MEC3491 PNEUMATICS
3 Credit Hours
Student Level:
This course is open to high school and post-secondary level students.
Catalog Description:
MEC3491 - Pneumatics (3 hrs.)
This course is an introduction to pressurized hydraulic components in power delivery and positioning systems. Students will use pneumatic compressors and motors and make air connections, measurements, and calculations to determine appropriate system components.
Course Classification:
Lecture/Lab
Prerequisites:
None
Controlling Purpose:
This course is designed to help the student increase their knowledge regarding fundamentals of industrial pneumatics systems.
Learner Outcomes:
Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to demonstrate proficiency specifically in pneumatics systems and operations and how they are related to mechanical systems and Mechatronics.
Unit Outcomes for Criterion Based Evaluation:
The following outline defines the minimum core content not including the final examination period. Instructors may add other material as time allows.
UNIT 1: Pneumatic System Operating Concepts
Outcomes: Upon completion of this unit, the student will be able to successfully utilize pneumatic schematic elements.
- Name and describe the various parts of a pneumatic circuit.
- Recognize and use pneumatic fluid power symbols.
- Understand the basic scientific principles critical to the operation of pneumatic systems.
- Apply appropriate basic formulas related to the gas laws and component operation.
UNIT 2: Production of Compressed Air
Outcomes: Upon completion of this unit, the student will be able to successfully understand reservoir and pump functionality.
- Explain the operation of basic displacement and dynamic compressor designs, and describe the common compressor designs used in today’s pneumatic systems.
- Explain the various methods used to maintain adequate system air pressure to assure effective operation of system circuits.
- Correctly size a compressor for specific applications using published manufacturer specifications.
UNIT 3: Treatment of Compressed Air
Outcomes: Upon completion of this unit, the student will be able to successfully apply air treatment techniques for specific systems.
- Describe the various methods used to filter air to assure it is clean as it passes through the compressor and system circuits.
- Explain the concepts involved in removing excess moisture from pneumatic system compressed air.
- Explain the purpose of the receiver and estimate receiver size for specific application.
- Describe typical methods used to treat air at individual workstations in pneumatic circuits.
UNIT 4: Compressed Air Distribution
Outcomes: Upon completion of this unit, the student will be able to successfully identify and create layouts for generic applications.
- Select the distribution method most desirable for a pneumatic system installation.
- Lay out a distribution network that will effectively deliver compressed air to equipment in the pneumatic system.
- Calculate the size of distribution lines based on equipment operated by the pneumatic system.
- Position distribution lines to provide maximum entrapment and removal of water that may condense in an operating pneumatic system.
UNIT 5: Pneumatic System Control Valves, Actuators, and Support Components
Outcomes: Upon completion of this unit, the student will be able to successfully identify and apply system components.
- Describe the construction and operation of pneumatic valves that control system and circuit pressure.
- Describe the construction and operation of pneumatic valves that control actuator direction and speed.
- Describe the construction and operation of various pneumatic linear and rotary actuators.
- Describe the construction and operation of special purpose pneumatic equipment.
UNIT 6: Typical Pneumatic Circuits and Circuit Design
Outcomes: Upon completion of this unit, the student will be able to successfully identify specialized layouts for specific applications.
- Understand the operation of a variety of speed- and force-control circuits as well as circuits controlling specific motion.
- Develop circuit designs and specifications based on speed, force, and motion outlined in hypothetical problems.
- Use schematic diagrams of pneumatically controlled equipment to determine speed, force, and motion capability and identify operational problems that may exist in system circuits.
UNIT 7: Laboratory
Outcomes: Upon completion of this unit, the student will be able to successfully apply understanding of pneumatics in hands-on settings.
- Use computer simulation software to design, test and troubleshoot pneumatics and pressurized systems.
- Perform pneumatic connections, measurements and calculations to increase efficiency of pneumatic and pressurized systems.
- Demonstrate understanding of diagnosis and troubleshooting techniques of pneumatic systems.
- Integrate pneumatic fluid power into other mechanical systems.
UNIT 8: Analysis of a Pneumatic Application
Outcomes: Upon completion of this unit, the student will be able to successfully apply understanding of pneumatics in real-world applications.
- Prepare a report on a piece of equipment that uses a substantial amount of pneumatic power in its operation.
- Include a minimum of four references from technical and popular sources.
- Describe the equipment, its function, and where pneumatics is used in its operation.
- Show how circuit diagrams of the pneumatic applications, photographs and drawings of the equipment can be helpful in analyzing the report.
- Analyze and report why pneumatic power was used in the application instead of another power-transmission method.
Projects Required:
As assigned.
Textbook:
Contact Bookstore for current textbook.
Attendance Policy:
Students should adhere to the attendance policy outlined by the instructor in the course syllabus.
Grading Policy:
The grading policy will be outlined by the instructor in the course syllabus.
Maximum class size:
Based on classroom occupancy.
Course Time Frame:
The U.S. Department of Education, Higher Learning Commission and the Kansas Board of Regents define credit hour and have specific regulations that the college must follow when developing, teaching and assessing the educational aspects of the college. A credit hour is an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally-established equivalency that reasonably approximates not less than one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester hour of credit or an equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time. The number of semester hours of credit allowed for each distance education or blended hybrid courses shall be assigned by the college based on the amount of time needed to achieve the same course outcomes in a purely face-to-face format.
Refer to the following policies:
402.00 Academic Code of Conduct
263.00 Student Appeal of Course Grades
403.00 Student Code of Conduct
Disability Services Program:
Cowley College, in recognition of state and federal laws, will accommodate a student with a documented disability. If a student has a disability which may impact work in this class which requires accommodations, contact the Disability Services Coordinator.
DISCLAIMER: THIS INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. FOR THE OFFICIAL COURSE PROCEDURE CONTACT ACADEMIC AFFAIRS.
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