Pneumatic Control System Maintenance & Troubleshooting

This program trains participants in the theory of pneumatic instrumentation and the principles of operation, characteristics, and capabilities of components typically found in pneumatic control loops.
 

This course introduces the principles of pneumatic instrument operation, and the terms force, pressure, and compressibility are defined. The operation of pneumatic air supply system components, including compressors, dryers, filters, and regulators, is explained. System maintenance and testing are also taught. Filter cartridge replacement and regulator maintenance are demonstrated.
 

Pneumatic transmitters 
 

This course describes the features and operation of sensors used in pneumatic instruments, including Bourdon tubes, filled bulbs, diaphragm capsules, and bellows. It teaches how both force and motion-balance pneumatic transmitters operate and how transmitter components, such as flapper/nozzles, relays, and restrictors, are cleaned and maintained.
 

This course focuses on the operation and maintenance of pneumatic controllers and recorders. The lesson teaches how the bellows, relays, links, and levers within a controller are configured to provide proportional, integral, and derivative control modes, both in direct and reverse action. Common maintenance practices are covered, including relay and restrictor cleaning and replacement, along with controller and recorder calibration.

• Define force as it applies to pneumatics
• Define pressure as it applies to pneumatics
• Define compressibility as it applies to pneumatics
• Discuss how and why pneumatics are used in the industry
• Describe why pneumatic instruments have a limited transmission distance
• Describe the purpose and operation of a booster
• List the effects of contaminants on a pneumatic system
• Check the operation of an air dryer
• Identify the parts of a regulator, adjust output pressure on a regulator, and maintain a regulator
• State four common sensing elements used in pneumatic instruments
• Identify the nozzle/flapper, relay, feedback element, and restrictor in a pneumatic instrument
• Explain the operation of a basic pneumatic instrument
• Interpret a manufacturer's schematic drawing of a pneumatic transmitter to describe its principle of operation and the location of parts
• List possible causes for a pneumatic transmitter to erroneously produce full output
• Describe the function of a controller
• Identify common components found in a controller and state the function of each
• Review proportional, integral, and derivative control modes
• Describe an appropriate application for each of the control modes
• List possible malfunctions in a controller and the probable causes
• Check the operation of a controller
• Align and calibrate a proportional-plus-reset controller
• Identify the components of a pneumatic recorder
• Disassemble and clean a pneumatic recorder