Heaven’s light is our guide

RAJSHAHI UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

Department of Mechatronics Engineering

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MTE 3206
Hydraulic and Pneumatic Control Sessional

Experiment No: 03
Name of the Experiment: Simulation and Operation of pneumatic circuits for
Latching, timers, logic sequencing and counter operations.

Submitted By: Submitted To:

Nishat Pervez Meghoboti Md. Faisal Rahman Badal
ID: 2008003 Assistant Professor
3rd Year , Even Semester Department of Mechatronics Engineering
Department of Mechatronics Engineering Rajshahi University of Engineering &
Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology, Rajshahi-6204.
Technology, Rajshahi-6204.

Md. Sakib Hassan Chowdhury

Lecturer
Department of Mechatronics Engineering
Rajshahi University of Engineering &
Technology, Rajshahi-6204.

Date of Submission: 29 April , 2025

Experiment No: 02
Name of the Experiment: Simulation and Operation of pneumatic circuits for
Latching, timers, logic sequencing and counter operations.

Objectives
1. To understand the working principle of latching circuits.
2. To simulate up and down counters in FluidSIM.
3. To simulate on delay and off delay timers in FluidSIM.
4. To observe the behavior of counters,timers and latching in sequential systems.

Theory
FluidSIM is a simulation software developed by Festo Didactic, used for designing and
analyzing pneumatic, hydraulic, and electrical circuits. It offers a visual interface where users
can place components like valves, cylinders, actuators, and logic gates to create circuits and
simulate their behavior in real time. This tool is widely used in technical education and
industrial training to enhance understanding of fluid power systems.Pneumatic system
definition: A system that uses compressed air for transmitting and controlling energy in
various industries is known as a Pneumatic system. These systems mainly work by using a
constant compressed air supply which is provided by an air compressor. The compressor
takes the air from the atmosphere & stores it in a receiver which is known as a high-pressure
tank. After that, this compressed air is supplied to the system through a series of valves or
pipes.
In industrial automation systems, latching, counters, timers, and sequence control are
fundamental concepts. Latching allows an output device to remain active even after the
initiating signal is removed, ensuring continuous operation. Counters are used to count the
number of occurrences of specific events, either increasing (up counter) or decreasing (down
counter) based on the input signal. Timers introduce intentional delays either before
activating (On-Delay Timer) or deactivating (Off-Delay Timer) an output, providing better
control over operations.

Required Software
1.​ FluidSIM
2.​ Automation Studio

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Logical Operations
1.Latching
Latching refers to a mechanism where a circuit remains active even after the initiating signal
is removed. It is achieved using a self-holding contact that keeps the valve or actuator
energized until a reset signal is given.

Circuit Diagram

Fig 3.1: Latching Circuit Design in FluidSIM

2.Up Counter
An up counter increments its value every time an input signal (like a cylinder extension) is
detected. It counts the number of ON operations and triggers an output after reaching a preset
count.

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Circuit Diagram

Fig 3.2: Up Counter Circuit Simulation in FluidSIM

3.Down Counter
A down counter increments when the input signal is removed (like a cylinder retraction). It is
used to count the number of OFF events, and it also triggers an output when the preset count
is achieve

Circuit Diagram

Fig 3.3: Down Counter Circuit Simulation in FluidSIM

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4.On-Delay Timer
An On-Delay Timer is a device that waits for a preset time after the input signal is received
before activating the output. When the input is turned ON, the timer counts the set delay time
and then switches the output ON. It is used where a delayed start is needed for a machine or
process.

Circuit Diagram

Fig 3.4: On-Delay Timer Circuit Simulation in FluidSIM

5.Off-Delay Timer
An Off-Delay Timer works oppositely. When the input signal is turned OFF, the timer keeps
the output ON for a preset time and then turns it OFF. It is used in situations where a delayed
stop is necessary after turning off the system.
Circuit Diagram

Fig 3.5: Off-Delay Timer Circuit Simulation in FluidSIM

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Sequence Control
1. A+ B+ A−B−

Fig 3.6: A+ B+ A−B− sequence control in Automation Studio

2. A+A− B+ B−

Fig 3.7: A+A− B+ B− sequence control in Automation Studio

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Discussion
During the simulation, latching circuits were successfully designed to hold the valve position
even after the button was released. The up and down counters were implemented to count the
strokes of the cylinder, and outputs were triggered after the predefined numbers were
reached. Sequential control circuits were built to ensure that the actuators operated in a
specific order, and any misbehavior was corrected by adjusting the sensor positions and logic
connections. Timing issues and sensor placements were carefully considered to ensure
smooth operation.

Conclusion
The latching, counter, and sequential control circuits were successfully designed and
simulated using FluidSIM. The latching mechanism was properly achieved with self-holding
contacts. Up and down counters were set and triggered accurately after reaching preset
values. The sequence control was effectively established following the desired operational
order. The objectives of understanding and simulating latching, counting, and sequence
control were accomplished.

References
[1]“Pneumatic System : Construction, Working, Differences & Its Applications,” ElProCus -
Electronic Projects for Engineering Students, Feb. 05, 2022.
https://www.elprocus.com/pneumatic-system/

[2]Festo Didactic. FluidSIM Pneumatics – Simulation Software for Pneumatic, Hydraulicand

Electrical Circuits. Festo, 2023. Available at: https://www.festo-didactic.com

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