JAWAHARLAL NEHRU TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY HYDERABAD B. Tech IV AUTOMATION IN MANUFACTURING Previous Question Paper (July - 2021 - R15)

Pneumatic components are essential in automated systems due to their ability to provide rapid, clean, and reliable motion control. Their importance is defined by the following key characteristics:

• Speed and Responsiveness: Pneumatic systems operate at high speeds, making them ideal for high-cycle applications like packaging, sorting, and assembly.
• Safety and Cleanliness: Since the working medium is compressed air, there is no risk of fire or contamination from leaks, making them suitable for food, pharmaceutical, and clean-room environments.
• Cost-Effectiveness: The components are generally simpler and cheaper to manufacture and maintain compared to hydraulic or electric actuators.
• Overload Protection: Pneumatic systems are inherently safe under overload conditions; the system can stall without damaging the components, as the air simply compresses.
• Simplicity of Design: Air is readily available, easily stored in receivers, and can be exhausted directly into the atmosphere, eliminating the need for return lines.

A hydraulic fluid system relies on the transmission of power through pressurized incompressible fluid. The basic components and their functions are as follows:

• Hydraulic Pump: The heart of the system, which converts mechanical energy from a prime mover (motor) into hydraulic energy by forcing fluid into the system.
• Hydraulic Fluid (Working Medium): Acts as the power transmission medium, lubricant, and coolant for the internal components.
• Reservoir (Tank): Stores the hydraulic fluid, allows air to escape, facilitates heat dissipation, and allows contaminants to settle out of the fluid.
• Control Valves: These regulate the pressure, direction, and flow rate of the hydraulic fluid to control the speed and force of the actuators.
• Actuators (Cylinders or Motors): Convert the hydraulic energy back into mechanical energy to perform useful work, such as linear motion (cylinders) or rotary motion (motors).
• Filters and Strainers: Essential for maintaining system longevity by removing particulate matter and contaminants from the fluid to prevent wear on precision components.
• Piping and Fittings: Provide the conduit for fluid flow between components, designed to withstand high operating pressures.