Pneumatics’ Practice 2

Rivera Medina Paola Sofia Omar Ortiz

Robotics Engineering Universidad Politécnica de Yucatán
Universidad Politécnica de Yucatán Km. 4.5. Carretera Mérida — Tetiz
Km. 4.5. Carretera Mérida — Tetiz Tablaje Catastral 7193. CP 97357
Tablaje Catastral 7193. CP 97357 Ucú, Yucatán. México
Ucú, Yucatán. México Email: omar.ortiz@upy.edu.mx
Email: 2309197@upy.edu.mx

Abstract
This study focuses on designing and simulating a comprehensive pneumatic circuit, highlighting the integration of a double-
acting actuator, single-acting actuators, 3/2 roller valves, and the application of throttles and timers for optimized performance.
Emphasizing safety, precision, and pressure management, the project utilizes a variety of pneumatic components, including a
maintenance unit for air purification and pressure regulation, and a pneumatic timer for controlled actuation. The simulation,
conducted in FluidSim, demonstrates the circuit’s effectiveness in reducing exhaust time, ensuring safety, and precise timing,
achieving expected outcomes without complications.

Index Terms
Pneumatic Circuit Design, Double-Acting Actuator, Single-Acting Actuator, 3/2 Roller Valve, Throttle Valve, Pneumatic Timer,
Safety Systems, Pressure Management, FluidSim Simulation, Air Purification, Pressure Regulation, Exhaust Time Reduction,
Controlled Actuation.

February 18, 2025 © Universidad Politécnica de Yucatán

LABORATORY REPORT, FEBRUARY 2025, UPY 1

Pneumatics’ Practice 2
I. I NTRODUCTION C. Pneumatic Timers

T HIS activity involves the creation of a detailed pneumatic

circuit diagram. The task requires the design of a double-
acting actuator that triggers a 3/2 roller valve, which then
A pneumatic timer is a control device that delays the
activation or deactivation of a pneumatic signal. These timers
function by gradually filling or exhausting an internal air
activates a single-acting actuator using two single 3/2 valves. chamber, determining the delay before triggering the next
The system operates under specific pressure conditions, with action. In this study, a negative timer is used to introduce a
a compressor pressure of 30 psi and a service unit pressure of 10-second delay before activating a 3/2 valve, ensuring precise
15 psi. sequence control in the pneumatic circuit.
The activity also includes the construction of a double-
acting connection diagram that uses a throttle to reduce
exhaust time, with a 3/2 valve serving as a safety system.
Additionally, a pneumatic timer is integrated to trigger a
3/2 roller valve after 10 seconds, activating a single-acting
actuator.

II. T HEORETICAL F RAMEWORK

Pneumatic systems are widely used in industrial automation
due to their simplicity, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. These D. Importance of Pneumatic Systems
systems operate by using compressed air to generate mechan-
ical motion, enabling automation in various applications such Pneumatic systems offer numerous advantages, including:
as manufacturing, robotics, and material handling. • Reliability: Pneumatic components have fewer moving
parts, reducing wear and tear.
A. 3/2 Pneumatic Valves • Safety: Compressed air is non-explosive and safe to use
in hazardous environments.
A 3/2 valve is a type of directional control valve that has
• Cost-effectiveness: Pneumatic systems are generally more
three ports and two positions. These ports typically include
affordable than hydraulic or electronic alternatives.
an inlet (pressure source), an outlet (actuator connection),
• Adaptability: These systems can be easily integrated into
and an exhaust (release of air pressure). These valves can
various industrial applications.
be operated manually, mechanically, or electrically, depending
on the application. In this experiment, a roller-actuated 3/2 Understanding these principles is crucial for designing efficient
valve is used, where the movement of a mechanical component pneumatic circuits that meet specific automation requirements.
triggers the change in airflow direction.
III. M ETHODS AND T OOLS
The project was executed using:
• FluidSim software for simulation.
• Pneumatic actuators and valves.
• Air compressor and maintenance unit.
• Air distributor and conductors.
• Throttle and timer.

A. Pressure Calculations for Pneumatic System

B. Throttle Valves
To determine the required pressure for the operation of the
A throttle valve is used to regulate the flow of compressed pneumatic system, we use the fundamental equation:
air within a pneumatic system. It allows precise control over
the speed of actuators by restricting airflow in one direction F
P = (1)
while permitting free flow in the opposite direction. This A
functionality is essential in applications requiring controlled where:
motion, ensuring smooth and consistent actuator movements. • P is the pressure in Pascals (Pa),
• F is the force required to move the actuator in Newtons
(N),
• A is the cross-sectional area of the actuator piston in
square meters (m2 ).
LABORATORY REPORT, FEBRUARY 2025, UPY 2

For this experiment, the actuator has a diameter of 50 mm

(0.05 m), giving an area of:
 2
0.05
A=π× = 1.96 × 10−3 m2 (2)
2
The required force to move the actuator is estimated at 150
N. Thus, the necessary pressure is:
150
P = = 76, 530 Pa ≈ 11.1 PSI (3)
1.96 × 10−3
For the second circuit, where a timer controls actuation, ad-
ditional resistance due to flow restriction must be considered,
requiring an adjusted pressure of: During testing, we encountered an issue where a pushbutton
valve was damaged. With the guidance of our professor, we
P = 85, 000 Pa ≈ 12.3 PSI (4)
replaced the faulty component, ensuring the circuit’s proper
These calculations ensure that the pneumatic system operates functionality. Finally, we confirmed that both circuits operated
efficiently within the specified constraints. as expected.

IV. D EVELOPMENT V. R ESULTS

Before commencing the practical activities, we ensured The simulations and practical implementations were suc-
the availability of all necessary pneumatic components in cessful, demonstrating precise control of actuation timing and
the Robotics Laboratory. This step was crucial to prevent exhaust time reduction. The pneumatic circuits functioned as
interruptions during assembly. intended, highlighting the reliability and efficiency of pneu-
Next, we conducted individual simulations in FluidSim for matic control systems.
each exercise. The first simulation involved a double-acting • Diagram of a double-acting actuator that activates a 3/2
actuator activating a 3/2 roller valve to control a single-acting roller valve to activate a single-acting actuator using two
actuator. The second simulation included a pneumatic timer, single 3/2 valves.
delaying activation by 10 seconds before triggering a 3/2 roller
valve connected to a single-acting actuator.
After verifying the correct operation in the simulations, we
proceeded with the physical implementation. The components
were assembled according to the circuit diagrams, and com-
pressed air was supplied. Each connection was checked to
prevent air leaks.
• Diagram of a double-acting actuator that activates a 3/2
roller valve to activate a single-acting actuator using two
single 3/2 valves.

• Double-acting connection diagram using a negative timer

to activate it in 10 seconds, which then activates a 3/2
roller valve connected to a single-acting actuator.

• Double-acting connection diagram using a negative timer

to activate it in 10 seconds, which then activates a 3/2
roller valve connected to a single-acting actuator.
LABORATORY REPORT, FEBRUARY 2025, UPY 3

VI. C ONCLUSION
The project successfully implemented complex pneumatic
circuits integrating actuators, throttles, and timers. The use of
simulation tools like FluidSim ensured validation of design
feasibility. The outcomes highlighted improved understanding
and application of pneumatic system design.

R EFERENCES
[1] ”The Basics of Pneumatic Circuits,” Rowse Pneumatics,
2024. Available: https://www.rowse-pneumatics.co.uk/blog/post/
the-basics-of-pneumatic-circuits
[2] ”Pneumatic Maintenance Unit,” Comparasoftware, 2024. Available: https:
//blog.comparasoftware.com/unidad-de-mantenimiento/
[3] ”3/2 Pneumatic Valves,” Tameson, 2024. Available: https://tameson.com/
pages/32-way-pneumatic-valve
[4] ”Compressed Air Overview,” Silvent, 2024. Available: https://knowledge.
silvent.com/us/what-is-compressed-air-and-what-is-it-used-for
[5] ”Pneumatic Air Manifolds,” Tameson, 2024. Available: https://tameson.
es/pages/colector-neumatico-como-funciona