You know when it comes to solving and preventing problems with your pneumatic equipment, knowledge is the key. It's just that it can cost you a lot of time, effort and money to get it. In fact, a really detailed understanding of individual component operation and pneumatic circuitry is something that few people master.
But I've come across an excellent book that effectively tackles the complex subject of pneumatics, by explaining the underlying operating principles and function of components and systems - for all levels of understanding: design, maintenance and troubleshooting. It's called Pneumatic Control for Industrial Automation by Peter Rohner.
First of all, you need to understand that this is not just another book covering basic pneumatic theory and concepts. No way. Peter Rohner is a University Professor with over 30 years of teaching experience. He is one of the most successful fluid power lecturers and authors you'll ever meet. A true Master of the subject.
Secondly, even though the book's title is 'Pneumatic Control for Industrial Automation', the information it contains is just as relevant to you even if the only pneumatic equipment you deal with is an air compressor and rattle gun.
Now in its 2nd, Revised Edition and with 9,267 copies in print, Rohner's pneumatics book explains what you need to know about pneumatics, from the basics up. For example:
- What is the minimum recommended filtration level for pneumatic equipment?
- What is the correct viscosity oil for pneumatic lubricators?
- What are the recommended oil feed rates?
Air Compression
This chapter gives you a comprehensive understanding of air compression. The chapter begins with a discussion of adiabatic, isothermal and polytropic compression. Construction and operation of piston, diaphragm, vane, screw, centrifugal and axial flow compressors are illustrated and explained. Compressor control methods and ancillary equipment such as intake filters/silencers, intercoolers, aftercoolers, receivers and condensate separators are covered in detail.
Compressed Air Conditioning
This chapter boosts your knowledge of air service components. The operation, maintenance and installation of filter/separators, pressure regulators and lubricators are illustrated and explained.
Compressed Air Drying
This chapter brings you up to speed on air drying methods. Theory and terminology is introduced and discussed. The construction and operation of refrigeration, adsorption, and absorption dryers are illustrated and explained. The chapter concludes with examination of criteria for selecting the correct type of dryer for an application.
Air Distribution
This chapter gives you the scoop on air distribution design and layout. System pressure, flow rate, leakage, pipe length and diameter and pipe material are all considered and discussed. Pressure drop of fittings, ring main grading and water take-off lines are also covered.
Air Circuit Construction
This chapter points you in the right direction when assembling and documenting an air supply system. Covers air line tube, fittings, quick connectors and silencers.
Pneumatic Cylinders
This chapter takes you way beyond pneumatic cylinder basics. The construction and operation of various cylinder types, including impact cylinders and rodless actuators are illustrated and explained. Cylinder sizing and air consumption calculations - along with Euler formulas for rod buckling are covered in detail.
Air Motors
This chapter gives you the knowledge you need to correctly apply a motor in a circuit. The chapter describes how torque is developed in an air motor and the construction and operation of piston, vane and turbine motors are explained. The chapter concludes with a discussion of air motor application and sizing with relevant calculations.
Directional Control Valves
In this chapter you'll grasp the finer points of directional valve operation and application. This chapter covers directional valve actuation methods, switching positions, pathways, and center and transition condition. Spool, flat-slide, poppet and toggle-disc valve types are illustrated and discussed. The chapter concludes with a discussion of valve application in; position, time and pressure sensing control circuits.
Flow Controls
This chapter walks you through the flow control maze. It begins with discussion of needle valves as flow controls and their application in meter-in and meter-out circuits. Speed control using quick exhaust, hydraulic check and pneumatic end-cushioning are also discussed. The chapter concludes with a practical discussion of installation locations for speed (flow) control valves.
Sensors
After reading this chapter you'll not only understand what they do, but also how they work. Covers the application and operation of proximity, back pressure, liquid level, reed and gap sensors, along with single and two-stage amplifier valves. Like all other chapters throughout the book, functional descriptions are illustrated with color sectional views and their corresponding graphical symbols.
Physical Principles
In this chapter, you'll nail the fundamental principles of pneumatics as they relate to gas flow, velocity and pressure, and transmission of force and power. Concepts discussed are cleverly illustrated and relevant formulas introduced.
Circuit Presentation and Analysis
This chapter gives you guidance on layout and presentation of pneumatic circuits. It explains the various layouts for schematic drawings, and covers the four main categories in a circuit structure.
Step-Counter Circuits
If your plant has machines that use step-counter logic, then this chapter will make you the in-house expert. The design, application and operation of step-counter logic control are illustrated and explained.
Cascade Circuits
This chapter guides you through the cascade system of sequential control. Various cascade design methods are discussed and the chapter concludes with a series of worked examples.
Combinational Circuits
This chapter gives you the inside running on combinational circuit design. Key logic concepts are introduced and explained. Worked examples are included at the end of the chapter.
Programmable Logic Controllers
This chapter gives you the confidence you need to deal with PLC controlled equipment. Pneumatic step-counter diagrams are explained alongside PLC diagrams to assist readers with limited training in electrics or electronics.
Appendix
And as if all this isn't enough, the Appendix includes useful references such as: units of measurement and their abbreviations, commonly used fluid power formulas, symbols and conversion tables.
You're looking at a short summary of all the knowledge you'll gain from this book! Pneumatic Control for Industrial Automation is the most practical and comprehensive reference on pneumatics you'll ever lay your hands on. It's 274 pages (8.5" x 11") professionally printed and bound with over 370 illustrations.
| Even if you're not into reading, it doesn't matter. This is not the kind of book you'd sit down and read from cover to cover anyway. It's more like an encyclopaedia or dictionary. You keep it handy and refer to it when you need to know something - about pneumatics. I frequently refer to this extensive resource in my fluid power consulting business - it tops the list for presentation and substance. In fact, I was so impressed with this book - I bought the worldwide publishing rights! |  |
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