Pneumatic control systems

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. 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.

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 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.

Application areas of a pneumatic control system

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:

  • Chemical industry
  • Mining
  • Wood processing industry
  • Mineral oil industry
  • Paper industry
  • Textile industry
  • Food processing industry

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.

Pneumatic counter PZA, PZV

This pneumatic counter is suitable for front panel mounting and can be reset pneumatically. Optionally with protective cap for counting up to a preselected value or continuous addition counting. The counter adds pneumatic signals from zero and sends a pneumatic output signal when the preselected number is reached. By pressing the white locking button and simultaneously entering the preselection value, the counter is preset (the preselected number is permanently visible in the preselection window). The preset number is retained for resetting the counter in future. The preset value can also be corrected during operation. Finished quantities or elapsed time units can be read without recalculation.

  • Suitable for control cabinet installation
  • Components can be replaced quickly
  • Optionally available with protective cap

Pneumatic counter PZA

Pneumatic timer PZVT

This pneumatic timer is ideal for switching delays. It also has a setting screw and a 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 to replace components
  • Suitable for control cabinet installation

Pneumatic timer PZVT