Actuation system

Transform the output of microprocessor into

controlling action on a machine/device

Actuation
Input CPU
system

Pneumatic / hydraulic
Mechanical
Electrical
 Pneumatic/hydraulic actuation
system
Learning Outcome
At the end of the chapter, student should be able to:
Evaluate the operation of valves and cylinders
Interpret system drawing
Design simple system for sequential operations
 Pneumatic/hydraulic actuation
system
Pneumatic
Drives by compressed air
Provided by air compressor
Suitable for high speed application

Hydraulic
Drives by oil or hydraulic fluids
Provided by pump driven by motor
Capable of exerting high forces
 Pneumatic/hydraulic actuation
system
Valves
Directional control valves
To direct the flow of fluid through a system
Does not vary the rate of fluid flow

Pressure control valves

To control the pressure of fluid inside a system
 Pneumatic/hydraulic actuation
system
Directional control valves
Spool valve
Moves horizontally to
control flow
Poppet valve
Control flow when a push
button is pressed
 Pneumatic/hydraulic actuation
system
Valves symbols
2 port 2 position valve describe as 2/2 valve
 Pneumatic/hydraulic actuation
system
Valves symbols
2 port 2 position valve describe as 2/2 valve
 Pneumatic/hydraulic actuation
system
Solenoid valves
 Pneumatic/hydraulic actuation
system
Pneumatic lift system
 Pneumatic/hydraulic actuation
system
Pilot operated valves
High force required to control
a valve
One valve is used to control
a second valve
 Pneumatic/hydraulic actuation
system
Directional valves
Free flow can only occur in one direction
 Pneumatic/hydraulic actuation
system
Pressure control valves
Pressure regulating valve
to control the operating pressure in a system
Pressure limiting valve
to limit the pressure inside a system
Pressure sequence valve
switch on when inlet pressure reaches preset value
 Pneumatic/hydraulic actuation
system
Pressure limiting valves
 Pneumatic/hydraulic actuation
system
Pressure sequencing valves
Flow occurs when inlet pressure rises to a given
level
E.g. in clamping system
 Pneumatic/hydraulic actuation
system
Cylinders
A piston that can slide in a cylindrical
tube by means of pressure applied

Single acting cylinder

Double acting cylinder
 Pneumatic/hydraulic actuation
system
Cylinders
Single acting cylinder
pressure applied to one side
return motion using spring
 Pneumatic/hydraulic actuation
system
Cylinders
Double acting cylinder
pressure applied to both side
 Pneumatic/hydraulic actuation
system
Cylinders
Force, F
P=F/A
P = fluid pressure
A = cross sectional area
Velocity, v
Q = vA
Q = pump displacement x rpm
Q = fluid flow rate
 Pneumatic/hydraulic actuation
system
Examples
Determine the working pressure, P and hydraulic liquid flow
rate, Q for a cylinder with 150 mm piston diameter to move a
work piece for 250 mm in 15 s. 50 kN is required to move the
work piece.

A = pd2/4 = 0.0177 m2
P = F/A = 50000 / 0.0177 = 2.8 Mpa
v = 0.250 / 15 = 0.01667 ms-1
Q = vA = 0.01667 (0.0177) = 2.95 x 10-4 m3/s
 Pneumatic/hydraulic actuation
system
Cylinder sequencing

Sequential operation sequence

A+ B+ A- B-
 Pneumatic/hydraulic actuation
system
Cylinder sequencing

Cascade operation sequence

A+ B+ B- A-
 Pneumatic/hydraulic actuation
system
Rotary actuators
Cylinder with linkages

Vane motor

Vane