Lesson 1Flow and Speed Control Parts: Flow Control Valves, Needle Valves, One-Way Flow Controls, Quick Exhaust ValvesYou will discover how flow and speed control tools influence actuator movement. This part compares needle valves, one-way flow controls, and quick exhaust valves, offering advice on meter-in against meter-out arrangements for Zambian manufacturing setups.
Needle valves against flow control valvesMeter-in against meter-out setupsOne-way flow controls for cylinder speedQuick exhaust valves for fast pulling backAvoiding unsteadiness and stick-slip movementLesson 2Air Preparation Units: Filter, Regulator, Lubricator (FRL) Roles and Selection TipsThis part explains the jobs of FRL units in safeguarding pneumatic systems. You will learn how filters, regulators, and lubricators function, how to measure them, and how to pick arrangements that fit air quality and flow needs in Zambian environments.
Filter levels and water removal waysRegulator kinds, ranges, and droop actionsLubricator basics and when to skip oilMeasuring FRLs for flow and pressure steadinessFRL positioning, bypass, and upkeep schedulesLesson 3Basic Traits of Compressed Air: Pressure, Flow, Temperature, Compressibility, Units (psi, bar, l/min)This part reviews main traits of compressed air and their units. You will connect pressure, flow, temperature, and compressibility to actual behaviours in circuits, including pressure fall and energy usage relevant to Zambian operations.
Gauge against absolute pressure ideasFlow units: l/min, SCFM, and NL/minTemperature impacts on density and wetnessCompressibility and pressure fall basicsEnergy usage and leak effects on expensesLesson 4Sensors and Feedback Tools: Pneumatic and Electronic Proximity Sensors, Mechanical Limit Switches, Cushioning SwitchesThis part shows common pneumatic sensing and feedback choices. You will compare mechanical, pneumatic, and electronic tools, and learn how to fit, shield, and connect them for dependable position signals in Zambian factories.
Mechanical limit switches and camsPneumatic signal sensors and logic applicationsMagnetic proximity and reed sensorsElectronic proximity and analog feedbackFitting, connecting, and shielding methodsLesson 5Pneumatic Actuator Kinds: Single-Acting vs Double-Acting Cylinders, Rodless Cylinders, Guided Cylinders, Cushioning and Fitting StylesYou will examine main pneumatic actuator kinds and their uses. This part compares single-acting, double-acting, rodless, and guided cylinders, covering cushioning, fitting, and selection compromises for Zambian industrial needs.
Single-acting against double-acting cylindersRodless cylinders for long movementsGuided cylinders for side load managementAdjustable cushioning and end stopsFitting styles and alignment problemsLesson 6Valve Kinds and Roles: 2/2, 3/2, 4/2, 5/2 Directional Control Valves, Pilot-Operated vs Direct-Acting, Spring Return vs DetentedThis part explains common directional valve signs and roles. You will compare 2/2, 3/2, 4/2, and 5/2 valves, direct-acting against pilot-operated designs, and spring return against detented operation for local applications.
Reading valve porting and position signs2/2 and 3/2 valves for on-off and activation4/2 and 5/2 valves for cylinder managementDirect-acting against pilot-operated valvesSpring return, detented, and manual overridesLesson 7Force and Stroke Calculations: Turning Pressure to Force, Effective Piston Area, Accounting for Push/Pull Force Differences and FrictionYou will learn how to turn pressure into practical force and stroke effort. This part covers piston area, push against pull force, friction adjustments, and safety margins used when measuring cylinders for Zambian tasks.
Calculating piston and annulus areasTurning pressure to theoretical forceAccounting for friction and efficiency lossPush against pull force and rod bendingStroke length, effort, and safety marginsLesson 8Pressure Safety Parts: Pressure Relief Valves, Safety Valves, and Pressure SwitchesHere you study tools that protect people and gear from excess pressure. This part compares relief valves, safety valves, and pressure switches, covering setpoint selection, fitting, testing, and relevant standards for Zambia.
Roles of relief and safety valvesPressure switch kinds and contact logicSelecting setpoints and blowdown marginsFitting rules for discharge pipingInspection, testing, and recordsLesson 9Materials and Fittings: Tubing Materials, Fittings, Lubricants, Seals Compatibility and Contamination ConcernsThis part covers tubing, fittings, seals, and lubricants used in pneumatics. You will compare materials, pressure ratings, and chemical matching, and learn how dirt and poor choices shorten system life in Zambian settings.
Tubing materials, ratings, and bend limitsPush-in, compression, and threaded fittingsSeal materials and media matchingLubricant kinds and seal interactionsContamination sources and cleanliness controlLesson 10Common Cylinder Sizes and Typical Force Ranges for Small Press-Fit Tasks (approx. values for 1/4"–1" bore)Here you link bore size to achievable force for small press-fit jobs. This part gives approximate force tables for 1/4"–1" bores, discusses stroke limits, and stresses safety margins and fixture firmness for local use.
Typical bores from 1/4 inch to 1 inchForce estimates at common supply pressuresEffect of stroke and speed on press qualityGuiding, fixturing, and side load limitsSafety margins for repeatable press forces
