Taking the Guesswork Out of Pneumatic Control

Oct. 18, 2011
Here's a step-by-step approach to efficiently designing systems that work right the first time.

Designers have several options when constructing pneumatic-control systems. But modular air-logic systems are often a good bet when a compact, economical unit is a must. They typically consist of a series of valves mounted onto standard manifold subplates. Such systems speed assembly and piping, and all interconnections between valves and controls in the circuit are machined into the manifold subplate. This cuts design and installation time, reduces the number of fittings, and eliminates piping and the routing errors that often go with it.

For instance, compared with discrete air-valve control systems, a modular system features:
- Lower component costs.
- Simple plumbing and troubleshooting.
- Lower air consumption.
- No air locks.
- A smaller total package.

Compared with electrical-relay control, a modular system offers:
- An explosionproof system with no danger of burnouts.
- Lower power consumption.
- Lower costs by eliminating solenoids and relays.
- A single air supply.
- No heat buildup.

Only a few manufacturers offer modular, manifold-mounted pneumatic control systems. For instance, Clippard's Pneumatic Programmable Controller is a sequential controller that provides step-by-step system operation. It consists of a clear acrylic manifold for mounting sequence valves and other such components in a compact, efficient package.

Here's a step-by-step approach to efficiently designing systems that work right the first time.

Designers have several options when constructing pneumatic-control systems. But modular air-logic systems are often a good bet when a compact, economical unit is a must. They typically consist of a series of valves mounted onto standard manifold subplates. Such systems speed assembly and piping, and all interconnections between valves and controls in the circuit are machined into the manifold subplate. This cuts design and installation time, reduces the number of fittings, and eliminates piping and the routing errors that often go with it.

For instance, compared with discrete air-valve control systems, a modular system features:

  • Lower component costs.
  • Simple plumbing and troubleshooting.
  • Lower air consumption.
  • No air locks.
  • A smaller total package.

Compared with electrical-relay control, a modular system offers:

  • An explosionproof system with no danger of burnouts.
  • Lower power consumption.
  • Lower costs by eliminating solenoids and relays.
  • A single air supply.
  • No heat buildup.

Only a few manufacturers offer modular, manifold-mounted pneumatic control systems. For instance, Clippard's Pneumatic Programmable Controller is a sequential controller that provides step-by-step system operation. It consists of a clear acrylic manifold for mounting sequence valves and other such components in a compact, efficient package.