Lesson 1 - Pneumatic Principles
Topics:
Fluid power systems; Force, weight, and mass; Pressure; Work and energy; Diffusion and dispersion; Compressibility; Laws of pneumatics; Leverage; Air properties and flow; Bernoulli's Law; Components
Learning Objectives:
– Explain how force is transmitted in a pneumatic system.– Calculate force and work.
– List two factors that affect the results of pressure calculations.
– Explain pneumatic leverage.
– Briefly explain the physical laws affecting the behavior of a confined gas.
Lesson 2 - Reciprocating Compressors
Topics:
Compressor construction, classification, and operation; Single-, double-acting compressors; Cooling requirements; Lubrication; Controls
Learning Objectives:
– Differentiate between a positive-displacement compressor and a dynamic compressor.– Describe the operation of a reciprocating compressor.
– List one advantage of using a multistage compressor.
– Identify the cooling arrangements for reciprocating compressors.
– Compare the operation of compressor controls in large and small units.
Lesson 3 - Rotary Compressors
Topics:
Vane, rotary-screw, low-pressure, high-volume, diaphragm, centrifugal, and axial-flow compressors; Compressor capacity; Accessories
Learning Objectives:
– Compare the power output of a single-stage vs a two-stage vane compressor.– Describe the main types of positive-displacement rotary air compressors.
– Explain the advantages and disadvantages of both types of dynamic compressors.
– Describe four methods of controlling centrifugal compressor output.
– Tell how to compensate for a low-speed drive in rotary screw compressors.
Lesson 4 - Primary Air Treatment
Topics:
Preliminary filtering; Relative humidity; Effects of moisture; Moisture separators; Oil scrubbers; Air dryers and receivers; Using a nomograph
Learning Objectives:
– Describe techniques for cleaning compressor filters.– Define relative humidity and dew point.
– Explain the effects of temperature and pressure on the air's ability to hold moisture.
– Describe aftercooler operation.
– Explain the functions of separators, oil scrubbers, and air dryers.
Lesson 5 - Secondary Air Treatment
Topics:
Contaminant separation and filtration; Filter classification and rating; Surface, depth, adsorption, and absorption filters; Lubricating the air
Learning Objectives:
– Describe the two main methods of contaminant separation.– Explain how filters are classified.
– List contaminant particle sizes and particle contamination categories as they occur in filters.
– List applications for the most common types of filter media.
– Identify system location for lubrication equipment installation.
Lesson 6 - Piping, Hoses, and Fittings
Topics:
Piping requirements and dimensions; Safety; Connections; Metallic tubing; Tube bending, fittings, and installation; Hoses, fittings, and installation
Learning Objectives:
– State the importance of laminar flow.– List the factors that affect pressure loss in a pipe.
– State direction and amount of slope for compressor discharge pipes.
– Discuss procedures for pipe, tube, and hose installation.
– Describe safe working procedures for disconnecting air hoses.
Lesson 7 - Directional Control Valves
Topics:
Manually and automatically operated valves; Control valve elements: spools, poppets, disks, and plates; Two-, three-, four-, and five-way valves; Accessories
Learning Objectives:
– Describe the four methods of identifying control valves.– List four basic types of manually operated, two-way valves.
– Describe the operation of a two-position, direct acting, normally closed solenoid valve.
– Explain one major advantage of using a four-way valve.
– Describe the construction of a three-way valve.
Lesson 8 - Pressure-Control Valves
Topics:
Safety vs relief valves; Relief valve construction; Pressure regulators; Pilot-operated, remote-controlled regulators; Logic functions
Learning Objectives:
– List two ways a valve can control compressor pressure output.– Describe construction of two basic types of pressure-relief valves.
– Contrast a pressure regulator with a pressure-relief valve.
– State the limit imposed by Federal Law on the pressure allowed when an air hose is used to blow off chips.
Lesson 9 - Pneumatic Cylinders
Topics:
Double-, single-acting cylinders; Two-piston cylinders; Cylinder construction, mounting, and selection; Performance charts; Cushioning
Learning Objectives:
– Tell the difference between pneumatic and hydraulic cylinders.– Describe the construction and operation of a single-acting cylinder.
– State the purpose of an exhaust flow control metering valve.
– Describe the action of a pivoted cylinder.
– Explain the size relationship between a cylinder port and a valve port.
Lesson 10 - Pneumatic Motors and Rotary Actuators
Topics:
Motor rating; Selection factors: pressure, speed, torque, horsepower, reliability, and service life; Rotary vane and piston motors; Air boosters
Learning Objectives:
– Explain pneumatic motor classification.– Define torque.
– Describe pneumatic motor construction.
– Calculate a motor's horsepower, given its torque and speed.
– Differentiate between a pneumatic motor and a rotary actuator.
