Pneumatic control system

A pneumatic control system works with compressed ambient air, the so-called compressed air service. Since pneumatic control systems are very resistant to external environmental influences, they can be used in many different application areas.

Design of a pneumatic control system

Using air as the working medium is the technical basis of pneumatics. So, in pneumatic applications, compressed air is used to transmit and control energy. Control systems consist of a power-carrying unit and a control system. The control system registers all processes and processes them further. The output signals, which are transmitted during further processing, control the behavior of drive elements that are connected to the control system. Examples of drive members are compressed air motors or compressed air cylinders.

Advantages of a pneumatic

control system Pneumatic control systems offer a number of different benefits, in part because air as a working medium inherently poses few risks and is not very costly. The following list provides an overview of the most important benefits:

  • comparatively inexpensive
  • insensitive to dirt, temperature fluctuations or vibrations and shocks
  • no restrictions on functionality when permanently exposed to radiation or used in a corrosive atmosphere
  • It can also be used in potentially explosive atmospheres

Especially when compared to a hydraulic solution, pneumatic systems and control systems are often more advantageous. They require fewer large pumps, compressed air is usually available in production facilities anyway and pneumatic systems – after actuating the working link - do not require air recirculation.

Pneumatic control systems that use air are often also more reliable than electromotive control technology that relies on electricity.

Areas of application of a pneumatic control system

Pneumatic control technology and an associated pneumatic system are used in many industries and sectors for different applications. Various versions of the systems are used here, for example to support machine tools, automatic production lines, lifting tools or mechanical clamps. An overview of common areas of application can be found here:

  • Chemical industry
  • Mining
  • Wood industry
  • Petroleum industry
  • Paper industry
  • Textile industry
  • Food industry

Pneumatic control systems can also be used in water supply, in train doors or even in nuclear research. These controls have transformed the way many companies are able to do business. Many industries, such as manufacturing or transportation, can work more efficiently thanks to the availability of controlled compressed air.

Pneumatic counter PZA, PZV

This pneumatic counter is suitable for front panel installation and can be reset pneumatically. Optional with protective cap for counting up to a preselected value or continuous adding counting. The counter adds pneumatic signals from zero and emits a pneumatic output signal when the preselected number is reached. The counter is preselected by pressing the white locking key and simultaneously keying in the preselected value (the preselected number is permanently visible in the preselection window). Once the number has been preset, it is retained for future resetting of the counter. A preset value can be corrected also during operation. Manufactured quantities or elapsed time units can be read without recalculation.

  • suitable for control cabinet installation
  • fast replacement of components possible
  • available with protective cap

Pneumatic counter PZA

Pneumatic timer PZVT

This pneumatic timer is ideal for implementing switching delays. The timer also features an adjustment screw and visual indicator. The timer switches the input pressure applied to the first connection to the second connection after the set time delay has expired. The reset module is used to automatically reset timers of type PZVT-...-SEC once the preset time has expired and to generate an output signal of a specific length for control purposes. The timer can be reset manually by pulling the adjusting knob on the reset module. This makes it very easy to implement pneumatic time control processes with automatically repeating time intervals.

  • adjustable delay time
  • optionally with protective flap
  • Complete system with functions for pneumatic sequence control
  • quick exchange of elements
  • suitable for control cabinet installation

Pneumatic timer PZVT