Algorithm Development for Pneumatic Actuator Control and Diagnostics

This paper presents the pneumatic control system widely used in manufacturing process. This is a technology that uses the power of compressed air to create mechanical motion. The purpose of this work is to improve existing manufacturing system with simple control of pneumatic actuators. To do this is necessary to extend the simple control with adding functions to collect data for diagnostics. Such data can be used for estimating remaining lifetime of a pneumatic cylinder during preventive maintenance or replacement. Challenge in front the solution is to be compatible with several of automation systems using PLCs and easy for multiplication in laboratory equipment and real manufacturing environment and assembly systems.