Skip to main content

Pneumatics Standards

Version: v2025.0
Owner: Pneumatics/Electrical Lead
Last Updated: 2025-11-27
Reviewed: No
Deviations Allowed: Yes (with approval)

Why: safety, legality, and reliable actuation.

Components​

  • Compressor, tanks, regulators, fittings, tubing sizes; mounting and isolation.
  • Reference: FIRST Robotics Pneumatics Manual (see latest on firstinspires.org).

Plumbing rules​

  • Routing, strain relief, leak checks, thread sealant, pressure relief valve placement.
  • Order (high → working): compressor → relief valve (hard fittings, on compressor) → storage tanks → primary regulator (120→≤60 psi) → gauges (storage + working) → vent plug → working side (valves/actuators).
  • Only filters/transducers on the high-pressure side; primary regulator required; max working pressure ≤60 psi.

Testing​

  • Pressure test, leak check, regulator setpoint validation, gauge visibility.
  • Functional tests: pressure switch operation (compressor cycles), relief valve validation, leak test before events.

Visual example​

  • Annotated pneumatic board layout.

Common failure modes​

  • Leaks, loose push-to-connects, regulator drift, kinked tubing.
  • Relief valve not on compressor; missing vent; over-pressurizing working side.

Tuning speed/force​

  • Flow restrictors on cylinder ports to slow one direction without losing force.
  • Secondary regulators to reduce force/air consumption for specific actuators.

Design notes​

  • Calculate stroke and bore for required force: Force = Pressure × Area; remember valve minimum pressure (15–30 psi) and working cap at 60 psi.
  • Evaluate air usage vs tank capacity for match-length reliability.

Sources​

Instructions (numbered)​

  1. Plumb high → working: compressor → relief (hard fittings) → tanks → primary regulator (120→≤60 psi) → gauges (storage + working) → vent → valves/actuators.
  2. Keep filters/transducers only on high-pressure side; all other components on working side.
  3. Verify relief valve setting; perform pressure switch test; set primary regulator to ≤60 psi.
  4. Run leak test and document; fix before events.
  5. Use flow restrictors or secondary regulators to tune speed/force; record settings.

Best practices​

  • Mount relief valve directly on compressor; ensure vent is accessible and clears all stored air.
  • Label pressures; keep gauges visible; protect tubing from kinks and heat/sharp edges.
  • Keep tubing lengths short and supported; strain-relief near moving actuators.

Common mistakes​

  • Relief valve not on compressor; missing/blocked vent; working pressure above 60 psi.
  • Leaks from loose fittings or uncut tubing; no leak check before events.
  • Overusing flow restrictors instead of right-size actuators/pressures.

Checklist​

  • Plumbing order correct; relief on compressor; vent accessible
  • Primary regulator set to ≤60 psi; gauges visible
  • Leak test passed; pressure switch/relief tested
  • Flow restrictors/regulators set and labeled
  • Tubing secured; no kinks/sharp edges
  • Tubing cutter, thread sealant compatible with pneumatics, soapy water for leak tests, gauge for verification.

Sample log (template)​

  • Date:
  • Leak test result:
  • Regulator settings:
  • Flow restrictor settings:
  • Issues/fixes:

Photos/diagrams​

  • [Placeholder: annotated pneumatic board showing high/working sides and valves]

Deviations​

  • Any setup outside this standard (pressure settings, components) requires approval from EE/mech leads and must remain within FRC rules.

Version & ownership​

  • Owner: Electrical/pneumatics lead/mentor
  • Review cadence: pre-season and before first event

See also:

��� Reference the Glossary for definitions of common terms and constraints.