Would you like to deploy a system that doesn’t really do anything at all besides sit there? Unfortunately, that’s what a compressed air-driven circuit would be like without individual system components!
That being said, you don’t have to worry about that because you don’t live in a world where people don’t have access to high-quality pneumatic equipment. Whether you’re just starting out or want a quick refresher on the different types of devices currently in service, we invite you to take a look at the components of the pneumatic system.
Air Compressors
Perhaps the single most important component for operating a pneumatic system is the air compressor. These physically compress ambient air after drawing it in and then release them through the connected tubing at the required pressure.
They usually function based on a driven motor or engine. The device converts mechanical energy provided by this prime mover to the potential energy present in pent up compressed air. In the end, the task being performed by your compressor is essentially the same as the task performed by a specialized cycle pump operating in a certain way.
Compressed Air Tank
Once you’ve actively compressed air, you might want to store it in an air receiver or compressor tank. Air receivers, as they’re often known, fill up with air and allow you to store it while potentially removing contaminants and increasing the overall lifespan of your machinery with built-in maintenance systems.
An extra wear ring can be fitted on these devices to extend the life of the inboard seal. Another good way to ensure that your system holds up to regular use is by installing a filter, regulator, and lubricator combination device on it.
Air Service Units
FRL modules, as they’re often known, are generally installed after the compressor in a pneumatic circuit. They’re designed to remove dust particles and moisture as well as humidity while also providing lubrication, which can help to keep any compressed air-driven tools you use moving well even if they’re starting to get a little thirsty for oil, so to speak.
Depending on the type of equipment you’re working with and the amount of lubrication they need, you might also want to consider a standalone dedicated lubricator. Micro mist and high-flow lubricators can be used to meet demanding or higher volume needs. All of these feature simple adjustable components, which make it easy to fine-tune them to your installation’s specific needs.
Pneumatic Pipes
Air tubing is needed to transmit compressed air from the compressor or storage tank to almost every other kind of device you might have attached to your pneumatic circuit. No matter what sort of technology you’re working with, these hoses are absolutely vital. A high-quality hollow polyurethane pipe will ensure that air always gets to the devices just when they need it without risking a rupture or any other problem.
Nylon and polyethylene tubes are also available. Those who are shopping for tubing should be able to find it in any of the following customary sizes:
• 1/8
• 5/32
• 3/16
• 1/4
• 5/16
• 3/8
• 1/2
Those who prefer metric measurements will be able to spot the following without having to place a special order:
• 3.2mm
• 4mm
• 6mm
• 8mm
• 10mm
• 12mm
• 16mm
Those who might often have to expose their system to external forces might want to invest in specialized wear-resistant tubing as well in order to ensure that it’s able to hold up to whatever might be thrown at it in time. This kind of tubing is made from special PU material that’s similar to that of standard PU and can still bend to some degree. It’s designed to reduce the amount of abrasion caused by the sliding motions that are caused by moving tools and work kits around.
Valves
As you might imagine, valves are used to control the directional flow of air through a circuit. Essentially, there are two different types of valves. Direction controllers are the pneumatic equivalent of switches, and as such, they’re normally used to control various types of actuators.
A pneumatic valve can be represented by a fraction such as _/_, where the first underscore would stand for the number of ports and the second would represent the number of positions a valve could have. For instance, a valve with three ports and two different positions (On & Off) would be called a 3/2 valve.
The second type of valves are known as flow control valves, and these are rather self-explanatory based on their name. Non-return valves and one-way valves generally fall into this broad but simple category.
Actuators
An actuator undergoes linear, rotary or reciprocating motion. You might think of them as the components that are usually tasked with doing the real work in many types of pneumatic circuits. Cylinders are common actuators, though there are a number of pneumatic motors as well.
Single-acting cylinders have one entry point for compressed air and a spring that’s opposed to it on the other side. Doubling acting cylinders, on the other hand, have two separate air inlets for compressed air. These are located at either end of the chamber. When compressed air passes from one end, the piston is forced to move forward and push the air out of the other.
Stock Up On Moving Parts From SMC Pneumatics
SMC Pneumatics has made sure to put together an excellent collection of gear that you can use in almost any type of business venture. Anyone who spends an extended amount of time shopping for pneumatic actuators will come across a variety of different cylinder designs, which can make it difficult to make a decision as to which one might be best for their particular installation.
If this sounds familiar, then don’t hesitate to contact us online at SMC Pneumatics. We’d be more than happy to help answer all of your questions and show you what kind of products are available at a price point that meets your company’s budget as well as its unique needs.