Centre Pvt Ltd
Bangalore, India
