Level 4 Basic Pneumatic Control Systems

The programme is suitable for technician/operation staff with level 3/4 qualifications (or equivalent industry experience) and apprenticeships who need retraining as pneumatic systems technicians. Programme learning outcomes are:

• Become familiar with the set-up and mode of operation of a single-acting cylinder.
• Become familiar with the set-up and mode of operation of a 3/2-way valve.
• Be able to recognise and sketch the various types of actuations for directional control valves.
• Be able to explain and set up direct actuation.
• Be able to analyse and evaluate circuits.
• Become familiar with the set-up and mode of operation of a double-acting cylinder.
• Become familiar with the set-up and mode of operation of a 5/2-way valve.
• Be able to explain and set up indirect actuation.
• Become familiar with the mode of operation of a 5/2-way valve with pneumatic actuation.
• Become familiar with the difference between a signalling element and a control element.
• Be able to measure pressure in pneumatic control systems.
• Be able to differentiate between the various types of flow control and use them in accordance with specifications.
• Be able to adjust cylinder advancing and retracting speeds.
• Become familiar with one type of signal storage in pneumatic control systems.
• Be able to explain and implement AND/OR/NOT logic operations.
• Become familiar with one option for end-position sensing in cylinders.
• Be able to combine logic operations.
• Become familiar with the set-up and mode of operation of a magnetic proximity switch.
• Be able to differentiate between 5/2-way valves and to select and use them in accordance with specifications.
• Be able to further develop existing circuits.
• Become familiar with the set-up and mode of operation of a pressure sequence valve.
• Be able to set up pressure-dependent control systems.
• Become familiar with the set-up and mode of operation of a pressure regulator.
• Be able to analyse existing circuits and optimise them in accordance with specifications.
• Become familiar with the set-up and mode of operation of a time delay valve.
• Be able to set up circuits with oscillating motion.
• Be able to use time delay valves in accordance with specific constraints.
• Be able to analyse and set up circuits with two cylinders.

The basic pneumatics control systems CPD programme has a predominantly practical focus for many of the learning outcomes with an integrated learning approach of lectures and a workshop-based tutorial to develop attendees’ understanding of theoretical concepts with a hands-on learning experience.

Attendees will have access to the University Campus Doncaster’s (UCDon) purpose-built Engineering laboratories to undertake the basic pneumatics control systems practical sessions.

The basic pneumatics control systems CPD programme focuses on the underpinning engineering concepts that contribute to current industrial practices in pneumatic control systems. The programme provides attendees with the opportunity to gain valuable practical experience using our state-of-the-art laboratories whilst consolidating knowledge through the delivery of interactive theory sessions. Our purpose-built engineering laboratories house a wide range of industry-standard training equipment including Pneumatics, Mechatronics, Robotics, PLCs, Fluid Processing and a unique Industry 4.0 Smart Factory training system enabling the study of the full range of industrial concepts.

The programme offers a learning experience which has the attendees at its centre with the team focused on providing a friendly and supportive learning environment. The programme is designed in a way that progressively prepares attendees with the knowledge and ability to analyse, comprehend and manage basic pneumatics resulting from the fundamentals of pneumatics to the function and use of pneumatic equipment. This flexibility will be a significant asset for the attendees, because of the continuous evolution of the technologies in the pneumatic control systems sector.