M04LAP4 Pneumatic Speed Control

PNEUMATICS 1
HANDS-ON SKILLS FOR LEARNING ACTIVITY PACKET 4:

PNEUMATIC SPEED CONTROL CIRCUITS

ITEMS NEEDED FOR HANDS-ON SKILLS

Amatrol Supplied
1 85-BP Basic Pneumatics Training System

School Supplied
1 Compressed Air Supply
1 Stop Watch

FIRST EDITION, LAP 4, REV. A

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LB780-AA04AEN-E1 REV. A PNEUMATIC SPEED CONTROL CIRCUITS

Copyright © 2014 Amatrol, Inc.
 SKILL 1 CONNECT AND OPERATE A NEEDLE VALVE
TO CONTROL ACTUATOR SPEED

Procedure Overview
In this procedure, you will set up a circuit to control the speed of the air
motor. You will substitute a flow control valve for the needle valve. These two
valves are the same except that the flow control valve has a component called
a check valve in it. The check valve will have no effect in this circuit. You will
learn more about flow control valves later.

q 1. Set up the circuit shown in figure 1-1.

Be sure to connect the flow control valve in the orientation shown in figure 5.
The end of the valve which is not labeled with an “N” should connect to the
supply line. If this were a true needle valve, the orientation of connections
would not matter.

GAUGE A GAUGE B

Figure 1-1. Pneumatic Speed Control Circuit

q 2. Turn the flow control valve’s adjustment knob fully CW to close it.
q 3. If not already connected, connect the compressed air supply source to the
male quick-connect plug on the instrumentation module.
q 4. Open the shutoff valve.
q 5. Adjust the regulator pressure to 50 psi / 345 kPa.

LB780-AA04AEN-E1-S01, REV. A PNEUMATIC SPEED CONTROL CIRCUITS S01-1

Copyright © 2014 Amatrol, Inc.
SKILL 1 CONNECT AND OPERATE A NEEDLE VALVE TO CONTROL ACTUATOR SPEED

q 6. Turn the flow control valve’s knob CCW 1 turn and observe the speed of the
motor.

NOTE
Spin the shaft of the motor CCW by hand to see if it will turn on its own.
If it does not, turn the flow control adjustment CCW slightly until the motor is
able to sustain rotation. This should occur between 1 and 1-1/2 turns on most
motors.

You should observe that it begins turning but at a slow speed.

q 7. Record the pressure readings at Gauges A and B in row 1 of the following
chart. The difference in pressure is the pressure drop across the needle valve.

NEEDLE PRESSURE (psi/kPa)

VALVE
OPENING Gauge A Gauge B DPAB
1 Turn / / /
2 Turns / / /
3 Turns / / /
4 Turns / / /
5 Turns / / /

q 8. Calculate the DP for the 1 turn setting and record it in the chart above.
q 9. Repeat steps 4-6 for each of the other settings in the chart. As you do this,
observe the speed of the motor.
You should observe that as the DP across the needle valve becomes lower, the
motor speed becomes higher. This is because there is more ∆P being applied
to the motor. The ∆P applied to the motor is the same as that shown by Gauge
B because the pressure at the motor exhaust is near zero. Remember that
the total ∆P available is 50 psi / 345 kPa. If more of it is used by frictional
resistance, the motor will turn slower.
q 10. Experiment with your ability to change the motor speed by adjusting the
setting of the needle valve.
q 11. Turn the regulator adjustment CCW fully to reduce the flow rate to zero.
q 12. Close the shutoff valve.
q 13. Remove the hoses and store them.

LB780-AA04AEN-E1-S01, REV. A PNEUMATIC SPEED CONTROL CIRCUITS S01-2

Copyright © 2014 Amatrol, Inc.
 SKILL 2 CONVERT AIR VOLUMES AT PRESSURES
TO FREE AIR VOLUMES

Procedure Overview
In this procedure, you will use Boyle’s Law to convert volumes at given
pressures to the free air equivalent. In the first step, you will be given an
example, then you will do it yourself. This is a common calculation used to
determine the total air flow in a system when sizing piping, air compressors,
and other components.

q 1. Determine the free air volume equivalent of 65 CFM/1.85 CMM @ 80

psig/552 kPa.
VFA =______________________________________________(CFM/CMM)
The volume of air flow at a given pressure is easily converted to free air
volume using Boyle’s Law with 14.7 psia as the free air pressure, PFA, as
follows:

FORMULA: FREE AIR VOLUME (VFA)

VFA × PFA = P1 × V1
U.S. Customary Units:
P1 x V1
VFA 
14.7 psia
S.I. Units:
P1 x V1
VFA 
101 psia
Where:
P1 = Pressure in tube (psia/kPa absolute)
V1 = Actual flow rate of air in tube at pressure
(CFM/CMM)
VFA = Free air flow rate (CFM/CMM)

This formula starts as Boyle’s Law:

P1 × V1 = P2 × V2
If we use 14.7 psia for the final pressure, P2, and V2 as the free air volume, we
get:
P1 × V1 = 14.7 psia × VFA or 101 kPa × VFA
The formula is then rearranged to get:

P1 x V1 P1 x V1
VFA  or
14.7 psia 101 psia

LB780-AA04AEN-E1-S02, REV. A PNEUMATIC SPEED CONTROL CIRCUITS S02-1

Copyright © 2014 Amatrol, Inc.
SKILL 2 CONVERT AIR VOLUMES AT PRESSURES TO FREE AIR VOLUMES

In this example, P1 = 80 psig + 14.7 = 94.7 psia and 552 kPa + 101 kPa = 653
kPa. The final calculation is as follows:
English Units: S.I. Units:
P1 x V1 P1 x V1
VFA  VFA 
14.7 psia 101 kPa
94.7 psia x 65 CFM 653 kPa x 1.85 CMM
 
14.7 psia 101 kPa
 418.74 CFM  11.96 CMM

q 2. An air drill has 5 CFM/0.14 CMM at 85 psig/587 kPa. Determine the air flow
rate in units of CFM free air that must be supplied by the air compressor.
VFA =______________________________________________(CFM/CMM)

The answer is VFA = 33.91 CFM/0.095 CMM.

q 3. Three sizes of air jet weaving looms were purchased by a textile mill.
Calculate the total flow rate the air compressor must supply in terms of free
air to operate the three looms at the same time.
The air flow rate needed to operate each machine is as follows:
Airjet Loom A = 70 CFM/2 CMM @ 65 psig/448 kPa
Airjet Loom B = 110 CFM/3.1 CMM @ 50 psig/345 kPa
Airjet Loom C = 25 CFM/0.7 CMM @ 45 psig/310 kPa
To determine the demand, each volume at pressure would be converted to
free air volume and added together as follows:

VolTotal FA = VDrillFA + VMotorFA + VCylFA

VFATotal =____________________________________________(CFM/CMM)
The answer is VFA Total = 965.2 CFM/27.4 CMM.
q 4. An air compressor available on a construction job site will supply a total of
150 CFM/4.26 CMM of free air. How many sandblasters can be used if they
each require 10 CFM/0.3 CMM at 90 psig/621 kPa.
Number of sandblasters___________________________________________

The answer is 2 sandblasters.

LB780-AA04AEN-E1-S02, REV. A PNEUMATIC SPEED CONTROL CIRCUITS S02-2

Copyright © 2014 Amatrol, Inc.
 SKILL 3 CONNECT AND READ A FLOWMETER

Procedure Overview
In this procedure, you will connect the rotameter flowmeter to an air supply
and measure the flow rate at different supply pressures.

q 1. Connect the rotameter as shown in figure 3-1.

Notice that this particular rotameter has a needle valve built into the inlet
side of the flowmeter. The needle valve allows the user to open flow to the
flowmeter slowly, preventing a sudden burst of air from shooting the ball to
the top and causing possible damage.

PNEUMATIC INSTRUMENTATION MODULE

H L

6
4
2
1
0

GAUGE
A
IN OUT

HOSE

BUILT-IN
NEEDLE VALVE

Figure 3-1. Schematic and Pictorial of the Rotameter Connected to Supply

CAUTION
To open the outlet of the rotameter, connect one end of a short hose to this
port. When you perform this procedure, tie or hold down the loose end of this
hose to avoid whipping and possible injury.
Normally, the rotameter does not have a fitting at the outlet and exhausts
directly to atmosphere. However, in a later LAP, you will use the rotameter in
a different application where you will need to connect to this port.

LB780-AA04AEN-E1-S03, REV. A PNEUMATIC SPEED CONTROL CIRCUITS S03-1

Copyright © 2014 Amatrol, Inc.
SKILL 3 CONNECT AND READ A FLOWMETER

q 2. Perform the following substeps to adjust the needle valve on the rotameter.
A. Close the valve completely by turning the black knob at the bottom of the
flowmeter completely CW.
B. Turn the knob six turns CCW to open the needle valve completely. This
will remove most of the restriction of the needle valve from the circuit.

CAUTION
Do not exceed six needle turns or pressure may cause the needle valve
adjuster to blow out.

q 3. If not already connected, connect the compressed air supply source to the
male quick-connect plug on the instrumentation panel and open the shutoff
valve.
q 4. Slowly turn the regulator adjustment CW until the pressure at Gauge A reads
10 psi / 69 kPa.
You should observe that the flowmeter ball rises and hear air exhausting from
the flowmeter outlet.
q 5. Read the flowmeter by aligning the center of the ball with the scale and record
the flow rate in the chart. You may observe a slight jiggle of the ball. Take the
average value.
PRESSURE FLOW RATE
(psig/kPa) (SCFH)
10/69
15/103.5
20/138
30/207

q 6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for the other pressures listed in the chart.
You should observe that an increase in pressure produces an increase in flow
rate.
q 7. Turn the pressure regulator adjustment CCW fully to reduce the flow rate to
zero.
q 8. Close the shutoff valve.
q 9. Remove the hoses and store them.

LB780-AA04AEN-E1-S03, REV. A PNEUMATIC SPEED CONTROL CIRCUITS S03-2

Copyright © 2014 Amatrol, Inc.
 SKILL 4 CONNECT AND OPERATE A FLOW CONTROL VALVE
TO CONTROL ACTUATOR SPEED

Procedure Overview
In this procedure, you will connect a flow control valve in a bi-directional
actuator circuit to control speed in one direction only. You will see how a flow
control valve connected in the circuit determines in which direction speed will
be controlled.

q 1. Connect the circuit shown in figures 4-1 and 4-2.

In this circuit, the flow control valve will control the flow to a double-acting
cylinder during extend. This will allow rod speed to be controlled during
extend and run at full speed during retract.

PNEUMATIC INSTRUMENTATION MODULE

H L

6
4
2
1
0

BASIC PNEUMATIC MODULE

Figure 4-1. Pictorial of a Flow Control Valve in a Cylinder Circuit

SMALL BORE
CYLINDER
B
P
A
N

FLOW CONTROL
VALVE

Figure 4-2. Schematic of a Flow Control Valve in a Cylinder Circuit

LB780-AA04AEN-E1-S04, REV. A PNEUMATIC SPEED CONTROL CIRCUITS S04-1

Copyright © 2014 Amatrol, Inc.
SKILL 4 CONNECT AND OPERATE A FLOW CONTROL VALVE TO CONTROL ACTUATOR SPEED

q 2. Perform the following substeps to connect the compressed air supply.

A. If not already connected, connect the compressed air supply source to the
male quick-connect plug on the instrumentation module.
B. Open the shut-off valve.
q 3. Turn the regulator adjustment knob CW until the pressure at the regulator
gauge reads 20 psi / 138 kPa.
q 4. Close the flow control valve completely by lifting and turning the black knob
fully CW. Then open it one turn.
q 5. While watching the cylinder rod, push in on the lever of the DCV to extend
the cylinder’s rod. Continue holding the lever until the cylinder’s rod is fully
extended. Then release it.
You should observe that the rod moves slowly as it extends because the flow
has been restricted by the flow control valve.
q 6. Retract the cylinder by pulling out on the lever of the DCV. Continue holding
until the cylinder’s rod is fully retracted. Then release it.
You should observe rapid retract because flow through the flow control valve
is in the free flow direction.
q 7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 several times to cycle the cylinder. While cycling, turn
the adjustment knob CCW one turn. Does the cylinder extend faster, slower,
or stay the same? What about retract speed?
Extend Speed_____________________________ (Faster/Slower/No Effect)

Retract Speed_____________________________ (Faster/Slower/No Effect)

You should observe that the cylinder extends faster but the retract speed stays
the same.
q 8. Now turn the adjustment knob 1/2 turn CW while cycling the cylinder. What
happens now?
Extend Speed_____________________________ (Faster/Slower/No Effect)

Retract Speed_____________________________ (Faster/Slower/No Effect)

You should observe that the cylinder extend speed slows but little or no
change occurs in the retract speed.
q 9. With the cylinder retracted, turn the regulator adjustment CCW fully to
reduce the pressure to minimum.
q 10. Close the shut-off valve and move the handle of the DCV back and forth to
remove all pressure from the circuit.

LB780-AA04AEN-E1-S04, REV. A PNEUMATIC SPEED CONTROL CIRCUITS S04-2

Copyright © 2014 Amatrol, Inc.
SKILL 4 CONNECT AND OPERATE A FLOW CONTROL VALVE TO CONTROL ACTUATOR SPEED

q 11. Now place the flow control valve in the other cylinder line, as shown in figure
4-3.
In this circuit, the flow control valve will control the retract speed of the
cylinder.

FLOW CONTROL
VALVE
N

MANIFOLD B
P

SMALL BORE
CYLINDER

Figure 4-3. Schematic of a Flow Control Valve Controlling Cylinder Retraction

q 12. Open the shut-off valve.
q 13. Turn the regulator adjustment knob CW until the pressure at the regulator
gauge reads 20 psi / 138 kPa.
q 14. Close the flow control valve completely by lifting and turning the black knob
fully CW. Then open it 1 turn.
q 15. While watching the cylinder rod, push in on the lever of the DCV to extend
the cylinder’s rod. Continue holding the lever until the cylinder’s rod is fully
extended. Then release it.
Now you should observe that the rod moves rapidly as it extends because the
air flow direction across the flow control valve is in the free-flow direction.
q 16. Retract the cylinder by pulling out on the lever of the DCV. Continue holding
the lever until the cylinder’s rod is fully retracted. Then release it.
You should observe that the rod moves slowly as it retracts because the air
flow is being restricted by the flow control valve.
q 17. Cycle the cylinder several times. While cycling, change the adjustment on the
flow control valve and observe how cylinder speed is changed.
You should observe that only retract speed is changed with the flow control
valve in this position.
q 18. With the cylinder retracted, turn the regulator adjustment CCW fully to
reduce the pressure to minimum.
q 19. Close the shutoff valve and move the handle of the DCV back and forth to
remove all pressure from the circuit.
q 20. Disconnect and store the hoses.

LB780-AA04AEN-E1-S04, REV. A PNEUMATIC SPEED CONTROL CIRCUITS S04-3

Copyright © 2014 Amatrol, Inc.
 Activity 1. Effect of Actuator Load Changes on Flow Control Valve
Operation

Procedure Overview
In this activity, you will demonstrate that, while the valve is controlling
flow, the flow rate through a flow control valve will change if the load at
the actuator changes. Load changes will be simulated by changing the back
pressure at the cylinder.

q 1. Connect the circuit shown in figure 1-1.

This circuit uses flow control A to control the extend speed of the cylinder
and flow control B to apply back pressure (load) at the cylinder during extend.
Gauge B will indicate the back pressure applied. Be sure to hook up the flow
control valves exactly as shown.

FLOW GAUGE
GAUGE
CONTROL B
A LARGE BORE
VALVE B
CYLINDER

B
P

A
N

FLOW CONTROL
VALVE A

Figure 1-1. Schematic of a Cylinder Circuit to Apply Back Pressure During Ex-
tend

LB780-AA04AEN-E1-A01, REV. A PNEUMATIC SPEED CONTROL CIRCUITS A01-1

Copyright © 2014 Amatrol, Inc.
ACTIVITY 1. EFFECT OF ACTUATOR LOAD CHANGES ON FLOW CONTROL VALVE OPERATION

q 2. Perform the following substeps to connect the compressed air supply.

A. If not already connected, connect the compressed air supply source to the
male quick-connect plug on the instrumentation module.
B. Open the shut-off valve.
q 3. Perform the following substeps to adjust the circuit for demonstration.
A. Close flow control A by turning the adjustment fully CW. Then open it 2
turns.
B. Open flow control B by turning the adjustment fully CCW. At this setting,
the back pressure (load) during cylinder extend will be light.
C. Turn the regulator adjustment knob CW until the pressure at Gauge A
reads 40 psi / 276 kPa.
q 4. While cycling the cylinder by moving the DCV handle back and forth,
measure and record in the chart the time to extend and the lowest pressure
seen at Gauge B while extending. You should observe a fairly short time to
extend and minimal back pressure at Gauge B. This would represent a light
load during extension.

EXTENSION TIME GAUGE B-BACK

LOAD DURING
PRESSURE
EXTENSION
(sec) (psi/kPa)
Light /
Heavy /
Medium /

q 5. Now put a heavy load at the cylinder by turning the adjustment on flow
control B fully CW and then opening it 1/2 turn.
q 6. Repeat step 4.
You should observe that the cylinder speed has slowed with an increase in
load (Gauge B reading).
q 7. Decrease the load at the cylinder by turning the adjustment on flow control B
another 1/2 turn CCW. This represents a medium load.
q 8. Repeat step 4.
Comparing to the previous load, you should observe that the cylinder speed
increases as the load (Gauge B reading) decreases.
q 9. With the cylinder retracted, turn the regulator adjustment CCW fully to
reduce the pressure to minimum.
q 10. Close the shut-off valve.
q 11. Move the DCV handle back and forth to remove any pressure still in the
circuit.
q 12. Disconnect and store the hoses.

LB780-AA04AEN-E1-A01, REV. A PNEUMATIC SPEED CONTROL CIRCUITS A01-2

Copyright © 2014 Amatrol, Inc.
 SKILL 5 CONNECT AND OPERATE A METER-IN
FLOW CONTROL CIRCUIT

Procedure Overview
In this procedure, you will connect a flow control valve to meter in the
flow and demonstrate the operation of this type of flow control circuit.

q 1. Connect the meter-in flow control circuit shown in figure 5-1. This circuit
controls flow during extend only.
In this circuit, the flow control valve is positioned in the cylinder line that
is connected to the cap (blind) end of the cylinder with its check valve
blocking flow to the cylinder. Only flow through the adjustable restriction
will determine cylinder speed during extension.

GAUGE LARGE BORE

A CYLINDER

B
P

A
N

FLOW CONTROL
VALVE

Figure 5-1. Schematic of a Meter-In Flow Control Circuit Controlling Cylinder

Extension
q 2. If not already connected, connect the compressed air supply source to the
male quick-connect plug on the instrumentation module and open the shut-
off valve.

LB780-AA04AEN-E1-S05, REV. A PNEUMATIC SPEED CONTROL CIRCUITS S05-1

Copyright © 2014 Amatrol, Inc.
SKILL 5 CONNECT AND OPERATE A METER-IN FLOW CONTROL CIRCUIT

q 3. Turn the regulator adjustment knob CW until the pressure at Gauge A reads
30 psi / 207 kPa.
q 4. Close the flow control valve by turning the adjustment fully CW. Then open
it 1/2 turn.
This setting will slow the speed of extension only.
q 5. Shift the DCV to extend the cylinder.
You should observe a slow extension, because air flow to the cylinder is being
restricted by the variable orifice of the flow control valve.
q 6. Once the cylinder is fully extended, retract the cylinder and observe the speed
of retraction.
You should observe a rapid retraction, because exhaust flow bypasses through
the check valve minimizing the resistance to rod movement.
q 7. Cycle the cylinder several times to become more familiar with a meter-in
flow control circuit.
q 8. Perform the following substeps to see how slowly you can get the cylinder to
extend with meter-in.
A. While cycling the cylinder, close down the flow control valve to obtain the
slowest, smoothest speed.

NOTE
You may have to extend and retract the cylinder several times to get the
slowest setting.

You should observe that cylinder movement, while it extends, becomes

“jerky,” especially near the end of the stroke as the speed slows. This
would not be the case if using hydraulics and is one of the disadvantages
of pneumatic systems.
B. Record the slowest extend time obtained without jerky movement.
Time to extend_______________________________________(Seconds)
q 9. Turn the regulator adjustment CCW fully to reduce the pressure to minimum.
q 10. Close the shut-off valve.
q 11. Move the DCV handle back and forth to remove any pressure still in the
circuit.
q 12. Disconnect and store the hoses.

LB780-AA04AEN-E1-S05, REV. A PNEUMATIC SPEED CONTROL CIRCUITS S05-2

Copyright © 2014 Amatrol, Inc.
 SKILL 6 CONNECT AND OPERATE A METER-OUT
FLOW CONTROL CIRCUIT

Procedure Overview
In this procedure, you will connect a flow control valve in a meter-out flow
control circuit and demonstrate the operation of this circuit.

q 1. Connect the meter-out flow control circuit shown in figure 6-1.

In this circuit, the flow control valve will control the flow rate from the
cylinder only when the cylinder extends. Gauge B will indicate the back
pressure caused by the flow control valve.

FLOW GAUGE
CONTROL B
GAUGE VALVE
A
N

LARGE
BORE
CYLINDER

Figure 6-1. Schematic of a Meter-Out Flow Control Circuit that Controls Cylinder Extension Speed
q 2. Perform the following substeps to connect the compressed air supply.
A. If not already connected, connect the compressed air supply source to the
male quick-connect plug on the instrumentation module.
B. Open the shut-off valve.
q 3. Turn the regulator adjustment knob CW until the pressure at Gauge A reads
30 psi / 207 kPa.
q 4. Close the flow control valve by turning the adjustment fully CW. Then open
it 1/2 turn.
This setting will slow the speed of extension only.

LB780-AA04AEN-E1-S06, REV. A PNEUMATIC SPEED CONTROL CIRCUITS S06-1

Copyright © 2014 Amatrol, Inc.
SKILL 6 CONNECT AND OPERATE A METER-OUT FLOW CONTROL CIRCUIT

q 5. Shift the DCV to extend the cylinder.

You may observe a jump in pressure on Gauge B as well as a jump in rod
movement. This will be followed by a slow rod movement for the rest of
the stroke with a constant back pressure on Gauge B. This initial jump is
caused by the air being compressed between the cylinder and the flow control
valve. This jump does not occur in hydraulics because the oil does not need to
compress its volume as much to reach the pressure needed. For this reason, a
hydraulic circuit will be much smoother.
q 6. Once the cylinder is fully extended, retract the cylinder and observe the speed
of retraction.
You should observe a rapid retraction, because supply pressure bypasses
through the check valve directly to the cylinder. Cylinder exhaust air flows
unrestricted out the DCV exhaust.
q 7. Cycle the cylinder several times to become more familiar with the
characteristics of a meter-out circuit.
q 8. Perform the following substeps to see how slowly you can get the cylinder to
extend with meter-out.
A. Close down the flow control valve to get the slowest, smoothest extend
speed. Smooth speed is determined when the needle of Gauge B does not
wiggle and the rod does not jerk.

NOTE
You may have to extend and retract the cylinder several times to get the
slowest setting.

B. Record the slowest time obtained without cylinder jerk other than the
initial jump.
Time to extend_______________________________________(Seconds)
q 9. Compare this extend time to that obtained in the previous skill for meter-in.
Which time is longer?
You should have measured a longer time (slower extension) with the meter-
out circuit. This shows that meter-out is a better method for slow speeds.
q 10. Turn the regulator adjustment CCW fully to reduce the pressure to minimum.
q 11. Close the shut-off valve.
q 12. Move the DCV handle back and forth to remove any pressure still in the
circuit as indicated on Gauge B.
q 13. Disconnect and store the hoses.

LB780-AA04AEN-E1-S06, REV. A PNEUMATIC SPEED CONTROL CIRCUITS S06-2

Copyright © 2014 Amatrol, Inc.
 SKILL 7 CONNECT AND OPERATE AN EXHAUST PORT SPEED
CONTROL CIRCUIT

Procedure Overview
In this procedure, you will connect a flow control valve in the exhaust of a
3/2 DCV to control the retract speed of a single-acting, spring return cylinder.

q 1. Connect the exhaust port speed control circuit shown in figure 7-1.

Figure 7-1. Partial Circuit to Control the Speed of a Double-Acting Cylinder

LB780-AA04AEN-E1-S07, REV. A PNEUMATIC SPEED CONTROL CIRCUITS S07-1

Copyright © 2014 Amatrol, Inc.
SKILL 7 CONNECT AND OPERATE AN EXHAUST PORT SPEED CONTROL CIRCUIT

In this circuit the needle of the flow control valve will control the retract
speed of the single-acting cylinder. If your classroom is equipped with the
96-PNE2, the 3/2 DCV will be attached to the model 85-IP Intermediate
Module. Otherwise, it will be stored separately.

NOTE
You must connect a piece of hose to the N-port of the flow control valve to
open the quick-connect.

HOSE

Figure 7-2. Exhaust Port Speed Control Circuit

LB780-AA04AEN-E1-S07, REV. A PNEUMATIC SPEED CONTROL CIRCUITS S07-2

Copyright © 2014 Amatrol, Inc.
SKILL 7 CONNECT AND OPERATE AN EXHAUST PORT SPEED CONTROL CIRCUIT

q 2. Connect the compressed air supply to the instrumentation module and open
the shutoff valve.
q 3. Turn the regulator adjustment knob CW until the pressure reads 30 psi/207
kPa.
q 4. Close the exhaust port flow control valve completely and then open it 1/2
turn.
This setting will slow the speed of retraction only.
q 5. Press the button of the DCV to shift the valve.
The cylinder should extend rapidly.
q 6. Now release the DCV button.
The cylinder should retract slowly.
q 7. While cycling the DCV, change the flow control setting and observe how the
exhaust port speed control changes the speed of retract for this cylinder.

NOTE
The exhaust port speed control can also be used on 5-ported DCVs to
control the speed of an actuator in either direction. With two exhaust port
speed controls, a 5-ported DCV can control the speed of an actuator in both
directions.

q 8. Turn the regulator adjustment CCW fully to reduce the pressure to minimum
and close the shutoff valve.
q 9. Disconnect and store the hoses.

LB780-AA04AEN-E1-S07, REV. A PNEUMATIC SPEED CONTROL CIRCUITS S07-3

Copyright © 2014 Amatrol, Inc.
 SKILL 8 CONNECT AND OPERATE A PRESSURE PORT SPEED
CONTROL CIRCUIT

Procedure Overview
In this procedure, you will connect a flow control valve before the pressure
port of a 5/3 DCV to control the extend and retract speeds of a double-acting
cylinder.

q 1. Connect the pressure port speed control circuit shown in figure 8-1. In this
circuit, the needle of the flow control valve will control the speed of a double-
acting cylinder in both directions.

SMALL BORE CYLINDER

Figure 8-1. A Pressure Port Speed Control Circuit

q 2. Connect the compressed air supply to the instrumentation module and open
the shutoff valve.
q 3. Turn the regulator adjustment knob CW until the pressure reads 30 psi/207
kPa.
q 4. Open the flow control valve fully (CCW).
q 5. Observe the speed of the cylinder as you shift the DCV back and forth.
The speed of the cylinder in both directions should be fast.
q 6. Now close the flow control valve and reopen it 1/2 turn.
q 7. Repeat step 5.
The speed of the cylinder in both directions should have slowed and be
approximately the same.
q 8. While cycling the cylinder, change the flow control adjustment to several
different settings to become more familiar with a pressure port speed control.
q 9. Turn the regulator adjustment CCW fully to reduce the pressure to minimum
and close the shutoff valve.
q 10. Disconnect and store the hoses.

LB780-AA04AEN-E1-S08, REV. A PNEUMATIC SPEED CONTROL CIRCUITS S08-1

Copyright © 2014 Amatrol, Inc.
 SKILL 9 DESIGN SPEED CONTROL CIRCUITS

Procedure Overview
In this procedure, you will be given different speed control circuits to
design and asked to draw their circuit schematics.

q 1. On a copy of figure 9-1, complete the drawing of a meter-out flow control

circuit that controls the retract speed of a single-acting cylinder. The flow
control valve is to be placed between the N.C. 3/2 lever-operated DCV and the
cylinder. Start with the supply line shown and include a filter and regulator.

Figure 9-1. Meter-Out Circuit Work Sheet

LB780-AA04AEN-E1-S09, REV. A PNEUMATIC SPEED CONTROL CIRCUITS S09-1

Copyright © 2014 Amatrol, Inc.
SKILL 9 DESIGN SPEED CONTROL CIRCUITS

q 2. On a copy of figure 9-1, complete the drawing of a pressure port speed control
circuit. Start with the supply line shown and include a filter and regulator.
q 3. On a copy of figure 9-2, complete the drawing of a speed control circuit that
provides meter-in speed control to a bi-directional motor in one direction
only. A 5/2 lever operated DCV is to be used to change motor direction. Start
with the supply line shown and include a filter and regulator.

Figure 9-2. A Meter-In (One Direction), Bidirectional Motor Work Sheet

q 4. On a copy of figure 9-3, complete the drawing of a speed control circuit
that provides exhaust port speed control during extend to a double-acting
cylinder. A 5/2 DCV, lever-operated, is used to cycle the cylinder. Start with
the supply line and include a filter and regulator.

Figure 9-3. An Exhaust-Port Speed Control Work Sheet

q 5. Place a copy of your four designs in your portfolio. This is a part of your
skills assessment.

LB780-AA04AEN-E1-S09, REV. A PNEUMATIC SPEED CONTROL CIRCUITS S09-2

Copyright © 2014 Amatrol, Inc.
 SKILL 10 DESIGN AN INDEPENDENT SPEED CONTROL CIRCUIT

Procedure Overview
Independent speed control requires two flow control valves. One valve
controls the speed in each direction. These valves can be connected to provide
either meter-in or meter-out speed control.
In this procedure, you will design and connect circuits that will separately
control the speed of an actuator in each direction.

q 1. Complete the circuit shown in figure 10-1 so that you can control the speed
of the double-acting cylinder in each direction using a separate flow control
valve. Draw the two flow control valves so each valve provides meter-out
flow control.
Label your flow control valves FC1 and FC2. FC1 should control the extend
speed and FC2 should control the retract speed.

Figure 10-1. Partial Circuit to Control the Speed of a Double-Acting Cylinder

LB780-AA04AEN-E1-S10, REV. A PNEUMATIC SPEED CONTROL CIRCUITS S10-1

Copyright © 2014 Amatrol, Inc.
SKILL 10 DESIGN AN INDEPENDENT SPEED CONTROL CIRCUIT

q 2. Connect your circuit design on the Pneumatics1 trainer.

q 3. If not already connected, connect the compressed air supply source to the
male quick-connect plug on the instrumentation module and open the shut-
off valve.
q 4. Turn the regulator adjustment knob CW until the pressure at Gauge A reads
50 psi / 345 kPa.
q 5. Close both flow control valves fully and then open each one complete turn.
q 6. Now extend and then retract the cylinder. Notice whether the speed is
controlled in both directions.
You should observe that the speed is controlled in both directions.
Confirm your design with the data sheet solution. This is a classic circuit
design that designers often use in pneumatic circuits.
q 7. Adjust FC 1 to several different settings to test its effect on the circuit. Extend
and retract the cylinder after each new adjustment and observe the cylinder’s
speed.
You should observe that the speed of the cylinder changes for only one
direction of motion when FC 1 is readjusted. Record below which direction
of motion changes.
FC 1 controls_____________________________________ (Retract/Extend)
You should observe that only the extend speed is affected.
q 8. Reset FC 1 to one turn open.
q 9. Now adjust FC 2 to several different settings to test its effect on the circuit.
Extend and retract the cylinder after each new adjustment and observe the
cylinder’s speed.
You should observe that the speed of the cylinder changes for only one
direction of motion when FC 2 is readjusted. This should be the direction
opposite that of FC 1. Record below this direction.
FC 2 controls_____________________________________ (Retract/Extend)
q 10. Turn the regulator adjustment CCW fully to reduce the pressure to minimum.
q 11. Close the shut-off valve.
q 12. Move the DCV handle back and forth to remove any pressure still in the
circuit.

LB780-AA04AEN-E1-S10, REV. A PNEUMATIC SPEED CONTROL CIRCUITS S10-2

Copyright © 2014 Amatrol, Inc.
SKILL 10 DESIGN AN INDEPENDENT SPEED CONTROL CIRCUIT

q 13. Complete the circuit shown in figure 10-2 so that you can control the speed of
a single-acting cylinder in each direction, using an exhaust port flow control
valve to control retract speed. Use a 3/2 N.C. DCV to cycle the cylinder.

NOTE
If your classroom is equipped with the 96-PNE2, the 3/2 DCV will be
attached to the model 85-IP Intermediate Pneumatic Module. Otherwise, it
will be stored separately.

Label your flow control valves FC1 and FC2. FC1 should control the extend
speed and FC2 should control the retract speed.

Figure 10-2. Partial Circuit to Control the Speed of a Single-Acting Cylinder in

Both Directions
q 14. Now connect your circuit design on the Pneumatics 1 trainer. To open the
exhaust side of the retract speed control, a hose must be connected to open
the quick-connect. Tie or hold down the loose end of this hose when operating
the circuit.
q 15. Open the shutoff valve.
q 16. Turn the regulator adjustment knob CW until the pressure at Gauge A reads
50 psi/345 kPa.
q 17. Close both flow control valves fully and then open each one complete turn.
q 18. Now extend and retract the cylinder. Notice whether the speed is controlled
in both directions.
You should observe that the speed is controlled in both directions.
Confirm your design with the data sheet design. This is a classic circuit design
that designers use to control the speed of single-acting cylinders.

LB780-AA04AEN-E1-S10, REV. A PNEUMATIC SPEED CONTROL CIRCUITS S10-3

Copyright © 2014 Amatrol, Inc.
SKILL 10 DESIGN AN INDEPENDENT SPEED CONTROL CIRCUIT

q 19. Adjust FC1 to several different settings to test its effect on the circuit. Extend
and retract the cylinder after each new adjustment and observe the cylinder’s
speed. You should observe that only the extend speed changes.
q 20. Reset FC1 to one turn open.
q 21. Now adjust FC2 to several different settings. Extend and retract the cylinder
after each new adjustment and observe the cylinder’s speed.
You should observe that only the retract speed changes.
q 22. Turn the regulator adjustment CCW fully to reduce pressure to minimum.
q 23. Close the shutoff valve.
q 24. Disconnect and store the hoses.

LB780-AA04AEN-E1-S10, REV. A PNEUMATIC SPEED CONTROL CIRCUITS S10-4

Copyright © 2014 Amatrol, Inc.