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.
Using air as the working medium is the technical basis of pneumatics. Compressed air is used to transmit and control energy in pneumatic applications. Controllers are composed of a power unit and a control system. The control system registers all operations and processes them. The output signals that are transmitted during processing control the behaviour of the drive elements that are connected to the controller. Compressed air motors or compressed air cylinders are examples of drive elements.
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:
Especially when compared to a hydraulic solution, pneumatic systems and control systems are often more advantageous since compressed air is usually available in production facilities anyway and pneumatic systems – once the operating element has been actuated – do not require air recirculation.
Pneumatic control systems that use air are often also more reliable than electromotive control technology that relies on electricity.
Pneumatic control technology and an appropriate pneumatic system are used in many industries and sectors for all sorts of applications. Different versions of the systems are used, for example, to support machine tools, automatic production lines, lifting tools or mechanical clamps. Here is an overview of common application areas:
Pneumatic control systems can also be used in water supply, in train doors or even in nuclear research. These control systems have changed the way many companies do business. Many industries, such as manufacturing or transportation, are able to operate more efficiently thanks to the availability of compressed air.