This introductory level module allows the learner to gain practical applied experience of a range of engineering equipment while introducing them to the basic principles of fluid power and its application to electro-pneumatic and hydraulic systems. It also introduces the learner to the fundamentals of mechanical power transmission systems and maintenance procedures aligned with them. The learner will learn to identify components, design and assemble simple automation systems, and programme programmable logic controllers. The module uses experiential learning through a series of practical problem solving exercises in the automation, fluid power and maintenance laboratories.
Principles of Fluid Power: Basic pneumatic systems, static and dynamic thrust force calculations, cylinder sizing, flow rate calculations, speed and impact control and circuit presentation.
Electro-Pneumatic System Components and Circuits: Directional control valves, linear actuators, rotary actuators and pneumatic sensors.
Relays, solenoids, timers, transformers, transducers, electrical sensors and circuit breakers.
Wiring regulation, safe wiring practice, ‘AND’ & ‘OR ’circuits, latched circuits, sequential circuits.
Programmable Logic Controllers: Construction and installation, address assignments, ladder logic, basic PLC programming.
Hydraulic Components Applications and Circuits: Comparing hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical systems. Simple, regenerative, accumulator and rotary circuits, speed control, meter-in, meter-out and bleed-off flow control. Pumps, fixed / variable displacement, pressure compensation, pressure control, unloading / relief, directional control, flow control. Hydraulic motors; linear
actuators, hydraulic cylinders, construction and mounting methods, types, safety and applications, static and dynamic behaviour of linear and rotary actuators.
Auxiliary Components and Air Services: Reservoirs, accumulators, pressure intensifiers, pressure gauges, filters and strainers, typical factory air system, intake filter, compressor, coolers, water traps, air receiver, super dryers, pre-heaters, service unit.
Mechanical Power Transmission Systems: Belt drives, chain drives, gear drives, couplings, clutches and brakes, bearings.
Maintenance Principles of Mechanical Power Transmission: Shaft Alignment, assembly techniques, belt alignment, belt tensioning, installation of belt and chain drives, gear calculations, lubrication of gears and bearings, mounting and dismantling of bearings, bearing failure causes, soft foot.
