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Questions tagged [pneumatic]

72 questions
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4 answers

Why are train brakes so complicated?

The concept is simple enough: no pressure in the train line has the brakes locked, full pressure is loose, and partial pressure drags accordingly. So if pressure is lost for any reason, the train stops. (or at least it's supposed to; more on that…
AaronD
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I want to understand this pneumatic circuit

I have trouble understanding the following pneumatic circuit diagram: I am new to reading circuit diagrams and i am unfamiliar with some of the symbols. I would appreciate if somebody could explain them to me. In particular I have the following…
engi1
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Do non-linear passive pneumatic throttles exist?

On of the more simple throttles is a channel, which is described by the Hagen-Poiseuille equation: $$\Delta P = \frac{8\mu L Q}{\pi r^4}$$ This equation, when rearranged, tells us that the Flowrate $Q$ is linearly dependent on $\Delta P$. Do passive…
JHK
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Are precision pneumatics possible?

I've seen some of the robotics competitions use pneumatic actuators for brute force actions ( like a hammer or lift ), but nothing precise. Is it possible to use pneumatics in a more precise scenario?, I'm assuming this is how pneumatic robotic arms…
user379468
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Estimating Maximum Speed for a Pneumatic Cylinder

I am designing an machine that is going to use a pneumatic cylinder to accelerate a projectile. I have a tentative cylinder specified, and am working on the control and supply side. I have verified that I can generate enough force, have enough air…
Ethan48
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Why do pneumatic valves need both a Safety Relay and an Air Dump to be safe?

If air dumps safely release pneumatic pressure from an industrial machine when an E-Stop is pressed, why is it also standard practice to cut electrical control power from the valves with a safety relay? This would be useful if the air dump failed,…
Micah Lindstrom
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What is the equivalent of a capacitor in pneumatics?

I am building a desoldering gun. While the pump I am using provides decent suction, I would like a quick powerful vacuum burst to prevent the solder from solidifying in the nozzle rather than in the chamber. I figure there must be the equivalent of…
user148298
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What's the difference between a vacuum regulator and pressure regulator?

When browsing through pneumatic parts, I notice that some vendors specify different components for pressure regulator and vacuum regulators. SMC for example does this. I'm curious why vendors would actually need to differentiate vacuum regulators…
Izzo
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Why aren't pneumatic/hydraulic artificial muscle actuated humanoid robots more common?

I'm designing a humanoid robot using pneumatic artificial muscles. I chose these actuator units because they're much cheaper than electric motors of comparable power output capability. instead of needing a high power darlington mosfet array for…
Jacob Valdez
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Can I submerge a pneumatic cylinder in oil?

I am looking for a linear pneumatic cylinder to raise and lower a fixed object. Everything will be submerged in oil (for electrical purposes). I am new to engineering and pneumatics in particular, and I don't know if I can completely submerge the…
snasvak
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Pneumatic actuator capable to achieve 5m/s?

Is there a pneumatic actuator capable to achieve 5m/s and will be good idea for constant work? I know SMC have up to 3m/s, but I can't find faster.
user131020
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How to connect a pneumatic cylinder to a door?

I have this pneumatic cylinder that I wish to connect to a wooden door in order to make it kinda like a Star wars door. I'm wondering what the best way to connect the cylinder to the door would be. The cylinder has a threaded rod at the end.…
marciokoko
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2 answers

Lpg cylinder to compressed air tank

I am building a small robot having pneumatic system. I am using 12v car tyre inflator as my compressor.But i didn't find any 3ltr to 6ltr standardrd air tank. Can i convert my old 3ltr lpg tank into air tank
Suman Ponmathan
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Rules of thumb for sizing an air pump piston?

I am working on a design for a small air pump that uses a single piston. When choosing a piston I have two parameters diameter and stroke. So, I can make it fatter and shorter, or skinnier and longer, for the given volume of air that I want to move…
Wallace Park
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How strict is the direction of air flow in a single direction pneumatic solenoid valve?

I am currently designing a small pneumatic system that pumps air into an airbag, holds the air in, then releases it to the atmosphere. Each pump in the system actually feeds two sets of airbags and solenoids. I have decided to use normally closed…
Beginner116412
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