MEL 217.

OPERATION OF A SINGLE ACTING CYLINDER

CONTROLLED BY 3-WAY VALVE

AIM

The aim of this experiment is to understand how atmospheric air can be use to do a
lot of mechanical work. In industries, pneumatic systems are used to operate
devices such as: presses, spanners, grinders etc. the pneumatic system is also
applied in controlling automotives.

THE COMPONENTS NEEDED FOR THIS EXPERIMENT ARE

1 Compressor In every pneumatic system we need a compressor, which

provide compressed air. The compresses air reaches the service unit from the
compressor via a suitable pipe system.

2 Air supply regulator A service unit. This unit drains the moisture
accumulating in the compressed air and regulates the pressure coming into the
system. The unit does the above with a button on the regulator and a pressure
gauge attached to the service unit.

3 A cylinder A mechanism which enables linear movement of the press. The

compressed air activates the cylinder: the rod exits and pushes out the
element. The rod returns back by a spring located inside the cylinder.

4 Flow control valve This component is similar to a regular water tap, only in
this case we regulate the amount of air by rotating the screw on the
component.

5 Control valve V1 This component activates the piston by pressing a button

located on the valve. The valve is defined by the number of openings it has.
For example, this valve has 3 ways and 2 positions. The valve is operated by a
pushbutton, a lever or by ai
FCV

V1

Figure 1-A Simple Press Control Circuit.

Procedure:

Note:

Ensure that the valve in the air supply is closed, and that there is no
pressure in the pipes.
Step 1: Adjust the air pressure on the air supply regulator to 2 bar.

Step 2: Checking out the 3/2 manual push button valve:

a Locate the pressure inlet port (p) by connecting a pipe between the
valve on the air supply (AS) and one of the valve junctions.

b Determine which outlet is the normally closed port and which is the
normally open port.

Step 3: Connecting and operating the control circuit.

a Connect the normally closed port of the valve to the port on the
cylinder.
b Press the pushbutton and release it. The pistons go out and back.
c Describe the path of the air in when the pushbutton is pressed and
the path when it is released.
d Close the FCV (on the cylinder port) by turning the knob clockwise.
e Try operating the cylinder.
f Open slowly the FCV and try operating the cylinder. Repeat until
the cylinder operates normally.
Step 4: repeat these processes at several pressures, like 3,4,5,6 bars and note the
performance of the plunger.

Questions:

1 What is the function of the spring in the pushbutton valve?

2 What is the function of the ports in the valve?
3 Identify the advantages and disadvantages in the use of pneumatic systems.
4 Describe the use for the FCV.