In industrial areas, there is always a need for a powerful tool that can convert air pressure into mechanical motion. This is where air cylinders, also known as pneumatic cylinders, play an important role in turning air pressure into linear motion.
But can an air cylinder handle vacuum? The results might turn out to be different when these air cylinders are used in vacuum environments.
This article provided a complete guide on what is important for vacuum environments and how the air cylinder works in different areas. Here, you will explore what it would be like to use the air cylinder for a vacuum.
How does an Air Cylinder work?
The air cylinder is a tool that works by converting the compressed air energy into motion. Here are the simplified steps explaining how it works.
Compressed Air Supply
This part pushes the air into the standard cylinder through special valves. This creates pressure.
Piston Motion
When the air is pressurized, it goes into the piston inside the cylinder. By this, the pistons move in linear motion.
Direction Control
Depending on the type of cylinder, the piston can be moved in two ways.
- A single-acting cylinder is one in which the piston moves only in one direction, and then the spring pushes it back.
- A twin rod cylinder makes the piston move in both directions. It is controlled by the air pressure.
Exhaust System
During the movement of the piston, the air used for pressure exits through an exhaust port. This cycle keeps repeating.
Vacuum Environment vs. Pneumatic Environments
The major difference between the vacuum environment and the pneumatic environment is the way how pressure works in both.
In a vacuum environment, the pressure is normally lower than the normal atmospheric pressure. On the other hand, pneumatic environments use pressurized air; the vacuum conditions remove air and create pressure.
Pressure level
The pneumatic environment works with higher pressure, which is normally between 80 and 120 PSI. This pressure helps to push or move the parts of the machine.
In vacuum environments, the pressure is quite low. It is sometimes 1 PSI. The system does not work by pushing. Instead, it works by pulling or creating suction.
Air Usage
The pneumatic system depends on the device’s pressurized air to function. The air pushes the piston or the other components to create motion.
On the other hand, vacuum systems work by removing or pulling out air from the system. This suction can hold or move objects.
Sealing Requirements
Pneumatic systems have seals to keep the pressurized air inside. However, in vacuum environments, the seals are designed to prevent outer air from getting leaked inside the vacuum.
It is important to note that in vacuum systems, the regular seals are not enough to handle pressure or perform efficiently.
Can Air Cylinder Handle Vacuum Conditions
A standard air cylinder works in a system where the air is pressurized and pushes the piston to create movements. When used in vacuum environments where the air is pulled instead, however, it may lack in some areas, which can cause it to work poorly.
Limitations of Air Cylinder
- Seal Problem
The seals in air cylinders are usually designed to keep the pressurized air inside the system. But in vacuum environments, there is no air. So the seal might not work properly. It can lead the outside air to break into the system and disrupt the vacuum or reduce the cylinder’s efficiency.
- Wear and tear on the material.
Since the air cylinders are designed to be used in normal atmospheric pressure or with pressurized air, you may experience faster wear and tear of material if it is used in vacuum environments.
- Lubrication Issues
Air cylinders depend on lubricants to keep the parts working smoothly. In vacuum environments, these lubricants can dry out or evaporate because they are not made for low-pressure environments. So, without lubrication, the cylinder can become stiff and noisy, and sometimes, it can even stop working.
- Risks of Contamination
When the seals are not effective in vacuum environments, they may draw tiny particles or contaminants into the system. This particle can damage the internal components and lead them to clog. Because of these contaminants, the system may require frequent maintenance or repairs.
- Limited Functionality
In vacuum environments, there is no pressurized air to push and pull the piston. On the other hand, air cylinders rely on air pressure to create movement. That is why it is difficult for the cylinder to perform its function effectively.
Impact on Cylinder Seals and Components
When exposed to low-pressure conditions of a vacuum environment, it can put a lot of stress on the seal or other components because they are not designed to work without air pressure.
Here is a list of the following issues
- Seal collapse
In a vacuum environment, the external pressure is higher than the internal pressure, and the seal can only control the internal pressure. This imbalance can lead the seal to collapse or deform, which can result in air leaks or complete failure of the cylinder.
If the seal doesn’t work efficiently, the outside pressure can damage the vacuum system. It can badly affect the ability of the cylinder to work properly.
- Corrosion and Contamination
Some materials in air cylinders are not designed to work in vacuum environments. Like moisture, other substances can react with its exposed parts and cause corrosion.
In addition to this, the vacuum can attract dust or other tiny particles into the system. This contaminant can damage sensitive components. And since there is no seal for outside pressure in air cylinders, it may lead the system to get damaged or need frequent maintenance.
Potential Risks of Using Air Cylinders in Vacuum Systems
- System failure: The entire system can fail in vacuum systems if leaking seals, contamination, and material damage occur at the same time.
- Increased maintenance: If frequent repair or replacement is required because of a seal or contaminant, it may become very costly.
- Safety Concerns: The leaks in seals or failures can harm the workers or the surrounding machinery. Besides that, the equipment that relies on air cylinders can stop working unexpectedly.
When to Use an Air Cylinder in Vacuum
Using an air cylinder in a vacuum can be difficult, but in some cases, it is useful.
Application Suitability
Air cylinders are best for vacuum environments. They work best in environments where the complete removal of pressure is not necessary.
- Handling Delicate Material
In many industries that produce delicate materials like glass, they need careful handling. In these areas, the air cylinder works best by picking, handling, or placing these fragile items without causing any damage.
- Vacuum-assisted Robotic Arms
In some areas, the Robotic arm may require moving or changing objects. In such areas, a partial vacuum fits best to make the work easier and more efficient.
Load and Pressure Consideration
Before choosing an air cylinder, it is important to take a few factors into consideration.
- Load Weight
Due to reduced pressure, the cylinder might struggle to lift heavy weights and move objects. So, make sure that your cylinder is compatible enough to work with the weight of your objects.
- Pressure Levels
Depending on the pressure range, air cylinder designs are different for each level of pressure range. If the pressure range of the cylinder is low, it might struggle to work efficiently to generate force.
Checking if the cylinder matches your vacuum air pressure is also crucial.
Vacuum Air Cylinders vs. Standard Air Cylinders
There are two main air cylinders: vacuum and standard air cylinders. It is important to understand the difference between the two to choose the right one for your needs.
Vacuum Air Cylinders
Pros
- They are best for low-pressure environments.
- They have a special ceiling that locks the air and prevents it from getting in or out.
- The durable material of air cylinders allows them to work efficiently even in harsh conditions such as vacuum environments.
Cons
- Compared to air cylinders, they are quite expensive
- It is quite difficult to find vacuum-specific cylinders. They are not easily available everywhere.
Standard Air Cylinders
Pros
- They are pocket-friendly and also quite easy to find.
- For general use, they work perfectly. They are best for areas where the air pressure is normal.
Cons
- They are fit for normal environments, but they are not a good option for vacuum environments. They are not suitable for handling low-pressure situations.
- Since standard cylinders are not specifically for vacuum environments, their components may wear out faster because they can’t handle vacuum pressure properly.
Final Thought
Choosing the right air cylinders for your specific needs is essential for smooth operation because the use of the wrong ones can lead to costly repairs, performance issues, or even safety risks.
For vacuum environments especially, it is important to install the right vacuum air cylinder. Besides selecting the right cylinder, it is important to select the right supplier for excellent quality material.
Foye always has the best expertise and products to meet your needs. Their products can handle issues such as low-pressure conditions, wear and tear of components, or leakage in the seal. Even though it costs a bit more, it saves time and maintenance costs.
FAQs
Can standard air cylinders handle vacuum environments?
Standard air cylinders are not suitable for vacuum environments, but they are quite helpful in some areas.
How can I choose the right cylinder for a vacuum application?
There are a few factors to consider when choosing an air cylinder, such as operating pressure level, load requirements, compatibility with seals to protect the system, and, most importantly, material for handling negative pressure.
Why is it risky to use a standard air cylinder in a vacuum?
Some features of the standard cylinder are not beneficial for vacuuming. There can be issues of sealing leakage, wear and tear of components, and failure of the system. These issues can harm the workers or the machines associated with the cylinder.
How are vacuum cylinders different from standard pneumatic cylinders?
The basic purpose of a vacuum air cylinder is to control the outer pressure, whereas pneumatic cylinders control the inside air pressure. That’s one reason why pneumatic cylinders are not suitable for vacuum environments.
What should you look for when choosing a vacuum air cylinder?
While choosing a vacuum air cylinder, it is important to consider features such as compatibility with your vacuum pressure and the right sealing system. It is also essential to make sure that your cylinder can handle the load of your environmental factors.