Level 4 Electro-Pneumatic Control Systems

The programme is suitable for technician/operation staff with level 3/4 qualifications (or equivalent industry experience) and apprentices who need retraining as electro-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 double-acting cylinder.
• Become familiar with the set-up and mode of operation of a 3/2-way solenoid valve.
• Become familiar with the set-up and mode of operation of a double solenoid valve.
• Be able to select solenoid valves based on the specified requirements.
• Be able to recognise and sketch the various types of actuations for directional control valves.
• Be able to convert solenoid valves.
• Be able to explain and set up direct actuation.
• Be able to explain and set up indirect actuation.
• Become familiar with logic operations and be able to set them up.
• Become familiar with various types of end-position control and learn to select the appropriate type.
• Become familiar with latching circuits with varying performance features.
• Be able to explain and set up an electrical latching circuit with dominant shutdown signal.
• Be able to set up a pressure-dependent control system.
• Become familiar with the set-up and mode of operation of magnetic proximity switches.
• Become familiar with displacement-step diagrams and learn to create them for specific problems.
• Be able to implement sequence control with two cylinders.
• Be able to detect and eliminate errors in simple electro-pneumatic control systems.
• Be able to investigate PLC Technology.
• Become familiar with the internal architecture of PLCs and their application.
• Be able to explore the typical input and output devices used with PLCs.
• Become familiar with basic programming techniques used with PLCs.
• Be able to develop PLC systems to solve engineering problems.
• Become familiar with how are used in various industrial applications.

The electro-pneumatic 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 electro-pneumatic control systems practical sessions.

The electro-pneumatic control systems CPD programme focuses on the underpinning engineering concepts that contribute to current industrial practices in electro-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 electro-pneumatic resulting from the fundamentals of PLC programming to the function and use of electro-pneumatic equipment. This flexibility will be a significant asset for the attendees, because of the continuous evolution of the technologies in the electro-pneumatic control systems sector.