The aim of this module is to give learners a comprehensive understanding of fundamentals of fluid power systems and practical orientation to enable them to design, assemble, and test basic pneumatic and hydraulic circuits.
Health and Safety: Hydraulic/pneumatic safety precautions, health and safety legislation, accident prevention, safety procedure.
Pneumatics: Basic properties of compressed air and characteristics of fluid pressure. Flow rate and back pressure. Pneumatic actuators, single acting, double acting and other cylinder designs. ISO symbols. Design and construction of simple pneumatic circuits. Control valves and types. Electro pneumatic valves. Pneumatic accessories such as flow regulators, exhaust regulators, timers, silencers, non-return valves, exhaust valves, vacuum generators and switching components. Circuit reading and design. Electro-pneumatic circuits: circuit components, solenoids and reed switches.
Hydraulics: Introduction to hydraulics. Principles of power hydraulics. Components of hydraulic systems and circuit symbols. Directional control valves, methods of activation. Flow control valves, non-return valves. Hydraulic pumps, rams, motors etc. Fluid behaviour. Viscosity, laminar and turbulent flow. Continuity equation. Bernoulli’s theorem, frictionless flow. Flow measurement. Losses at fittings. Operation and maintenance of hydraulic accessories: flexible hoses, quick-release couplings, screw fittings, sub-bases and air bleed valves. Pumping systems and understanding of friction loss. Electro-hydraulic circuits: circuit components, solenoids and switches.
