Pneumatics and Hydraulics

Pneumatic and hydraulic systems are widely used in many areas of industry. Pneumatics involves converting the energy of compressed air or gas to make something work. Through the use of compressors, control valves, actuators, and other control equipment, pneumatic technology is used to power a range of items such as tools, construction equipment, and machinery in the mining, automotive, manufacturing, and medical industries to name a few.

This Pneumatics and Hydraulics course allows students to acquire the knowledge and understanding of the operational and maintenance requirements of pneumatic and hydraulic systems and be able to recognise circuit components and interpret drawings for applications in everyday life.

Hydraulics have varied uses in everyday life and most of them are applicable to machines. For instance, hydraulics are applied in a car’s braking system. They only require a small force as the driver steps on the car brakes but a greater force is already produced to stop or slow down a car as it equally acts on all of 4 brake pads.

Pneumatics are typically used in factory setups, construction, mills, building, and technology by using a central source of compressed air for power. Medical applications of pneumatics are likewise common including the high-powered drill of a dentist. Practically everything could run on pneumatics including any form of transportation. That little tube in a bank’s drive-teller operates through pneumatics via a high-pressure source of compressed air.

Through completion of this Pneumatics and Hydraulics course, learners will gain a better understanding of:

• How the basic hydraulic theories are applied in practice
• The importance of good hydraulic filtration techniques
• The operation of pressure, flow, and directional control valves and their applications in hydraulic circuits
• Hydraulic pumps and motors and the control thereof
• Hydraulic cylinder construction and good sealing practices
• Basics of Fluid Power connectors and hose assemblies, good practice techniques, and the different threads found in hydraulics
• The basics of hydraulic circuit applications
• The different types of hydraulic control systems and their effect on energy usage
• Maintenance and troubleshooting techniques
• Understand the characteristics, generation, and preparation of air.
• Identify various schematic symbols used in pneumatics.
• Design a basic pneumatic schematic drawing from a given requirement.
• Identify various components and their operation used in pneumatics.
• Use pneumatic components effectively in circuits.
• Describe the maintenance requirements of each component.
• Safe work practices for hydraulics and pneumatics.