MT 221 Fluid and Vacuum Systems

Lecture Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 3
Credits: 4

Covers theory, operation and application of hydraulic, pneumatic and vacuum systems. Includes operation, diagnosis, service, maintenance and repair of components and systems.

Student Learning Outcomes:

List critical mechanical system safety issues.
Design, test, assemble and troubleshoot pneumatic logic and control systems.
Accurately discuss common vacuum system terminology and theory.
List and identify the various types of vacuum devices.
Explain the operation, construction and troubleshooting procedure of common vacuum devices.
Discuss the principles of pneumatic, hydraulic, and vacuum systems and how they are put to use.

Content Outline

Mechanical system safety
- Chemical
- Electrical/Mechanical
- Pressure
General Theory
- Properties of Liquids
  - Shapelessness
  - Incompressibility
  - Pascal’s Law
  - Density and specific gravity
  - Bernoulli’s Equation
- Properties of Gases
  - Compressibility
  - Gas qualities (pressure, temperature, volume, mass)
  - Charles’ and Boyle’s Laws
  - Universal Gas Law
  - Dalton’s Law of Partial Pressures
  - Avogadro’s Law
Fluid Systems at Rest
- Fluid Pressure
- Multiplication of Forces
- Work/Energy
- Efficiency
Fluids in Motion
- Description of Flow
  - Volume and velocity flow
  - Steady and unsteady flow
  - Streamline and turbulent flow
- Flow of Fluids in Pipes
  - Fluid flow rate
  - Continuity equation
  - Friction
- Fluid Flow Energy Relations
  - Conservation of energy
  - Interpretation of Bernoulli’s Equation
  - Power required and delivered by pumps
  - Power delivered by fluid actuators
- Fluid Power Graphical Symbols
Pneumatic Components and Circuits
- Air Compressor
  - Cylinder, valves
  - Air tank
  - Safety switch, reliefs
  - Air coolers
  - Filters, lubricators, regulators
- Valves
  - Directional control valves
  - Pilot operated valves
  - Solenoid operated valves
  - Flow control valves
- Air Cylinders
Pneumatic Circuits
- Speed Control Circuits
  - Single acting cylinder
  - Double acting cylinder
  - Multiple speed control
- Force/Pressure Control Circuits
- Sequencing with Interlock
  - Sequence valve
  - Pressure switch sequencing
  - Air pilot
- Logic
  - Logic symbols
  - Logic devices
Overview of Vacuum Technology and Industrial Uses
- Rough
- High
- Ultrahigh
Vacuum Physics and Types
- Mean Free Path
- Viscous, Molecular, Turbulent and Laminar Flow, Pump Down and Throughput
Vacuum system components
- Pumps
- Gauges
- Joining Devices
Gauges
- Rough
- High
Vacuum Pumps
- Rough
- High
- Ultrahigh
- Vacuum Pump Operation, Types and Construction
- Vacuum Pump Troubleshooting, Failure Mode, and Maintenance
Materials Used in a Vacuum System
- Nonmetals Used in Vacuum System
- Metals Used in a Vacuum System
Leaks
- Out Gassing
- Real and Virtual Leaks
- Base Pressure
- Rate of Rise
- Correction Techniques
- Systems Checks