Understanding ANSI/ISO Schematic Symbols for Fluid Power Components

Recognizing and understanding schematic symbols will enable you to comprehend a circuit's function. Schematic drawings document the machine logic only and are never to be used as a piping diagram. Valves control the direction and amount of flow while actuators are the work producers such as cylinders and rotary actuators. Air preparation equipment conditions the air by providing filtration, controlling pressure, and lubricating the valves and actuators. Directional valves control the direction of flowand is identified by the number of ways or ports and their number of positions. The number of ways defines valve function with a way or port being either a line connection or an exhaust point. Positions identify the number of discrete operating positions of the valve element -typically most air valves are either 2 or 3 positions.