Fluid Power Pneumatics

Course Description:

This course, developed by Bridgerland Technical College, teaches students about pneumatic principles and circuitry. Topics include force and energy transmission, identifying ANSI and ISO pneumatic symbols, and understanding how to read and draw pneumatic schematics. Students use schematics to construct pneumatic circuits and components. Students also explore pneumatic system operation and symbols including gauges, directional control valves, cylinders, motors, compressors, filters, regulators, and lubricators. Furthermore, students identify PSIA, Hg, and PSIG pressure scales, flow, volume, and compression rates. Upon completing the course, students should be able to:

• identify fluid ANSI and ISO symbols,
• identify different types of cylinders, pumps, motors, compressors and pumps,
• explain the difference between controls and actuators,
• install, troubleshoot, and repair pneumatic systems,
• calculate formulas for force, pressure, and area,
• identify the PSIA, Hg, and PSIG pressure scales.

Course Contents:

Course materials include a Canvas .imscc file. The .imscc file includes numerous folders and files from the Canvas course, including a syllabus. The syllabus includes a course description, course objectives, and instructor and grading information.

This course includes ten modules. Most modules include an introduction video and labs.

Below is a sample of modules and labs included in this course:

• Module 1: Orientation
• Module 2: Introduction to Fluid Power - 2 Hours
  • Introduction to Your Pneumatics Teacher
  • Quiz and Test Instructions
  • What is Pneumatics?
• Module 3: Pneumatic Systems and Components - 10 Hours
  • A Typical Pneumatic System
  • Trainer Lab #1: Trainer Lab Setup
  • Assignment: Introduction To Automation Studio
  • Let's Start Talking Pneumatics
  • How to Read Pressure
  • Trainer Lab #2: Reading Pressure Gauges
  • The Function of Pneumatic Schematics
• Module 4: Breaking Down a Pneumatic System / Air Delivery Side - 10 Hours
  • Beginning of the System, Compressors
  • Air Fittings, Hoses, and Connections
  • Air Filter / Pressure Drop
  • Pressure Regulator Valve
  • Assignment: Pressure Regulator in Automation Studio
  • Trainer Lab #3: Pressure Reducing Valve / Pressure Regulating Valve
• Module 5: Breaking Down a Pneumatic System / Work Side - 10 Hours
  • Let the Work Begin
  • Basic Cylinder Circuits, Double-Acting Cylinders
  • Assignment: Trainer Lab #4 in Automation Studio, w/o a Directional Control Valve
  • Trainer Lab #4 Operating a Double-Acting Cylinder Without DCV
  • Directional Control Valves
  • Assignment: Trainer Lab #5 in Automation Studio
  • Trainer Lab #5: Operating a Double-Acting Cylinder With DCV
  • Assignment: Trainer Lab #6 Schematic in Automation Studio
  • Trainer Lab #6: Operating 2 Cylinders Simultaneously With DCV
  • Basic Cylinder Circuits, Single-Acting Cylinder
  • Assignment: Trainer Lab #7 Schematic in Automation Studio
  • Trainer Lab #7: Operating a Single-Acting Cylinder
  • Basic Motor Circuits
  • Assignment: Trainer Lab #8 in Automation Studio
  • Trainer Lab #8: Operate a Unidirectional Motor
• Module 6: The Principle of Pneumatic Pressure and Force - 2 Hours
  • How to Calculate the Force Output of an Extending Cylinder
  • How to Calculate the Force Output of a Retracting Cylinder
• Module 7: Principle of Air Flow and Resistance - 1 Hour
  • How a Pneumatic System Creates Flow
• Module 8: Principle of Actuator Speed - 1 Hour
  • Actuator Speed
  • Trainer Lab #9: Actuator Speed, Resistance, and Flow
  • Assignment: Trainer Lab #9 in Automation Studio
• Module 9: Controlling Actuator Speed - 10 Hours
  • Controlling Actuator Speed
  • Assignment: Trainer Lab #10 in Automation Studio
  • Trainer Lab #10: Controlling Actuator Speed With a Needle Valve
  • Pneumatic Flow Control Valves
  • Assignment: Flow Control Valve in Automation Studios
  • Trainer Lab #13: Controlling Actuator Speed With a Flow Control Valve
  • Controlling Actuator Speed With a Quick Exhaust Valve
  • Trainer Lab #11: Quick Exhaust Valve
  • Controlling the End of the Stroke With Cylinder Cushions
  • Trainer Lab #12: Cushioned Cylinders
• Module 10: Different Pneumatic Circuit Configurations - 2 Hours
  • Building a Reciprocating Circuit
  • Trainer Lab #14: Building a Reciprocating Circuit
• Pneumatics Class Parts List