MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT
PNEUMATIC & HYDRAULICS
Introduction to Pneumatic System
Uma Devi Nadarajah
Norasyidah binti Mohd. Noh
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT
PNEUMATIC & HYDRAULICS
Introduction to Pneumatic System
Uma Devi Nadarajah
Norasyidah binti Mohd. Noh
Introduction to Pneumatic System by:
Uma Devi Nadarajah
Norasyidah Binti Mohd Noh
Published by:
Digital Learning Unit
Instructional & Digital Learning Division
Department of Polytechnic and Community College Education
Level 6, PJH Galleria
62100 Putrajaya
https://pbs.mypolycc.edu.my
Copyright © 2021
Editor
M Maniyarasi Munusamy
Cover book by Uma Devi Nadarajah
Pictures by Uma Devi Nadarajah
ISBN: [Ebook ISBN number] (ebook)
INTRODUCTION TO PNEUMATIC SYSTEM
Introduction to Pneumatic System by:
Uma Devi Nadarajah
Norasyidah Binti Mohd Noh
Published by:
Digital Learning Unit
Instructional & Digital Learning Division
Department of Polytechnic and Community College Education
Level 6, PJH Galleria
62100 Putrajaya
https://pbs.mypolycc.edu.my
Copyright © 2021
Editor
M Maniyarasi Munusamy
Cover book by Uma Devi Nadarajah
Pictures by Uma Devi Nadarajah
ISBN: [Ebook ISBN number] (ebook)
INTRODUCTION TO PNEUMATIC SYSTEM
Acknowledgement
We are grateful to Politeknik Banting Selangor to give us a wonderful opportunity to write this e-book. We would
like to appreciate everyone who gave us chance to explore the hidden talent inside us to become authors which
might be left deep within us without knowing to this world.
Our heartiest gratitude to e-Learning Unit of PBS, who always share knowledge on e-book writing, encourage us
and being our companion in the discussion of e-book writing.
We would like to express our appreciation to our colleagues, contributors, authors of sources of information who
have directly or indirectly inspired us in completing this e-book.
A very special thanks to our beloved family for being there to support and provide us some space to write this e-
book. Last but not the least, thank you to the God for keeping us positive and hopeful in writing this e-book.
INTRODUCTION TO PNEUMATIC SYSTEM i i
Acknowledgement
We are grateful to Politeknik Banting Selangor to give us a wonderful opportunity to write this e-book. We would
like to appreciate everyone who gave us chance to explore the hidden talent inside us to become authors which
might be left deep within us without knowing to this world.
Our heartiest gratitude to e-Learning Unit of PBS, who always share knowledge on e-book writing, encourage us
and being our companion in the discussion of e-book writing.
We would like to express our appreciation to our colleagues, contributors, authors of sources of information who
have directly or indirectly inspired us in completing this e-book.
A very special thanks to our beloved family for being there to support and provide us some space to write this e-
book. Last but not the least, thank you to the God for keeping us positive and hopeful in writing this e-book.
INTRODUCTION TO PNEUMATIC SYSTEM i i
Abstract
This e-book contains subtopic which relates to Chapter 1 of syllabus DJJ40153 Pneumatic & Hydraulics. The
content discussed is related to basic knowledge, application, advantages and disadvantages of the
pneumatic system. Besides that, this e-book also has explained on types of compressor such as
reciprocating piston and rotary compressor. This e-book also covers types of valve and actuator used in
pneumatic system. The advantage of using this book is, it comes with exercise and answers for each
subtopic where students can use this book as a reference for DJJ40153 Pneumatic & Hydraulics. Other than
that, students may opt to answer questions online because each exercise has its link where the questions
were developed using Google form platform to enable the students to know their result immediately after
they answered the questions. For the types of compressor, video link is also given to watch on how the
compressor works. This would give better understanding and learning experience especially when students
use this book for self-study or revision. This interactive e-book would attract the Y generation students who
prefer to use gadget instead of old book style for their teaching and learning activity.
INTRODUCTION TO PNEUMATIC SYSTEM ii
Abstract
This e-book contains subtopic which relates to Chapter 1 of syllabus DJJ40153 Pneumatic & Hydraulics. The
content discussed is related to basic knowledge, application, advantages and disadvantages of the
pneumatic system. Besides that, this e-book also has explained on types of compressor such as
reciprocating piston and rotary compressor. This e-book also covers types of valve and actuator used in
pneumatic system. The advantage of using this book is, it comes with exercise and answers for each
subtopic where students can use this book as a reference for DJJ40153 Pneumatic & Hydraulics. Other than
that, students may opt to answer questions online because each exercise has its link where the questions
were developed using Google form platform to enable the students to know their result immediately after
they answered the questions. For the types of compressor, video link is also given to watch on how the
compressor works. This would give better understanding and learning experience especially when students
use this book for self-study or revision. This interactive e-book would attract the Y generation students who
prefer to use gadget instead of old book style for their teaching and learning activity.
INTRODUCTION TO PNEUMATIC SYSTEM ii
Table of Content
Content Page Number
Acknowledgement i
Abstract ii
Table of contents iii
Introduction to pneumatic system 1
Diagram of structural block and pneumatic system signal flow 5
ISO standard symbol of components in pneumatic 6
Air generation system and air distribution system 8
Types of air compressor 14
Air dehydration 21
Air treatment 28
Valve 32
Directional control valve 33
Non-return valve 38
Flow control valve 42
Pressure control valve 43
Types of actuator 44
Linear actuator 45
Rotary actuator 47
Sizing a cylinder 48
Cushioning 49
References 50
Tutorial questions and answers 51 iii
Table of Content
Content Page Number
Acknowledgement i
Abstract ii
Table of contents iii
Introduction to pneumatic system 1
Diagram of structural block and pneumatic system signal flow 5
ISO standard symbol of components in pneumatic 6
Air generation system and air distribution system 8
Types of air compressor 14
Air dehydration 21
Air treatment 28
Valve 32
Directional control valve 33
Non-return valve 38
Flow control valve 42
Pressure control valve 43
Types of actuator 44
Linear actuator 45
Rotary actuator 47
Sizing a cylinder 48
Cushioning 49
References 50
Tutorial questions and answers 51 iii
Introduction to Pneumatic System
1. A pneumatic system is a system that uses compressed air to perform useful work by transmit and
control energy. Compressed air is used as a medium to do work.
2. Pneumatic systems are used in controlling train doors, automatic production lines, mechanical,
clamps, etc.
3. The term Pneumatics comes from the Greek word “pneuma”, which means 'breathe or wind'. It is
basically the use of under pressure gas that helps in performing a certain work in science and
technology.
4. Pneumatics is the science of mechanical properties of elastic fluids.Fluid power system is one that
transmit and control energy through by means of pressurized liquid or gas.
5. In pneumatics, the power is air where the volume of the atmospheric air is reduced by
compression, thus increasing its pressure.
INTRODUCTION TO PNEUMATIC SYSTEM 1 1
Introduction to Pneumatic System
1. A pneumatic system is a system that uses compressed air to perform useful work by transmit and
control energy. Compressed air is used as a medium to do work.
2. Pneumatic systems are used in controlling train doors, automatic production lines, mechanical,
clamps, etc.
3. The term Pneumatics comes from the Greek word “pneuma”, which means 'breathe or wind'. It is
basically the use of under pressure gas that helps in performing a certain work in science and
technology.
4. Pneumatics is the science of mechanical properties of elastic fluids.Fluid power system is one that
transmit and control energy through by means of pressurized liquid or gas.
5. In pneumatics, the power is air where the volume of the atmospheric air is reduced by
compression, thus increasing its pressure.
INTRODUCTION TO PNEUMATIC SYSTEM 1 1
Application of Pneumatic System
1. Pneumatic system that used widely in industrial is commonly powered by compressed air or
compressed inert gases.
Some of the pneumatic applications in industry:
A
Pneumatic A Pneumatic
machine is pneumatic
machine is system in
used to food
dismantle used in an industry
an automobile
automobile painting
tire
Images courtesy of Compressed Air & Gas Institute Image courtesy of pxfuel.com
INTRODUCTION TO PNEUMATIC SYSTEM 2 2
Application of Pneumatic System
1. Pneumatic system that used widely in industrial is commonly powered by compressed air or
compressed inert gases.
Some of the pneumatic applications in industry:
A
Pneumatic A Pneumatic
machine is pneumatic
machine is system in
used to food
dismantle used in an industry
an automobile
automobile painting
tire
Images courtesy of Compressed Air & Gas Institute Image courtesy of pxfuel.com
INTRODUCTION TO PNEUMATIC SYSTEM 2 2
Advantages of pneumatics
1. Availability: Air is available everywhere abundantly and it is free.
2. Transport: Air can flow easily in pipelines regardless of the distance.
3. Storage: Air can be stored and removed easily from the storage.
4. Temperature: Compressed air does not influenced by temperature fluctuations, thus ensures reliable
operation, even under extreme conditions.
5. Cleanliness: Exhaust air without lubrication is clean.
6. Economy: Installation cost for pneumatic system is relatively low cost because of modest component
cost. Furthermore, maintenance cost is also low due to long life without service. The running cost is
also relatively inexpensive.
7. Speed: High working speed is able to achieved because compressed air is a very fast working medium.
8. Overload safe: Pneumatic tools and operating components is unaffected by overloaded. Pneumatic
actuators also free from producing heat except for friction.
9. Explosion proof: Compressed air has a very low risk of explosion or fire, hence it does not require any
expensive protection against explosion.
INTRODUCTION TO PNEUMATIC SYSTEM 3 3
Advantages of pneumatics
1. Availability: Air is available everywhere abundantly and it is free.
2. Transport: Air can flow easily in pipelines regardless of the distance.
3. Storage: Air can be stored and removed easily from the storage.
4. Temperature: Compressed air does not influenced by temperature fluctuations, thus ensures reliable
operation, even under extreme conditions.
5. Cleanliness: Exhaust air without lubrication is clean.
6. Economy: Installation cost for pneumatic system is relatively low cost because of modest component
cost. Furthermore, maintenance cost is also low due to long life without service. The running cost is
also relatively inexpensive.
7. Speed: High working speed is able to achieved because compressed air is a very fast working medium.
8. Overload safe: Pneumatic tools and operating components is unaffected by overloaded. Pneumatic
actuators also free from producing heat except for friction.
9. Explosion proof: Compressed air has a very low risk of explosion or fire, hence it does not require any
expensive protection against explosion.
INTRODUCTION TO PNEUMATIC SYSTEM 3 3
Disadvantages of pneumatics:
1. Preparation: Compressed air requires good preparation where air has to be filtered in many
stages to remove dirt and condensates.
2. Speed: It is difficult to achieve uniform and constant piston speed because air is compressible.
3. Force requirement: Compressed air is only economical under the normal working pressure of
600 to 700 kPa (6 to 7 bar).
4. Noise level: The exhaust air is loud (noise). However, this problem has now been largely solved
by the development of sound absorption material and silencers.
Image courtesy of https://www.pixelsquid.com/png/air-compressor-
1914007943490049748?image=G07Royalty free license
INTRODUCTION TO PNEUMATIC SYSTEM 4 4
Disadvantages of pneumatics:
1. Preparation: Compressed air requires good preparation where air has to be filtered in many
stages to remove dirt and condensates.
2. Speed: It is difficult to achieve uniform and constant piston speed because air is compressible.
3. Force requirement: Compressed air is only economical under the normal working pressure of
600 to 700 kPa (6 to 7 bar).
4. Noise level: The exhaust air is loud (noise). However, this problem has now been largely solved
by the development of sound absorption material and silencers.
Image courtesy of https://www.pixelsquid.com/png/air-compressor-
1914007943490049748?image=G07Royalty free license
INTRODUCTION TO PNEUMATIC SYSTEM 4 4
Structural block and pneumatic system signal flow
Air distribution system
Air generation system
Images courtesy of NPTEL Module 6
Compressor Air Receiver Dryer Air Service Directional Actuator)
(Tank) unit Valve
INTRODUCTION TO PNEUMATIC SYSTEM 5 5
Structural block and pneumatic system signal flow
Air distribution system
Air generation system
Images courtesy of NPTEL Module 6
Compressor Air Receiver Dryer Air Service Directional Actuator)
(Tank) unit Valve
INTRODUCTION TO PNEUMATIC SYSTEM 5 5
ISO standard symbol of components in pneumatic
Symbols for the power supply section Symbols for actuators
Images courtesy of FESTO
INTRODUCTION TO PNEUMATIC SYSTEM 6
ISO standard symbol of components in pneumatic
Symbols for the power supply section Symbols for actuators
Images courtesy of FESTO
INTRODUCTION TO PNEUMATIC SYSTEM 6
Symbols for rotary motions Symbols for flow control Symbols for non return valves
valves and derivatives
Symbols for time delay
relay NO
Images courtesy of FESTO
INTRODUCTION TO PNEUMATIC SYSTEM 7 7
Symbols for rotary motions Symbols for flow control Symbols for non return valves
valves and derivatives
Symbols for time delay
relay NO
Images courtesy of FESTO
INTRODUCTION TO PNEUMATIC SYSTEM 7 7
Pneumatic system with elements
Air generation system
Air distribution
system
Image courtesy of SMC
basic pneumatic manual
INTRODUCTION TO PNEUMATIC SYSTEM 8 8
Pneumatic system with elements
Air generation system
Air distribution
system
Image courtesy of SMC
basic pneumatic manual
INTRODUCTION TO PNEUMATIC SYSTEM 8 8
Air Generation System
1. Compressor is a mechanical device where it produces high
pressurized air by reducing its volume. Temperature of a gas naturally
increases when compression occurs. Air enters to the compressor at Air generation system
atmospheric pressure and compressed at a higher pressure and
delivered to the pneumatic system. During compression, mechanical
energy is transformed into pneumatic energy.
2. Electrical motor is used to supply mechanical power to the
compressor by transforming electrical energy into mechanical energy.
3. Pressure switch is a device that controls the operation of electric
motor. This switch is set to a maximum pressure so that it stops the
motor when pressure in the tank reach its maximum limit and starts
the motor when minimum pressure is detected in the tank.
4. Check valve is used to ensure air from the compressor into the tank is
in one way and prevents the air leaking back when the compressor
stop works.
INTRODUCTION TO PNEUMATIC SYSTEM 9 9
Air Generation System
1. Compressor is a mechanical device where it produces high
pressurized air by reducing its volume. Temperature of a gas naturally
increases when compression occurs. Air enters to the compressor at Air generation system
atmospheric pressure and compressed at a higher pressure and
delivered to the pneumatic system. During compression, mechanical
energy is transformed into pneumatic energy.
2. Electrical motor is used to supply mechanical power to the
compressor by transforming electrical energy into mechanical energy.
3. Pressure switch is a device that controls the operation of electric
motor. This switch is set to a maximum pressure so that it stops the
motor when pressure in the tank reach its maximum limit and starts
the motor when minimum pressure is detected in the tank.
4. Check valve is used to ensure air from the compressor into the tank is
in one way and prevents the air leaking back when the compressor
stop works.
INTRODUCTION TO PNEUMATIC SYSTEM 9 9
Air Generation System
5. Tank or reservoir is a compartment used to store the
compressed air. Besides that, tank also helps to stabilize
the pressurized air. When the compressed air is taken from Air generation system
the system, the tank compensates the pressure
fluctuations. As the pressure in the tank drops to a certain
value, the compressor starts to compensate until the set
maximum value is reached. This cause the compressor to
operate when required only.
6. Pressure Gauge is used to indicate the pressure of the
reservoir.
7. Auto Drain is used to drain out the water deposited in the
tank due to condensation automatically.
8. Safety Valve blows compressed air off when pressure in
the tank rise above the allowed pressure.
10
INTRODUCTION TO PNEUMATIC SYSTEM 10
Air Generation System
5. Tank or reservoir is a compartment used to store the
compressed air. Besides that, tank also helps to stabilize
the pressurized air. When the compressed air is taken from Air generation system
the system, the tank compensates the pressure
fluctuations. As the pressure in the tank drops to a certain
value, the compressor starts to compensate until the set
maximum value is reached. This cause the compressor to
operate when required only.
6. Pressure Gauge is used to indicate the pressure of the
reservoir.
7. Auto Drain is used to drain out the water deposited in the
tank due to condensation automatically.
8. Safety Valve blows compressed air off when pressure in
the tank rise above the allowed pressure.
10
INTRODUCTION TO PNEUMATIC SYSTEM 10
Air Generation System
9. Refrigerated Air Dryer helps to cool the compressed air
to a few degrees above freezing point and condenses
most of the air humidity. By doing this, water in the Air generation system
downstream system can be avoided.
10. Line Filter helps to keep the line free from dust, water
and oil. This filter must be able to minimize pressure
drop and remove oil mist.
11
INTRODUCTION TO PNEUMATIC SYSTEM 11
Air Generation System
9. Refrigerated Air Dryer helps to cool the compressed air
to a few degrees above freezing point and condenses
most of the air humidity. By doing this, water in the Air generation system
downstream system can be avoided.
10. Line Filter helps to keep the line free from dust, water
and oil. This filter must be able to minimize pressure
drop and remove oil mist.
11
INTRODUCTION TO PNEUMATIC SYSTEM 11
Air Distribution System
1. Air Take-off: Air is received from generation system through air take-
off for distribution. The air take-off is at the top of the main pipe to
ensure condensate remains in the main pipe, water take off from
beneath the pipe will flow into an automatic drain and the condensate
will be removed when it reaches a low point .
2. Auto Drain helps to drain out the remaining water produced from
condensation and must be placed at its lowest point to prevent water
from remaining in the tube.
3. Air Service Unit is a combination of Filter – Regulator –
Lubricator (FRL). Air service unit conditions the
compressed air to ensure the air is clean at optimum
pressure and if required, lubricant is added to extend the
Air distribution life of those pneumatic system components. The type of
system air service unit to be used is depending on application, it
can be FRL or FR type.
Air service unit
12
INTRODUCTION TO PNEUMATIC SYSTEM 12
Air Distribution System
1. Air Take-off: Air is received from generation system through air take-
off for distribution. The air take-off is at the top of the main pipe to
ensure condensate remains in the main pipe, water take off from
beneath the pipe will flow into an automatic drain and the condensate
will be removed when it reaches a low point .
2. Auto Drain helps to drain out the remaining water produced from
condensation and must be placed at its lowest point to prevent water
from remaining in the tube.
3. Air Service Unit is a combination of Filter – Regulator –
Lubricator (FRL). Air service unit conditions the
compressed air to ensure the air is clean at optimum
pressure and if required, lubricant is added to extend the
Air distribution life of those pneumatic system components. The type of
system air service unit to be used is depending on application, it
can be FRL or FR type.
Air service unit
12
INTRODUCTION TO PNEUMATIC SYSTEM 12
Air Distribution System
4. Directional Valve pressurizes and exhausts the cylinder ports
alternately to control the direction of movement. This type of
valves controls the direction of air signals by generating,
cancelling or redirecting signals.
5. Actuator is a power component which converts the potential
energy of the compressed air into mechanical energy. Actuator
shown here is a linear cylinder; it can also be a rotary actuator
or an air tool etc.
Air distribution 6. Speed Controllers allows to adjust the speed of the actuator.
system
13
INTRODUCTION TO PNEUMATIC SYSTEM 13
Air Distribution System
4. Directional Valve pressurizes and exhausts the cylinder ports
alternately to control the direction of movement. This type of
valves controls the direction of air signals by generating,
cancelling or redirecting signals.
5. Actuator is a power component which converts the potential
energy of the compressed air into mechanical energy. Actuator
shown here is a linear cylinder; it can also be a rotary actuator
or an air tool etc.
Air distribution 6. Speed Controllers allows to adjust the speed of the actuator.
system
13
INTRODUCTION TO PNEUMATIC SYSTEM 13
Types of Air Compressors
Reciprocating single
stage piston Diaphragm Screw
compressors compressor compressor
1 3 5
2 4
Click here to watch
Reciprocating double how does an air
stage piston Sliding vane compressor work?
compressor
14
INTRODUCTION TO PNEUMATIC SYSTEM 14
Types of Air Compressors
Reciprocating single
stage piston Diaphragm Screw
compressors compressor compressor
1 3 5
2 4
Click here to watch
Reciprocating double how does an air
stage piston Sliding vane compressor work?
compressor
14
INTRODUCTION TO PNEUMATIC SYSTEM 14
Types of air compressors
Types of Compressor
Reciprocating Piston Rotary Compressor Flow Compressor
Compressor
Piston Compressor Diaphragm Radial-flow Axial-flow
( 1 Stage & 2 Stage Piston) Compressor Compressor Compressor
Sliding Vane Rotary Two Axial Screw
Compressor Compressor Screw Compressor
15
INTRODUCTION TO PNEUMATIC SYSTEM 15
Types of air compressors
Types of Compressor
Reciprocating Piston Rotary Compressor Flow Compressor
Compressor
Piston Compressor Diaphragm Radial-flow Axial-flow
( 1 Stage & 2 Stage Piston) Compressor Compressor Compressor
Sliding Vane Rotary Two Axial Screw
Compressor Compressor Screw Compressor
15
INTRODUCTION TO PNEUMATIC SYSTEM 15
Reciprocating Air Compressors
1.
One of the main parts that convert 2.
Reciprocating air compressors
mechanical to pneumatic energy in
piston compressors is the piston. are positive
The piston performs linear displacement machines, where
reversible motion in the they increase the pressure of the
compressor cylinder. air by reducing its volume.
3.
Major types of reciprocating
compressors include reciprocating
single stage piston compressor, Click here to watch how a
reciprocating double stage piston single stage reciprocating
compressor, and reciprocating compressor works.
diaphragm.
16
INTRODUCTION TO PNEUMATIC SYSTEM 16
Reciprocating Air Compressors
1.
One of the main parts that convert 2.
Reciprocating air compressors
mechanical to pneumatic energy in
piston compressors is the piston. are positive
The piston performs linear displacement machines, where
reversible motion in the they increase the pressure of the
compressor cylinder. air by reducing its volume.
3.
Major types of reciprocating
compressors include reciprocating
single stage piston compressor, Click here to watch how a
reciprocating double stage piston single stage reciprocating
compressor, and reciprocating compressor works.
diaphragm.
16
INTRODUCTION TO PNEUMATIC SYSTEM 16
Reciprocating single stage piston compressors
For a single-stage compressor, air from atmosphere is
drawn and compressed to final pressure in one stroke.
The downward movement of the piston increases
the volume to produce a pressure lower than
atmospheric pressure, thereby allowing air to
enter the cylinder through the intake valve.
At the end of the stroke, the piston moves upward,
as the air is compressed, the intake valve closes,
Image courtesy of Bright Hub Engineering
forcing the exhaust valve to open, and the air is
discharged into the receiving tank.
17
INTRODUCTION TO PNEUMATIC SYSTEM 17
Reciprocating single stage piston compressors
For a single-stage compressor, air from atmosphere is
drawn and compressed to final pressure in one stroke.
The downward movement of the piston increases
the volume to produce a pressure lower than
atmospheric pressure, thereby allowing air to
enter the cylinder through the intake valve.
At the end of the stroke, the piston moves upward,
as the air is compressed, the intake valve closes,
Image courtesy of Bright Hub Engineering
forcing the exhaust valve to open, and the air is
discharged into the receiving tank.
17
INTRODUCTION TO PNEUMATIC SYSTEM 17
Reciprocating double stage piston compressor
The air sucked in at atmospheric pressure is
compressed to the final pressure in two stages.
The compressed air enters the secondary cylinder after
passing through the intercooler, and the temperature is
greatly reduced. Compared with the single-stage unit,
the efficiency is improved. The final delivering
temperature can be around 120°C.
Single-stage and two-stage reciprocating compressors
are often used in car and truck repair shops, body
repair shops, service companies, and industrial plants.
Although this type of compressor is usually oil-
Image courtesy of SMC basic pneumatic manual
lubricated, hospitals and laboratories can purchase oil-
free compressors
18
INTRODUCTION TO PNEUMATIC SYSTEM 18
Reciprocating double stage piston compressor
The air sucked in at atmospheric pressure is
compressed to the final pressure in two stages.
The compressed air enters the secondary cylinder after
passing through the intercooler, and the temperature is
greatly reduced. Compared with the single-stage unit,
the efficiency is improved. The final delivering
temperature can be around 120°C.
Single-stage and two-stage reciprocating compressors
are often used in car and truck repair shops, body
repair shops, service companies, and industrial plants.
Although this type of compressor is usually oil-
Image courtesy of SMC basic pneumatic manual
lubricated, hospitals and laboratories can purchase oil-
free compressors
18
INTRODUCTION TO PNEUMATIC SYSTEM 18
Sliding vane
1. When the rotor rotates, the blades slide out against the housing.
As the rotor rotates in an eccentric cylinder, air compression
occurs when the volume of the space between the sliding blades
decreases.
2. This type of compressor may or may not be lubricated by oil. Due
to high operating temperature and difficult sealing, oil-free rotary
Vane compressor
vane compressors are limited to low-pressure applications. The (Image courtesy of SMC basic pneumatic
oil-lubricated version can obtain higher pressures. manual)
3. Some of the advantages of rotary sliding vane compressors are Click here to watch how a
rotary compressor works
smooth and pulse-free air output, compact size, low noise levels,
and low vibration levels.
19
INTRODUCTION TO PNEUMATIC SYSTEM 19
Sliding vane
1. When the rotor rotates, the blades slide out against the housing.
As the rotor rotates in an eccentric cylinder, air compression
occurs when the volume of the space between the sliding blades
decreases.
2. This type of compressor may or may not be lubricated by oil. Due
to high operating temperature and difficult sealing, oil-free rotary
Vane compressor
vane compressors are limited to low-pressure applications. The (Image courtesy of SMC basic pneumatic
oil-lubricated version can obtain higher pressures. manual)
3. Some of the advantages of rotary sliding vane compressors are Click here to watch how a
rotary compressor works
smooth and pulse-free air output, compact size, low noise levels,
and low vibration levels.
19
INTRODUCTION TO PNEUMATIC SYSTEM 19
Screw compressor
1. When the rotor is unmesh at the intake end of the
cylinder, air is drawn into the cavity between the main
rotor blades and the secondary rotor grooves.
Image courtesy of SMC basic
pneumatic manual
2. As the rotation continues, the tip of the rotor passes through
the edge of the air inlet, trapping air in the cell formed by
the rotor cavity and the cylinder wall.
Image courtesy of Compressed Air & Gas Institute
Click here to
watch how a
3. As further rotation causes the main rotor blades
screw
to roll into the secondary rotor grooves,
compression begins, reducing the volume and compressor
increasing the unit pressure. works
20
INTRODUCTION TO PNEUMATIC SYSTEM 20
Screw compressor
1. When the rotor is unmesh at the intake end of the
cylinder, air is drawn into the cavity between the main
rotor blades and the secondary rotor grooves.
Image courtesy of SMC basic
pneumatic manual
2. As the rotation continues, the tip of the rotor passes through
the edge of the air inlet, trapping air in the cell formed by
the rotor cavity and the cylinder wall.
Image courtesy of Compressed Air & Gas Institute
Click here to
watch how a
3. As further rotation causes the main rotor blades
screw
to roll into the secondary rotor grooves,
compression begins, reducing the volume and compressor
increasing the unit pressure. works
20
INTRODUCTION TO PNEUMATIC SYSTEM 20