5.
Actuation of double acting cylinder by using Hydraulic, Pneumatic and Electro-
Pneumatic circuits.
5A. Actuation of Double Acting Cylinder Using Hydraulic Circuit
AIM
To operate a double-acting cylinder using a hydraulic circuit.
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
• Double Acting Cylinder
• 4/2 Lever Operated Spring Return DCV (Directional Control Valve)
• Pressure Relief Valve
• Meter in and meter out circuit
• Fixed Displacement Pump
• Reservoir
• Hydraulic hose
WORKING PRINCIPLE
The pump is connected to the DCV, which then controls the cylinder's movement. Initially, the
DCV is in the neutral position, preventing cylinder movement. When the lever is moved, the
spool shifts, allowing fluid flow and initiating the cylinder's forward stroke. Once the forward
stroke is complete, the lever is returned to the initial position, reversing the fluid flow and
causing the cylinder's retraction.
Double-Acting Cylinder: A cylinder where the working fluid acts alternately on both sides of
the piston. It has ports at both ends for fluid supply, enabling both extension and retraction.
Double-acting cylinders are used when external force isn't available for retraction or when high
force is needed in both directions of travel.
Directional Control Valve
Here, we're using a 4/2 lever-actuated spring return DCV. A 4/2 Directional Valve block
represents a directional control valve with four ports and two positions, or flow paths. It's
manually actuated by a lever to change its position. Once the force applied to the lever is
removed, the spring returns the DCV to its original position.
Hydraulic Pump
A hydraulic pump, the core of a hydraulic system, transforms mechanical energy into hydraulic
energy. This mechanical energy is supplied to the pump by a prime mover, such as an electric
motor. Through its mechanical action, the pump generates a partial vacuum at its inlet. This
allows atmospheric pressure to push the fluid through the inlet line and into the pump. The
pump then forces the fluid into the hydraulic system.
Pressure Relief Valve
Pressure relief valves safeguard hydraulic components from excessive pressure. They're crucial
for safe system operation, acting as a closed valve that limits system pressure to a specific
maximum. When pressure exceeds this limit, the valve opens, diverting pump flow back to the
reservoir.
Meter in and Meter out Circuit (Flow control valve with one way adjustment)
In this hydraulic circuit, both meter-in and meter-out flow control are applied to regulate the
movement of the double-acting cylinder. The "meter-in" flow control adjusts the flow rate
entering the cylinder, ensuring smooth control of the cylinder's extension speed. It limits the
flow before it reaches the actuator, making it effective in controlling speed during high-load
operations. On the other hand, the "meter-out" control regulates the flow exiting the cylinder
during retraction, ensuring stable and controlled movements under varying loads. In this
particular design, the one-way flow adjustment allows fluid to bypass the restriction in one
direction, while the flow in the other direction is throttled by the control valve. This provides
precise control of the cylinder's operation during both extension and retraction, optimizing the
efficiency and safety of the system.
Experimental Procedure
1. Circuit Diagram: Draw the circuit diagram for the given sequence.
2. Connections: Make the connections as shown in the circuit diagram.
3. Actuation: Operate the lever to actuate the double-acting cylinder using the hydraulic
circuit.
RESULT
The double acting cylinder has been actuated through the given hydraulic circuit.
Hydraulic Meter-In and Meter-Out Circuit with Flow Control and Double-Acting Cylinder
5B. Actuation of two Double acting cylinders in A+ B+ A- B- sequence using Pneumatic
Circuit
AIM
To operate the two double acting cylinders A and B in A+ B+ A- B- sequence using pneumatic
circuit.
APPARATUS REQUIRED
• 2 Double Acting Cylinders
• 5/2 way double pilot operated direction control valve
• 3/2 way roller lever operated and spring return direction control valve
• Air Supply
• FRL Unit
• Pneumatic Hose
Working Principle
• 5/2 Way Double Pilot Operated Direction Control Valve:
The 5/2 way double pilot-operated direction control valve is designed for controlling the
direction of fluid in pneumatic or hydraulic systems. It has five ports and two positions,
allowing fluid to either extend or retract a double-acting cylinder. The valve is actuated by a
pilot signal at either end, meaning the position of the valve is changed when air pressure is
applied to one of the pilots. Once the signal is removed, the valve remains in its last position
until a new signal is applied to the opposite pilot. This makes it suitable for applications
requiring stable positioning without continuous actuation.
• 3/2 Way Roller Lever Operated and Spring Return Direction Control Valve:
A 3/2 way roller lever operated and spring return direction control valve has three ports and
two positions. This valve is mechanically operated by a roller lever, typically actuated when a
part of the machine (in this case the double acting cylinder) moves against the lever. The valve
switches to direct air or fluid flow when actuated. When the external force is removed, a spring
returns the valve to its original position, stopping or redirecting the flow. This type of valve is
commonly used in systems where mechanical parts (in this case the double acting cylinder)
are responsible for initiating and stopping fluid or air flow in automation tasks.
• Air Supply:
In a pneumatic system, the air supply serves as the main power source for the system's
operation. Compressed air, typically produced by an air compressor, is stored in a tank and
distributed to various components in the system through pipelines. The pressure and flow rate
of the air supply are critical to ensuring the effective operation of pneumatic devices like
cylinders and valves. Proper air supply management is essential for maintaining system
performance, efficiency, and safety.
• FRL Unit:
The FRL (Filter, Regulator, and Lubricator) unit is essential for maintaining the quality and
performance of a pneumatic system. The filter removes contaminants like dust and moisture
from the air supply, ensuring clean air reaches the system components. The regulator controls
the air pressure to maintain a consistent flow and prevent damage to sensitive equipment.
Finally, the lubricator adds a small amount of oil to the air to reduce friction in moving parts,
prolonging the life of pneumatic components. Together, the FRL unit ensures the air supply is
clean, controlled, and well-lubricated for optimal system performance.
Experimental Procedure
1. Circuit Diagram: Draw the circuit diagram for the given sequence.
2. Connections: Make the connections as shown in the circuit diagram.
3. Actuation: Operate the lever to actuate the double-acting cylinders using the pneumatic
circuit.
Pneumatic Circuit to actuate the sequence A+ B+ A- B-
5/2 way double pilot operated direction
control valve
3/2 way roller lever operated and spring
return direction control valve
Pressurised air supply
Air Exhaust
FRL Unit
Air Compressor
Main Line
Pilot Line
