AIRCRAFT PNEUMATIC

SYSTEMS
• It employs air instead of a liquid for transmitting
power.
Pneumatic systems are sometimes used for:
• Brakes
• Opening and closing doors
• Driving hydraulic pumps, alternators, starters,
water injection pumps, etc.
• Operating emergency devices
• Both pneumatic and hydraulic systems are similar
units and use confined fluids.
• Liquids are practically incompressible; a quart
of water still occupies about a quart of space
regardless of how hard it is compressed.
• Gases are highly compressible
Pneumatic System Components
• do not utilize reservoirs, hand pumps,
accumulators, regulators, or engine-driven or
electrically driven power pumps for building
normal pressure.
• But similarities do exist in some components.
 Air Compressors
On some aircraft, permanently installed air compressors
have been added to recharge air bottles whenever pressure is
used for operating a unit.
 Relief Valves
Relief valves are used in pneumatic systems to prevent
damage. They act as pressure limiting units and prevent
excessive pressures from bursting lines and blowing out seals.
 Control Valves
Control valves are also a necessary part of a typical
pneumatic system.
 Check Valves
Check valves are used in both hydraulic and pneumatic
systems.
 Restrictors
Restrictors are a type of control valve used in pneumatic
systems. The small outlet port reduces the rate of airflow and
the speed of operation of an actuating unit.

 Filters
Pneumatic systems are protected against dirt by means of
various types of filters.
1. Micronic filter
2. Screen-type filter
 Desiccant/Moisture Separator
The moisture separator in a pneumatic system is always
located downstream of the compressor. Its purpose is to
remove any moisture caused by the compressor.
– A complete moisture separator consists of a reservoir, a
pressure switch, a dump valve, and a check valve.
 Chemical Drier
Chemical driers are incorporated at various locations in a
pneumatic system. Their purpose is to absorb any moisture
that may collect in the lines and other parts of the system.
Each drier contains a cartridge that should be blue in color.
 Types of Typical air pressure system

• High pressure system

• Medium pressure system
• Low pressure system
 High pressure system
• For high pressure systems air is usually
stored in metal bottles
• Pressure ranging from 1000 to 3000psi
• Has two valves
• Charging valve and
• Ground operated compressor
 Medium pressure system
• Pressure ranging from 100 to 150psi
• Does not include air bottles
• Draws air from jet engine compressor section

Low pressure system

• Pressure ranging less than 100 psi
• Used in reciprocating types of aircraft
• Driven by electric motors or by aircraft engine