Industrial pneumatic system with cylinders and valves
Core Technical Course

Pneumatics

Comprehensive study of industrial pneumatic systems — from air preparation and circuit design to electro-pneumatic integration and structured troubleshooting.

45–60 Hours
Lecture + Lab
Year 1–2 Core

Course Description

This course provides a comprehensive study of industrial pneumatic systems, focusing on air preparation, circuit design, valve operation, actuator control, schematic interpretation, and system troubleshooting. Students learn to design, build, and validate pneumatic circuits using industry-standard components and safety practices aligned with CSA Z432 and Ontario College Program Standards.

Prerequisites

  • Basic Electricity
  • Intro to Fluid Power

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will be able to:

Explain pneumatic principles including pressure, flow, force, and air quality.
Interpret and generate pneumatic schematics using ISO 1219 symbols.
Select and size pneumatic components (valves, actuators, FRLs, fittings, tubing).
Design and build pneumatic circuits including sequencing, interlocking, and logic control.
Integrate electro-pneumatic components such as solenoid valves, sensors, and relays.
Apply safety standards for pneumatic systems, lockout/tagout, and pressure hazards.
Troubleshoot pneumatic systems using structured diagnostic methods.
Document pneumatic systems using professional engineering standards.

14-Week Module Breakdown

Assessment Structure

ComponentWeightDescription
Labs (10–12)40%Hands-on pneumatic circuit design, assembly, troubleshooting
Midterm Exam15%Theory + applied calculations
Capstone Pneumatic Project25%Full circuit design + build + documentation
Final Practical Exam10%Live troubleshooting + circuit build
Final Written Exam10%Standards, theory, schematics

Grading Rubric – Pneumatic Circuit Design

Ontario College Knowledge, Application, Communication, and Analysis competency model.

Level 4 – Exceeds Standard

Circuit is optimized, safe, and fully functional; uses correct ISO symbols; demonstrates advanced sequencing and control logic.

Level 3 – Meets Standard

Circuit functions correctly; minor inefficiencies; documentation is clear and complete.

Ready to master industrial pneumatics?

Contact Polyphase Automation to enrol in the next available Pneumatics course.

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