AUTO06029 2019 CIM and Automation Technology 201 (Mechanical)

Demonstrate an understanding of pneumatic and electro‑pneumatic circuit operations and calulations, including sequence control up to two group cascade system.

Demonstrate an understanding of basic DC motors – including controlling the speed and direction

of a DC motor.

Draw standard pneumatic and electro-pneumatic circuits using a design and simulation package (e.g. Fluidsim).

Demonstrate an understanding of hydrostatics, basic hydraulics, correctly specifying hydraulic components, build and test basic hydraulic circuits.

Select appropriate sensors required for a production process, based on a detailed knowledge of the operation of the commonly available production sensors. 

Learning can take place in the form of lectures for conceptual understanding.

Lab work to reinforce the theory.

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

An industrial engagement link will be provided by the inclusion of a site visit and/or guest lecturer.

The assessment strategy is 40% CA  - comprising lab quizzes and practical build assignments.

The final exam is 60%

This will vary depending on the nature of the failed material.

Pneumatics:

Compressed air production. Absolute and gauge pressure. Manipulation of F=PA and Q=VA formulae.

Single and double-acting cylinders, directional control valves (3/2 and 5/2), pilot air.

Use of 5/3 valves.

Pneumatic timer circuits, Pressure and flow regulators, non-return valves, cylinder speed control. Pneumatic timers and sequential circuits.

Electro-pneumatics

Use of electrical switches and relays. Latching. Use of electrical timers. Sequencing of pneumatic cylinders to include, A⁺A^-, A⁺B⁺A^-B^- etc. Draw and simulate standard electro-pneumatic circuits using software package e.g. Fluidsim.

Sensors

Proximity switches: inductive, capacitative, magnetic (reed) and optical.

Pressure switches, pressure transducers.

Hydraulics and Electro-hydraulics

Hydraulic power, Bernoulli's equation. Hydraulic fluids, reservoirs and distribution, filters. Hydraulic actuators, pumps and motors. Directional, flow and pressure control valves.

Hydraulic circuits including metering, counterbalancing, use of regenerative cylinders, quick approach, sequencing and pressure offloading.

sequence to include, A⁺A^-, A⁺B⁺A^-B^- etc.

Cylinder selection, Pump selection.

Safety

Hazards associated with fluids under pressure, actuators in motion and electricity. European safety standards and safety procedures.

Emergency stop and automatic shutdown. Safe restart. Safety enclosures and mechanical interlocks.

Electrical approaches to include safety relays and two-hand safety.

Principles of fail-safe systems.

Safety issues in using a PLC as the controller in pneumatic systems.

Indicative Practicals/Projects

Explanation of safety procedures and demonstration of safe working practices in the laboratory.

Demonstration of safe working practices in the workshop. Hazards associated with fluids under pressure, actuators in motion and electricity.  

Construction of circuits using cylinders, directional control valves, pressure control valves, flow regulators, pneumatic timers.

Construction of two group pneumatic cascade circuits involving two cylinders.

Construction of circuits using electro-pneumatic components and relays, electronic timers, lights and alarms.

Construction of electro-pneumatic sequential circuits involving two cylinders. 

Demonstration of commonly encountered basic power hydraulic circuits e.g. sequence, counterbalance, flow control, regenerative, quick-approach.

Demonstration of basic hydraulic circuits with electrical control, using proximity, limit and pressure switches.