Air Cylinders

Air cylinders are the final component in a pneumatic or compressed air control or power system. These cylinders convert compressed air power into mechanical energy that produces linear or rotary motion. In this way, the air cylinder functions as the actuator in the pneumatic system, so it is also known as a pneumatic linear actuator.

Air cylinders are used in many positioning, actuating and clamping applications, and devices. Choices for cylinder style include tie rod, smooth body, pancake, rectangular, and multiple bore.

• Tie Rod - They are in a rectangular bolt pattern held together by exterior tie rods.
  
  
• Smooth Body - In a smooth body cylinder style the body encases the piston.
  
  
• Pancake Cylinder - A pancake cylinder has a shorter length and larger diameter than other styles.
  
  
• Rectangular Cylinder - It is encased in a rectangular box shape frame.
  
  
• Multiple Bore Cylinder - In this type of cylinder two or more bores and pistons combine or stake in same cylinder.

The Air Cylinders consists of :

• Steel or stainless steel piston
  
  
• A piston rod
  
  
• A cylinder barrel and end covers

When compressed air moves into a cylinder, the air pushes the piston along the length of the cylinder. Compressed air or a spring, located at the rod end of the cylinder, pushes the piston back. The flow of compressed air to the cylinder is controlled by the valves.

Features of Air Cylinders

• Non-rotating
  
  
• Double end rod
  
  
• Cushions
  
  
• Position feedback
  
  
• Magnetic bend

Types of Air Cylinders
Air cylinders can be of various types including rotary air cylinders, impact cylinders, multi position cylinders and opposed thrust cylinders.

The two basic types of air cylinders are:

• Single Acting Air Cylinder - The single acting cylinder performs an operating motion in only one direction. It has air pressure on one side of a piston flange, supplying force and motion, and a spring supplying the return force after pressure release.
  
  
• Double Acting Air Cylinder - A double acting pneumatic cylinder has powered motion in two directions, with pressure on both sides. When a cylinder is pushed out in one direction, compressed air moves it back in the other direction. Air lines running into both ends of the cylinder supply the compressed air.

Fire Safety
If there is fire in the area where air cylinders are stored, then the following actions should be take:

• Turn off the cylinders, giving priority to those containing flammable gases, if this is possible without taking personal risk.
  
  
• Evacuate the area to a safe distance from the cylinders. The distance considered safe may have to be reviewed as a fire progresses.
  
  
• Cylinders which are not involved in the fire and which have not become heated may be moved to a safe place if this can be done without incurring risk.
  
  
• It is important not to move any cylinders which have been involved in a fire without the permission of the emergency services.
  
  
• If cylinders have been involved in a fire or affected by excessive heat they should be withdrawn from use, clearly marked and reported to the supplier. They should not be brought back into use without the permission of the supplier.