Review and summary

REVIEW AND SUMMARY

• In this chapter, the introductory concepts of the pneumatics have been presented. 

• The pneumatics may be defined as that branch of engineering-science which deals with the study of the behaviour and application of compressed air.

• Pneumatic systems use pressurized gases as their medium to transmit and control power.

• Air is popularly used as the fluid medium in almost all pneumatic systems, because air is safe, low-cost, and readily available fluid.

• The advantages, disadvantages, applications, and selection of pneumatic systems have been described in this chapter.

• Air is a mixture of gases containing about 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and 1% other gases such as argon and carbon dioxide.

• Absolute pressure = Gauge pressure + Atmospheric pressure.

• The atmospheric pressure decreases with the increase in altitude.

• Standard air is sea-level air having a temperature of 20 °C, pressure of 1.013 bar, and a relative humidity of 36%.

• Perfect gas laws :

• The basic components required for any pneumatic system are :

1. Air compressor,

2. Air tank,

3. Prime mover,

4. Air processing equipment

(i) Air filters,

(ii) Air pressure regulator,

(iii) Air lubricator, 

(iv) Air dryer, and 

(v) Pneumatic silencer.

5. Control valves,

6. Pneumatic actuators, and

7. Piping.

KEY TERMS ONE SHOULD REMEMBER

Pneumatics

Pneumatic systems

Air

Atmospheric pressure 

Standard air

Gas laws

Boyle's law 

Charles' law 

Gas-Lussac's law

General gas law

Compressor

Air tank

Prime mover

Fluid conditioners 

Filter 

Regulator 

Lubricator 

Air dryer 

Silencer

Control valves 

Actuators 

Piping