AUTO06027 2019 Introduction to Industrial Automation

Recognise and define the fundamental characteristics of compressed air systems and associated aspects such as safety, its generation, treatment and distribution, along with associated symbols and schematic diagrams.

Select and assemble the components needed to build simple pneumatic systems, according to industrial schematic diagrams and symbols.

Recognise the fundamentals of electropneumatic systems, principles of operation, safety, basic wiring, relevant symbols, and schematic diagrams

Create schematic diagrams for, and select and assemble the components needed to build an electro pneumatic system for simple industrial tasks.

Implement basic PLC programmes to control sequencing and timing of electropneumatic circuits.

Learning will take place in the form of lectures for conceptual understanding, and lab work to practically implement the theory.  Lectures will be instructional/problem based and supported by the facilities and equipment in the laboratories.

Students should be encouraged to compare and contrast theory versus practical during lab exercises. 

An Industrial engagement component will be provided via industrial site visits and or guest lecturer from industry.

The assessment strategy is 100% continual assessment and will be via a combination of three assessment methods, periodic in-class theory tests, regular online quizzes (e.g. Moodle) which reinforce the theory and practicals, and finally periodic laboratory practical assessments.  Each assessment method deliberately examines different aspects of each learning outcome.

It is recommended to give students a written test before mid term to ascertain standards, and to provide prompt feedback.

Students will be required to submit an Automation assignment by the time of repeat exam sitting.

Safety with Compressed air systems.

Identification of pneumatic components, and the use of symbols to describe components, creating and reading circuit diagrams.

Applications of pneumatics and electro‑pneumatics.  Absolute/gauge pressure, manipulation of F=PxA and Q=VxA, Boyle's law.  Operation of valves, applications of valve types. valve types 3/2, 5/2, 5/3.   Pneumatics in industry, comparisons with electric drives

Magnetics fundamentals, solenoids, relays. Electrical symbols, switches, latching circuits, use of electrical timers, sequencing of pneumatic cylinders. Reading and creating wiring diagrams and schematics, following multiple schematics.  Building industry related sample circuits. 

Programming PLCs, ladder logics, creating schematic diagrams, timing and counting processes, Basic Sensors and other inputs, signal conditioning for PLCs.