9
User Manual
Model PCS
Pneumatic Motion Control System
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Before installing your system, refer to the Application Sizing and Rules of Thumb section to ensure your system
is sized properly for your application. Use the following steps to successfully install and operate your PCS
system. There are a couple of application examples that follow this section which are helpful in gaining a full
understanding of the adjustments that will be made.
1. INSTALL THE BIMBA ACTUATOR
Install the actuator as you would any other actuator, ensuring that the feedback cable routes away in a careful
and protected manner.
2. MOUNT THE PCS
Select a mounting location for the PCS not more that 18 inches from the actuator if possible. Positioning
accuracy and efficiency improves when the PCS is mounted close to the actuator. Be sure to allow sufficient
room for both the pneumatic connections and the electrical connections on opposite sides of the PCS
enclosure. Drill four mounting holes (for up to 5/16 diameter mounting bolts) and secure the PCS in position by
the enclosure’s mounting flanges.
Option-N (No Enclosure)
If Option-N is specified, the PCS system will be shipped with the PCS printed circuit board, a snap track, a
valve manifold, and four 25 foot valve cables. The snap track allows for easy mounting inside a larger enclosure
box. Mount the snap track in the enclosure and snap the PC Board in place. Mount the valve manifold near the
actuator. Be careful to mount the manifold in a place where the valves will not be vulnerable to physical damage
3. MAKE THE PNEUMATIC CONNECTION
The supply air must be 70 to 80 psi. Air supply pressure affects system performance, not just force. Air must be
filtered to 5 microns and regulated, and the connections must be leak free. Leaks of any kind in the plumbing wil
cause the PCS to adjust to make up for this air loss, creating unnecessary wear on the valves and generating
chattering that might be interpreted as a malfunction. All of the pneumatic fittings, tubes, etc., must seal
perfectly. For a perfect seal, push-in fittings with O-rings inside perform well. If Teflon tape is employed, care
must be taken to ensure that loose pieces don’t get into the system. Liquid thread sealants must not be used;
they can attack the materials of the transducer. It is also important that tubing used between the PCS valve
manifold and the actuator does not expand with pressure. Volume changes, even though slight, will cause the
system to work harder. Metal tubing is the best, but nylon is also satisfactory. Do not use very soft, easy to
expand tubing like Tygon
®
.
!
Pressures above 100 psi may damage the PCS control’s valves.
Pressures below 70 psi may result in erratic operaion.