48 Fluid Power
The receiver stores compressed air at a pre-
set maximum system pressure established by a
pressure-operated electrical switch, which con-
trols the operation of the compressor. The regu-
lator located at the workstation sets a working
pressure at a level lower than the maximum sys-
tem pressure. Air moves from the higher-pressure
area of the receiver to the lower pressure area of
the workstation. When the actuator is overloaded
or has reached the end of its travel, the pressure
in the workstation area reaches the setting of the
regulator. The regulator then blocks airflow from
the receiver, protecting workstation components
from excessive pressure.
Air exhaust
to atmosphere
Cylinder
Directional
control
valve
Compressed air
distribution line
Separator-
filter
Pressure
regulator
Lubricator
Figure 2-25. Airfl ow through a basic pneumatic system during cylinder extension.
Air exhaust
to atmosphere
Cylinder
Directional
control
valve
Compressed air
distribution line
Separator-
filter
Pressure
regulator
Lubricator
Figure 2-26. Airfl ow through a basic pneumatic system during cylinder retraction.