Fluidics and positioning

Abstract

The aim of the project was twofold: (a) An investigation into the operation of some simple fluidic devices. (b) The use of fluidics in a practical application. To analyse the critical characteristics in the design features of important fluidic units three devices were used: (1) The beam deflection amplifier. (2) The focused jet amplifier. (3) The vortex amplifier. These devices were built in the college workshop rather than bought ready made. Apart from reducing the cost, this made experimental work more flexible. As a practical application a position control set-up using the above mentioned devices was planned and designed. The fluidic position control unit was intended as a replacement of a low-pressure pneumatic positioner which has been in common usage in process control for a span of about thirty years. The basic requirements laid down for the new design were: (1) To work under severe environmental conditions. (2) To provide increased reliability. (3) To reduce manufacturing and maintenance costs in comparison with sting pneumatic positioners.