The pneumatic system is the carrier of pneumatic technology, which transmits and controls energy through the pressure and flow characteristics of compressed air at the micro level.

What is pneumatic? Pneumatic refers to the air automation technology or system.The term is derived from the Greek word “pneuma,” meaning air or breath. In pneumatic systems, air pressure under the control of valve regulation and guidance to generate force, operate machinery, and move parts in industrial applications.

A pneumatic system represents the central, comprehensive, and intelligent application of pneumatic technology that consists of a control system that includes valves, as well as several other functional subsystems which are composed of other pneumatic components to achieve specific functions is a widely used solution in various industries due to their simplicity, reliability, and cost-effectiveness compared to hydraulic or electric systems.

What is a pneumatic system?

A pneumatic system is a complete automation system made up of multiple subsystems and components, including:Air compressors,Air treatment units (FRL),Pneumatic control valves,Pipelines and fittings,Actuators such as cylinders,Sensors and controllers.Through the interaction of these components, the system can generate, regulate, distribute, and utilize compressed air to perform mechanical actions.

The diagram below shows where the pneumatic valve is installed in a typical system.

What Is Pneumatic System And Valve?cid=861

What is a Pneumatic Control System?

The pneumatic control valve system is indeed an important working unit or subsystem within the pneumatic system, serving the function of controlling and distributing airflow.

Pneumatic control system typically works collaboratively to achieve process automation. It consists of pneumatic components such as compressors, air source processing units, valves, pneumatic pipelines and sealing joints, as well as actuators and sensors. Each component exerts a different effect on the control of the power source, with the control valve transmitting compressed air from upstream to downstream actuators according to standards and requirements.

What is a pneumatic component -control valve?

A pneumatic control valve is a crucial component in a pneumatic system that controls the flow of compressed air. It directs the airflow and regulates pressure in the system by opening or closing specific pathways. Pneumatic valves come in various types.

Solenoid valve: Controls the opening, closing, or direction of airflow using electrical signals, enabling automated operation.

Manual pressure regulating valve: Allows manual operation to control the airflow rate.

Check valve: Permits airflow in only one direction to prevent backflow.

Quick exhaust valve: Quickly releases air from cylinders or pipelines to increase actuation speed.

Digital pressure regulating valve: Precisely controls the system's medium pressure.

Pulse valve: Can rapidly open and close airflow, used for dust cleaning or pneumatic conveying systems.

These pneumatic valves ensure that the system operates safely, efficiently, and within the required parameters.Valve manufacturers design these types of valves to meet the diverse needs of industrial, automation, and fluid control systems.

How Pneumatic system and control valves work?

As the core component for controlling airflow, valves determine the direction, flow, and pressure of medium,here is mainly compressed air,directly impacting the system's overall operational efficiency and accuracy. By precisely controlling the airflow, flow control valves have two working principle like below:

Function 1: To control the on-off of compressed air, for example, a 2-way solenoid valve.Function 2: While controlling the on-off of compressed air, it can also regulate and switch the fluid medium, thereby further controlling the actions of downstream actuators. For instance, a 3-way solenoid valve can control a single-acting cylinder.

The role of valves goes beyond merely starting or stopping the airflow. How do they work specifically？For manually operated valves, the operator needs to manually rotate the handwheel or pull the lever to adjust the valve core position; for automatic valves, such as pneumatic valves, they require actuation through pneumatic, electric, or hydraulic drives, and operate automatically under the influence of external control signals.

A pneumatic control valve is driven by a pneumatic actuator. Its specific working process includes receiving a signal from a control system such as a PLC, then actuating the valve stem to move, which opens the valve plug and, in turn, opens the fluid passage. The core of the control valve lies in the adjustable position of the valve plug, which allows it to regulate the pressure and flow of the medium. In addition, pneumatic valves can be equipped with a positioner to control the valve stem more intelligently, achieving the preset control position.

In conclusion, pneumatic control valves provide critical control functions in pneumatic systems, forming the foundation for efficient, precise, and safe operations. Choosing the right valve is essential to optimizing the performance of pneumatic systems.

Different Types of Pneumatic Valve Control

Pneumatic valves operate by controlling the flow of compressed air in a system. When air is introduced into the valve, it either opens or closes specific channels based on the valve's design and function. The most common types of pneumatic system valves are:

◆ 2-way valves – Allow air to flow in one direction or completely block it in the opposite direction.

◆ 3-way valves – Can control three positions, allowing more complex control of airflow.

◆ 4-way valves – Often used in double-acting actuators, controlling two directions of airflow to manage complex motions.

Pneumatic control valves are often equipped with solenoids or actuators that respond to electrical or mechanical inputs, allowing for automated system action control. Pneumatic valve manufacturers ensure that these valves are designed for specific tasks such as pressure regulation, airflow management, or isolating sections of a pneumatic system.

What else should we pay attention to regarding pneumatic systems and valves?

Pneumatic valves not only perform functions such as on–off control, direction switching, and regulation of the working medium, but also serve as interfaces to PLCs and control systems, transmitting and executing control commands.

What can Fokca offer

Fokca is a professional manufacturer of pneumatic equipment based in Ningbo, specializing in a wide range of valves, including Angle Seat Valves, Globe Valves, Solenoid Valves, and other valve products. Additionally, we offer Pneumatic Components,Hoses & Connectors, Hydraulic Components, and other types of products.

As automation equipment suppliers, we are dedicated to providing high-quality valves and components, meeting the needs of various industrial applications. Our company follows a professional production and service philosophy, with a strong focus on delivering top-notch products and services to become the leading exporter of startup products. As a pneumatic products corporation, we are committed to delivering the best pneumatic system products for diverse industries, ensuring the performance and reliability of your operations.

We look forward to collaborating with you.Contact with us!