What is the definition of "direction of flow in a pneumatic system"?
A fluid symbol that indicates the direction of air flow. The direction of pneumatic flow is represented by an unfilled arrow in a blueprint.

Learn more about direction of flow in a pneumatic system in the class Fluid System Print Reading 220 below.


Hydraulics and Pneumatics Training


Class Information
Tooling U classes are offered at the beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. The typical class consists of 12 to 25 lessons and will take approximately one hour to complete.
Class Name:Fluid System Print Reading 220
Description:This class describes the basic layout of hydraulic and pneumatic prints and addresses the most commons symbols used to identify components.
Prerequisites: 570100, 570120, 570125
Difficulty:Intermediate
Number of Lessons:19
Language:English, Spanish

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Below are all the competencies and job programs that contain the class Fluid System Print Reading 220. Job programs are our traditional class lists organized according to common job functions. Competencies are our latest job-specific curricula that help tie online learning to practical, hands-on tasks.

Click on any title to view its details.

Competencies


Class Outline
  • Objectives
  • What Is a Blueprint?
  • Types of Prints
  • The Components of a Print
  • Line Symbols
  • Fittings Symbols
  • Prime Mover Symbols
  • Pump and Compressor Symbols
  • Energy and Fluid Storage Symbols
  • Linear Actuator Symbols
  • Rotary Actuator Symbols
  • Directional Control Valve Symbols
  • Symbols for Pressure Control Valves
  • Symbols for Flow Control Valves
  • Symbols for Miscellaneous Components
  • Differences between Pneumatic and Hydraulic Prints
  • Fluid Circuit Design Considerations
  • The Location of Components in a Sample Print
  • Summary
  
Class Objectives
  • Describe a fluid blueprint.
  • Describe the different types of fluid print.
  • Describe the components of a blueprint.
  • Identify a passing line.
  • Identify different fittings.
  • Identify the symbol for an electric motor.
  • Identify the symbol for a pump and compressor.
  • Identify the symbols used to represent energy and fluid storage components.
  • Identify linear actuator symbols.
  • Identify the symbols for rotary actuators.
  • Identify the symbols for directional control valves.
  • Identify the symbols for pressure control valves.
  • Identify the parts of a flow control valve.
  • Identify the symbols for supplementing hydraulic components.
  • Describe the differences between pneumatic and hydraulic prints.
  • Describe the considerations for designing a fluid circuit.
  • Describe the location of components in a sample print.

Class Vocabulary

Vocabulary TermDefinition
2/2 valve A directional control valve with two ways, two ports, and two positions.
3/2 valve A directional control valve with three ways, three ports, and two positions.
4/2 valve A directional control valve with four ways, four ports, and two positions.
4/3 valve A directional control valve with four ways, four ports, and three positions.
5/2 valve A directional control valve with four ways, five ports, and two positions.
5/3 valve A directional control valve with four ways, five ports, and three positions.
accumulator A hydraulic component used to store hydraulic fluid. Accumulators are designed to increase or relieve pressure in the system.
advance The forward movement of the piston. With a single-acting cylinder, work is usually performed on the advance of the piston.
air receiver A component that stores compressed gas and helps stockpile a constant supply of pressurized gas.
American National Standards Institute A private, non-profit organization that administers and coordinates voluntary standards and systems. Print symbols are standardized by ANSI.
bidirectional Moving in two different directions.
block diagram The simplest type of fluid power blueprint that represents a circuit with lines and basic shapes like blocks. Block diagrams do not use standard fluid symbols.
blueprint A document containing all the instructions necessary for building and maintaining a fluid circuit. A blueprint with instructions for fluid systems contains a series of print symbols.
CAD Computer-aided design. CAD software helps fluid engineers to efficiently design schematics for fluid systems.
check valve A control valve that allows fluid to flow in one direction. Check valves prevent backflow.
component list An area of a blueprint that lists every fluid component in the fluid circuit.
compressor A component that pressurizes ambient air and directs it into a pneumatic system.
conductor A component such as a pipe, tube, or hose that conveys fluid throughout a fluid system.
connector A symbol that represents a fitting in a fluid print. Connectors are indicated by a solid dot.
control device A fluid component that initiates an action within a system.
control logic The part of the architecture of a fluid circuit that controls what the circuit is capable of doing.
cooler A component that lowers the temperature of compressed air.
cross A pipe fitting that joins one pipe run to another that runs perpendicular and through the main run.
cushion A noise control device that is attached to the piston on the advance, retract, or both.
cutaway diagram A type of fluid power blueprint that shows the internal mechanisms of each fluid component in the circuit.
cylinder A type of linear actuator that uses a piston to produce motion in a straight line. A cylinder is also known as a piston actuator.
dead-weight accumulator A component used to store hydraulic fluid. The dead-weight accumulator increases and relieves pressure through the use of a weighted vertical piston.
diagram A document containing all the instructions necessary for building and maintaining a fluid circuit. A diagram with instructions for fluid systems contains a series of print symbols.
diesel engine A type of internal combustion engine, controlled by a throttle, that is often used as a prime mover for mobile fluid power applications.
direction of flow in a hydraulic system A fluid symbol that indicates the direction of liquid flow. The direction of hydraulic flow is represented by a solid arrow in a blueprint.
direction of flow in a pneumatic system A fluid symbol that indicates the direction of air flow. The direction of pneumatic flow is represented by an unfilled arrow in a blueprint.
directional control valve A fluid component that helps move fluids in certain directions during operation.
double shutoff quick disconnect fitting A quick disconnect fitting with one valve located in the stud connected to the hose and another valve located inside the fitting component that attaches closest to the air supply.
double-acting cylinder A fluid power actuator that directs energy in two directions.
double-end rod A rod that extends from the piston on both sides.
drain line A line that leads to a drain in a hydraulic system. A drain line is represented by a broken line with several breaks.
drawing A document containing all the instructions necessary for building and maintaining a fluid circuit. A drawing with instructions for fluid systems contains a series of symbols.
efficiency A measure of the work output of a system versus the total energy input. An efficient system is able to convert a greater amount of the supplied energy into the intended useful work.
electric motor A machine that converts electricity into mechanical energy or motion. An electric motor is a type of prime mover for a fluid system.
filter A screen used for trapping very fine and fine particulate matter.
fitting A fluid component that connects, redirects, extends, or terminates the run of a fluid conductor.
fixed displacement Having a fluid capacity that is not changeable.
fixed output The amount of fluid passing through a valve at a set and unchanging flow rate.
fixed restriction An orifice that meters flow and is not adjustable.
flexible line Any working line such as a hose that is designed to bend and flex. A flexible line is represented in a print by a U-shaped solid line.
flow The directional movement of fluid in a fluid system. Flow in a fluid system can be laminar or turbulent.
flow control valve A type of valve consisting of a needle valve and a check valve placed in close proximity in a common body. Flow control valves regulate the flow of hydraulic fluid.
fluid circuit The path that a fluid follows in a fluid system. Fluid circuits are designed using blueprints.
fluid symbol A standardized symbol that represents a fluid component in a graphic diagram.
gas-loaded accumulator A component used to store hydraulic fluid. The gas-loaded accumulator increases and relieves pressure through the use of an inflatable bag. Also called an air-operated accumulator.
gauge A device that measures fluid power variables such as temperature and pressure during operation.
graphic diagram A type of fluid power blueprint that represents each fluid component with a standard symbol.
heat engine A device that converts heat energy into mechanical or electrical energy. A heat engine is a type of prime mover.
hydraulic pump A mechanical device used to move liquids in a hydraulic system.
inlet The opening on the side of a pump through which fluid is drawn into the pump.
installation diagram A type of fluid power blueprint that shows the external appearance of each fluid component in the circuit. Installation diagrams are also called pictorial diagrams.
integrated component A component that is designed to eliminate unnecessary fittings and seals. Integrated components significantly reduce the chances of leakage and contamination.
intensifier Hydraulic components that convert the low pressure from a large linear actuator into high pressure in a small linear actuator. Intensifiers are usually two different-sized cylinders connected by a common piston.
International Organization for Standardization An organization based in Switzerland that develops and publishes standards for its international membership base. It is often referred to as ISO.
legend An area of a blueprint that lists notes and otherwise provides the meaning of the symbols or pictures in a fluid blueprint.
lever A fluid power control that activates or deactivates a valve or actuator. Levers are operated by hand and may have more than two positions.
line A component such as a pipe, tube, or hose that conveys fluid throughout a fluid system.
line to reservoir above fluid level A line leading to a reservoir that terminates above the fluid level.
line to reservoir below fluid level A line leading to a reservoir that terminates below the fluid level.
linear actuator An actuator that directs force in a straight line. A cylinder is a linear actuator.
lubricator A component that releases an oil mist into certain portions of a pneumatic system to lubricate moving parts.
manual control A control device that requires an operator to activate or deactivate.
mechanical energy Energy used to perform work through the physical interaction and motion of instruments or tools.
motor An actuator that directs force in a circular motion. Motors are sometimes called rotary actuators.
needle valve A valve that adjusts the flow of fluid between and including fully on and fully off. The needle valve consists of a sharp conical obstruction that is extended or retracted to block or allow flow.
non return check valve A control valve that allows fluid to flow in one direction. This check valve does not allow the fluid to flow backwards in the circuit.
normally closed A fluid component such as a valve that is in the closed position when not activated.
normally open A fluid component such as a valve that is in the open position when not activated.
outlet The opening on the side of a pump through which fluid is expelled into the hydraulic system.
passing line A line that is not connected to another at the point at which they cross. To indicate that the two lines are not connected, one line has a U-shape at the crossing point.
pedal A fluid power control that activates or deactivates a valve or actuator. Pedals are usually located on the floor and are operated by foot.
pictorial diagram A type of fluid power blueprint that shows the external appearance of each fluid component in the circuit. Pictorial diagrams are also called installation diagrams.
pilot line A passage that transmits fluid pressure to control another device. Pilot lines are represented in a fluid symbol by a broken line.
plotter A large printer used to print fluid schematics. These output devices support vector graphics, unlike dot-matrix and laser printers.
plug A pipe fitting that terminates a run by closing an end. A plug has OD threads and is represented in a print by an X.
port An opening on a valve through which fluid can flow.
position The number of physical settings on a directional control valve. A three-position valve can be placed in three different physical settings with a control such as a lever.
press A machine with a stationary base and an upper ram that moves along a vertical axis to shear, bend, or form sheet metal.
pressure compensated Capable of providing an adjustable flow rate independent of the changes in inlet or outlet pressure.
pressure control valve An adjustable control valve that regulates pressure in a fluid system.
pressurized reservoir The main holding tank for hydraulic fluid that is closed to external environmental conditions. A pressurized reservoir is represented in a print by a closed rectangle.
prime mover The component of a hydraulic or pneumatic system that powers the main pump or compressor.
print A document containing all the instructions necessary for building and maintaining a fluid circuit. A print with instructions for fluid systems contains a series of print symbols.
push button A fluid power control that activates or deactivates a valve or actuator. Push buttons are operated by hand and usually have two positions.
quick disconnect fitting A fitting designed for use with components that are moved often and without disrupting system air pressure or compromising safety.
reducing valve An adjustable control valve that regulates pressure in a particular zone of a fluid power system.
regulating valve A component that monitors gas passageways in a pneumatic system in order to maintain a consistent pressure level.
relief valve A non-adjustable control valve that regulates pressure in a fluid system. When a critical pressure is exceeded, the relief valve releases.
reservoir The main holding tank for hydraulic fluid.
retract The backward movement of the piston. The piston retracts so that it is position to advance.
rotary actuator An actuator that directs force in a circular motion. Rotary actuators are sometimes called motors.
schematic A document containing all the instructions necessary for building and maintaining a fluid circuit. A schematic with instructions for fluid systems contains a series of print symbols.
separator A component that removes water from cooled air so that it does not build up and damage the pneumatic system.
sequence valve A control valve that allows hydraulic fluid to flow into another area of the system once a critical pressure has been achieved.
shut-off valve A valve that controls the on-and-off supply of fluid to or within a fluid system. A shut-off valve is represented in a blueprint with two facing arrows.
shuttle valve A control valve that regulates the supply of fluid from more than one source into a single area of the circuit.
single-acting cylinder A fluid power actuator that directs energy in one direction.
single-end rod A rod that extends from the piston on one side.
sketch A document containing all the instructions necessary for building and maintaining a fluid circuit. A sketch with instructions for fluid systems contains a series of print symbols.
spring-loaded accumulator A component used to store hydraulic fluid. The spring-loaded accumulator increases and relieves pressure through the use of a spring-loaded piston.
spring-loaded check valve A control valve that allows fluid to flow in one direction. The resistance of the valve is controlled by a spring.
steam engine A type of engine that is powered by steam and is used for very large fluid power applications.
straight through quick disconnect fitting A quick disconnect fitting with no valves. Straight through quick disconnect fittings cannot be added or removed without first shutting off the air supply.
strainer A screen used for trapping large and coarse particulate matter.
tee A pipe fitting that joins one pipe run to another that runs in one direction perpendicular to the main run.
temperature compensated Capable of providing an adjustable flow rate independent of the changes in temperature and oil viscosity.
throttle A control used to vary the speed of a mechanical device such as an engine.
throttle valve A control valve that regulates the variable amount of fluid that is supplied to another fluid component such as an actuator
unidirectional Moving in only one direction.
variable displacement Having a fluid capacity that is changeable. Variable displacement is indicated in a fluid symbol by a slanted arrow.
variable output The amount of fluid passing through a valve at a non-uniform and changeable flow rate.
vented reservoir The main holding tank for hydraulic fluid that is open to external environmental conditions. A vented reservoir is represented in a print by a three-sided rectangle.
way A characteristic of a valve that indicates how a fluid can flow through the valve. To determine the number of ways on a valve, take the number of arrows in one position and multiply by two. 3-way valves get their name from the number of ports in one position.
working line Any active line in a fluid system. A working line is represented in a print by a solid line.
wye A pipe fitting that joins one pipe run to another that runs in one direction at 45° to the main run.