Module 6 : Flow control valves
Basic Pneumatics
Module 6
One way flow control valve & Quick exhaust valve
Module Objectives
Upon the completion of this module the student will be able to:
Explain the main types of flow control valves.
Explain the function of one way flow control valve.
Describe the main parts of the flow control valve.
Adjust the flow control valve to the required speed.
Explain the function of quick exhaust valve.
Draw the required circuit diagram.
Simulate the pneumatic circuit using FluidSIM software.
Explain the difference between the one way flow control valve and
the quick exhaust valve.
way flowvalve
control valve
1 One way flow control valve
1.1 Function:
Controls the flow in one direction only
Figure (6.1.a) shows the picture of the one way flow control valve and figure (6.1.b) shows its
ISO symbol
(c) Check valve
(a) one way flow control (b) ISO symbol of one
valve way flow control valve
(d) Throttle valve
Fig 6.1
1 One way flow control valve
1.2 Construction of the one way flow control valve
One way flow control valve consists of:
1- Check valve
2- Throttle valve.
If the flow from (P) to (A), the check valve (figure 6.1.b) stops the flow passing in this direction and the flow then
passes through the throttle valve (figure 6.1.d).
The cross-section of the throttle is adjustable via a regulator screw.
If the flow in the opposite direction from (A) to (P), the check valve permits freely the flow from (1) to (2) , (figure
6.1.c)
(c) Check valve
(b) ISO symbol of one
Fig 6.1
(d) Throttle valve
1.3 Types of flow control used
with double-acting cylinders.
1.3.1 Supply air Throttling
In the case of supply air throttling
(figure 6.2.a), the one-way flow control
valves are installed such that air being
fed to the cylinder is restricted.
Exhaust air can escape freely via the
non-return valve.
Supply air throttling is used for single
acting cylinders and small volume
cylinders
1.3 Types of flow control used
with double-acting cylinders.
1.3.1 Exhaust air flow control
In the case of exhaust air throttling
(figure 6.2.b), supply air flows freely
to the cylinder and the flow control
in the exhaust line resists the
escaping air.
The piston is held between two air
cushions.
Exhaust air throttling should always
be used for large double acting
cylinders with long strokes.
Practical Task 1: Controlling the
speed of a single acting cylinder:
Required components:
The following items are
required to complete this
task:
Single acting cylinder
3/2 way valve N/C
One way flow control valve
Pressure supply
The pneumatic circuit
diagram is shown in Fig.6.3
Practical Task 1: Controlling the
speed of a single acting cylinder:
2.1 Procedures
1- Prepare the components according to components
list.
2- Mount all components according to
Pneumatic circuit.
3- Connect pneumatic tubes according to the pneumatic
circuit.
4- Check all parts are connected properly with each other.
5- Switch on the service unit.
6- Start the circuit and check the operation
7- Turn off the service unit
8- Dismantle and tidy up.
3 Quick Exhaust valve
3.1 Function:
In many applications especially with single acting cylinders,
it is a common practice to increase the piston speed during
(a) Quick exhaust valve
retraction of the cylinder to save the cycle time.
This is carried out by incorporating a Quick exhaust valve
figure (6.4.a).
The Quick exhaust valve has essentially three ports:
supply port 1, is connected to the out put of the final
control element (Directional control valve). (b) ISO symbol of
quick exhaust valve
The Output port 2 of this valve is directly fitted on to the
working port of cylinder.
The exhaust port 3 is left open to the atmosphere
Figure 6.4
The I.S.O. symbol for Quick exhaust valve is shown in the figure
(6.4.b).
3 Quick Exhaust valve
3.2 Way of operation
Compressed air flows from the pilot valve to
the cylinder via the quick exhaust valve from
port (1) to port (2).
Exhaust port 3 is closed at this time.
When pressure at port 1 drops, exhaust flow
occurs from port (2) to port (3) as illustrated in (c) Schematic diagram of the quick
exhaust valve
figure (6.4.c). Figure 6.4
In order to implement optimized quick
exhaust, the valve must be connected directly
to the cylinder’s supply port.
4 Practical Task 2: Controlling the cylinder
return stroke by using quick exhaust valve
Required components:
These are the required items
for completing this task
Single – acting cylinder.
3/2 way valve N\C
Quick exhaust valve
4 Practical Task 2: Controlling the cylinder
return stroke by using quick exhaust valve
6.1 Procedures
1- Prepare the components according to equipments list.
2- Mount all components according to Pneumatic circuit.
3- Connect pneumatic tubes according to the pneumatic
circuit.
4- Check all parts are connected properly with each other.
5- Switch on the service unit .
6- Start the circuit.
7- Turn off the service unit
8- Dismantle and tidy up.
5 Practical Task 3:
Actuating a shut-off device
5.1 Learning objectives:
Upon the completion of this task, the students will
be
able to adjust cylinder advancing and retracting
speeds.
familiar with one type of signal storage in
pneumatic control system.
5.2 Task description:
The gate valve in a filling system for plastic pellets is
operated by double acting cylinder that needs to be
closed quickly during the forward stroke. However,
it should be opened slowly during the backward
stroke. The circuit should be controlled indirectly
using 5/2 way, double pilot (memory valve).
5 Practical Task 3:
Actuating a shut-off device
5.3 Task requirements:
Draw pneumatic circuit diagram
Simulate the circuit using FluidSim software.
Assemble the circuit practically and check its operation
Draw the pneumatic circuit here
Solution of practical task 2
Worksheet 1
Describe the single acting cylinder and draw its symbol.
What is the function of quick exhaust valve?
Describe the operation of quick exhaust valve.
Draw the ISO symbol for quick exhaust valve.
Describe the one way flow control valve and draw its symbol.
What is the function of one way flow control valve?
Worksheet 2
In a diary production line, a stamping machine is used to
print the production and expiry dates on certain products.
The stamping machine is operated by a single acting
cylinder. Draw a pneumatic circuit that controls the
movement of the above single acting cylinder taking in
consideration the following conditions:
The speed of the forward stroke is adjustable in order to
avoid any damage of the product.
The retract (backward) stroke is to be achieved rapidly in
order to increase the production.
Worksheet 2
Draw the pneumatic circuit here
