Name: Okoye Mcpaul Emmanuel

Matric No: 21/ENG05/049

Dept: Mechatronics Engineering
Group 3
16Th April, 2024
Experiment 1: Direct control of a single acting
cylinder
Date: 13th March, 2024
Introduction:
The experiment aimed to explore the direct control of a single-acting cylinder, a fundamental aspect
of fluid power systems utilized in various industrial applications. The primary objective was to
understand the principles behind controlling the motion of a single-acting cylinder using basic
pneumatic components and control techniques.

Aims and Objectives:

 To demonstrate the direct control of a single-acting cylinder using pneumatic components.
 To understand the working principles and characteristics of single-acting cylinders.
 To analyze the performance and efficiency of the control system in achieving desired motion.
 To be able to open a single acting cylinder directly using a 3/2 way valve, manually operated with
spring return

Problem Description:
A single acting cylinder of 25mm diameter is to clamp a component when a push button is pressed. As
long as the push button is activated the cylinder is to remain in the clamped position. If the push
button is released the clamp is to retract

Equipment Needed:
 Single acting cylinder
 3/2 way valve, pneumatically operated with spring return
 One way flow control valve
 3/2 way manually operated with spring return

Theory:
Pneumatics, the science and technology of utilizing compressed air to transmit and control energy,
underpins a vast array of industrial automation processes. Central to this field is the pneumatic
actuator, which converts compressed air energy into mechanical motion. In this experiment, we delve
into the principles and practicalities of directly controlling a single-acting cylinder, a fundamental
component in pneumatic systems.
At its core, a single-acting cylinder represents a ubiquitous pneumatic actuator design. It comprises a
cylindrical barrel housing a piston connected to a rod. Unlike its double-acting counterpart, which
utilizes compressed air to exert force in both directions, the single-acting cylinder operates
unidirectionally, providing force either on extension or retraction, contingent upon the design and
application requirements.
A pivotal element within the pneumatic circuit facilitating this directional control is the solenoid valve.
Operating under the influence of electrical signals, the solenoid valve modulates the flow of
compressed air into and out of the cylinder. Upon receiving the appropriate signal, the solenoid valve
actuates, enabling the ingress of compressed air and initiating the desired motion of the cylinder.
Conversely, deactivation of the solenoid valve halts airflow, arresting cylinder movement.
Crucial to the efficient and controlled operation of the system is pressure regulation. Achieved
through the implementation of a pressure regulator, this mechanism modulates the pressure of the
compressed air supplied to the cylinder. By fine-tuning the pressure levels, operators can regulate the
speed and force of the cylinder's motion, optimizing performance for a given task or application.
Facilitating human-machine interaction and control, the control panel serves as the interface through
which operators command the system. Equipped with switches or buttons, the control panel enables
users to activate the solenoid valve and dictate the direction of cylinder motion, offering a user-
friendly means of orchestrating pneumatic operations.
During operation, activating the solenoid valve initiates the flow of compressed air into the cylinder,
compelling the piston to traverse its designated path. The direction of motion, whether extension or
retraction, is determined by the configuration of the solenoid valve, governed by the control panel
inputs. Pressure regulation ensures that the cylinder operates within specified pressure parameters,
optimizing motion control and system efficiency.
Performance analysis of the system encompasses a multifaceted evaluation of several key metrics.
Response time, denoting the interval between a control input and the commencement of cylinder
motion, provides insights into system dynamics and efficiency. Stability, the system's ability to
maintain consistent motion and pressure levels, ensures reliable and predictable operation. Accuracy,
gauging the precision of cylinder motion in reaching predefined endpoints, underscores the system's
efficacy in fulfilling operational requirements.
In conclusion, a nuanced understanding of pneumatic systems, single-acting cylinders, and the
interplay of components such as solenoid valves and pressure regulators underpins the successful
realization of direct control mechanisms. By leveraging these principles effectively, engineers can
orchestrate precise and controlled linear motion, empowering pneumatic systems to fulfill diverse
industrial automation tasks with efficiency and reliability.

Equipment Description:
1) 3/2 way valve: The 3/2 way valve has a working port(A), a pressure supply port (P) on exhaust port
(T)
Volumetric flow is controlled by means of the following switching positions,
 Natural position: P is blocked and flow is enabled from A to T
 Actuated position: Exhaust port T is blocked and flow is enabled from P to A

Diagram of a 3/2 way valve

2) One way control valve: The one way control valve is a combination of the flow control valve and a
non-return valve, the cross-section of the restrictor can be set by means of a knurled screw
 Designed: One way flow control valve
 Pressure range: 20-1000Kpa (0.2 - 10bar)
 Nominal flow rate: In flow control direction it is 0 - 85l/min, in open direction it is 100 - 110l/min

Diagram of a One way control Valve

Diagrams:
Circuit diagram

Procedure:
1. The circuit diagram for the experiment was designed using the pneumatic fluid sim software
2. The compressed air supply and pressure regulator was set up to provide the desired pressure for
the experiment
3. The tubings and fittings were connected to the 3/2 way valve and the single acting cylinder
4. The one way control valve was connected to the cylinder to control the speed of the cylinder
movements
5. The compressed air supply was turned on and the pressure regulator was adjusted to the
needed pressure
6. The push button was then manually actuated to cause the extension of the piston
7. On removal of the force applied by the push button, the piston rod returned back to its original
position
8. When the cylinder was fully extended stop the timer which started when the push button was
pressed. This was done using the fluid sim p application
9. Record the time
10. The procedure was repeated for when the piston returned back to its original position from its
extended position. This was done using the fluid sim p application

Table of Values:
S/N Piston stroke(m) Velocity(m/S) Acceleration(m/s^2) Time(s)
1 0.01 5.66 * 10^-4 3.20 * 10^-5 17.671
2 0.02 11.36 * 10^-4 6.45 * 10^-5 17.611
3 0.03 17.08 * 10^ -4 9.72 * 10^-5 17.563
4 0.04 22.86 * 10^-4 13.06 * 10^-5 17.600
5 0.05 28.51 * 10^-4 16.60 * 10^-5 17.353

Graph:
Calculations:
Velocity(m/s) = Piston stroke/Time

1) 0.01/17.671 = 5.66 * 10^-4 m/s

2) 0.02/17.611 = 11.36 * 10^-4 m/s
3) 0.03/ 17.563 = 17.08 * 10^ -4 m/s
4) 0.04/17.600 = 22.86 * 10^-4 m/s
5) 0.05/17.353 = 28.51 * 10^-4 m/s

Acceleration(m/s^2) = Velocity / Time

1) 5.66 * 10^-4 / 17.671 = 3.20 * 10^-5 m/s^2

2) 11.36 * 10^-4 / 17.611 = 6.45 * 10^-5 m/s^2
3) 17.08 * 10^ -4 / 17.563 = 9.72 * 10^-5 m/s^2
4) 22.86 * 10^-4 / 17.600 = 13.06 * 10^-5 m/s^2
5) 28.51 * 10^-4 / 17.353 = 16.60 * 10^-5 m/s^2

Precautions:
 It was ensured that the none of the hoses were disconnected while the system was running
 It was ensured that all the connections made were tight
 The maximum pressure rating was not exceeded
 It was ensured that clean and dry compressed air at 10bar was used
 Error due to parallax was avoided while taking readings

Observations:
 The piston rod of the single acting cylinder extends after the push button is actuated
 The piston rod remains extended as long as the push button is pressed
 All connections were made tight to avoid compressed air leakage

Conclusion:
The experiment successfully demonstrated the direct control of a single-acting cylinder using
pneumatic components. Through systematic observation and analysis, the working principles and
characteristics of single-acting cylinders were understood. The performance of the control system in
achieving desired motion was satisfactory, indicating its suitability for various industrial applications
requiring precise control of linear motion.