A comprehensive guide to pneumatic installation - from design to service
A pneumatic system is an essential component in many manufacturing plants that allows the efficient use of compressed air in a variety of applications. In this article, we will look at the importance and use of a pneumatic system, the design and installation process, compressed air system components, servicing and maintenance, as well as the performance and energy efficiency of such systems.
Importance and application of pneumatic installation
The importance of pneumatic systems in industry cannot be overstated, as they play an important role in many manufacturing processes. These installations allow the efficient use of compressed air in various applications, resulting in increased productivity and energy efficiency of the systems.

Why is pneumatic installation crucial in industry?
Pneumatic systems are indispensable in industry because of their versatility, reliability and ease of operation. Compressed air is a clean, safe and economical energy source that can be used in a variety of processes, such as driving machinery, transporting materials or controlling processes. As a result, the importance of pneumatic installation is invaluable in many industrial sectors, such as automotive, food, pharmaceutical and energy.
Various applications of pneumatic installation
Pneumatics for a variety of applications allow industrial processes to become more efficient and productive. Some examples of a pneumatic installation’s application include:
- Industrial automation – driving and controlling machines, industrial robots or transport systems.
- Pneumatic conveying – moving bulk materials, such as grains, powders or granules, using compressed air.
- Processes – the use of compressed air in processes such as painting, welding or surface treatment.
- Cooling and drying – using compressed air to cool machine components or dry products.
- Maintenance – cleaning, maintenance and repair of machinery and industrial equipment using compressed air.
It is worth noting that the use of pneumatic systems is not limited to industry. Compressed air is also used in medicine, dentistry, laboratories or auto repair shops.
Pneumatic system design and installation
The process of designing and installing a pneumatic system is crucial to ensuring effective and safe operation. In this section, we will discuss the key design elements, take you step-by-step through the installation process, and advise you on how to choose the right installation scheme.
Key elements of pneumatic system design
Designing a pneumatic system requires consideration of several key elements that will affect the final performance and efficiency of the system:
- Needs analysis – before designing the installation, the user’s needs and requirements should be thoroughly investigated to ensure that the system’s performance is appropriate.
- Component selection – selecting the right equipment and system components, such as valves, actuators, compressed air preparation blocks, connectors or tubing, to ensure system reliability and durability.
- Hose layout – the design of the system also includes the development of the optimal hose layout, and material: PTFE, PVC, PUX, PU SH95, PA 12, PE, which will allow efficient transmission of compressed air to the various components of the system.
- Safety – take into account all aspects related to the safety of an installation’s operation, such as overload protection, emergency shutdowns or control systems.
It’s also a good idea to consult with experts in pneumatic system design for professional support and guidance on best practices.

Installation of pneumatic system - step by step
The process of installing a pneumatic system can be complicated, so it is worthwhile to read a step-by-step guide to help avoid mistakes and ensure that the system works properly:
- Preparing the installation site – make sure the installation site is properly prepared, clean and free of obstructions.
- Installing components – start by installing the main components of the system, such as the compressed air tank, compressor and valves.
- Laying the cables – according to the prepared design, lay the cables and connectors, connecting the various components of the system.
- Connecting receivers – connect compressed air devices to the appropriate connectors in the system.
- Testing and adjustment – once the installation is complete, conduct leak tests and check the operation of individual components, making any adjustments.
It is important that the process of installing a pneumatic system is carried out by experienced specialists who will ensure that the work is carried out correctly and in accordance with applicable standards.
How to choose the right pneumatic system scheme?
Choosing the right pneumatic system scheme ensures the effective operation of the system. There are many different schemes that can be customized to meet specific needs and requirements. Here are some tips to help you choose:
- Understand your needs – carefully analyze user requirements and expectations to determine what type of scheme will be most optimal.
- Analyze available schemes – familiarize yourself with the different types of pneumatic system schemes, such as parallel, series or mixed systems, to understand their advantages and disadvantages.
- Consultation with experts – take advantage of the knowledge and experience of pneumatic specialists to help you choose the right scheme for your installation.
Compressed air system and its components
A compressed air system allows equipment to be efficiently supplied with compressed air. In this section, we will discuss the basic components of a compressed air system and the various devices that use compressed air in practice.
Devices using compressed air
In industry, there are many devices that use compressed air to perform various tasks. Some of them being:
- Pneumatic tools – such as impact wrenches, drills or grinders, which use compressed air for propulsion.
- Pneumatic actuators – used to generate linear force, such as in industrial machinery or automation systems.
- Pneumatic valves – used to control the flow of compressed air in a system, such as solenoid valves or proportional valves.
- Pneumatic conveying systems – using compressed air to move bulk or granular materials in industry.
Compressed air-powered devices are widely used because of their reliability, efficiency and safety of use.
Compressed air supply - how does it work?
Compressed air supply involves supplying compressed air to equipment that uses it as an energy source. The process involves several steps:
- Generation of compressed air – using a compressor that sucks in atmospheric air and increases its pressure.
- Preparation of compressed air – includes cleaning the air of impurities, drying it and regulating the pressure with filters, dryers and pressure regulators.
- Delivery of compressed air – to individual devices by means of a network of hoses, connectors and valves that ensure adequate flow and pressure.
- Utilization of compressed air – by devices that convert compressed air energy into mechanical energy, such as rotary or linear motion.
Compressed air supply offers many advantages, such as reliability, efficiency, flexibility and safety of use.

Compressed air tank - selection and application
The compressed air tank plays a key role in the system, serving to store and stabilize the pressure of the compressed air. Choosing the right tank is important to ensure optimal system performance. Here are some tips on tank selection and application:
- Tank capacity – should be adapted to the requirements of the system, taking into account the amount of compressed air intake and compressor run time.
- Tank material – carbon steel tanks are the most common, but for aggressive environments, stainless steel or aluminum tanks can be considered.
- Tank mounting – the tank can be mounted vertically or horizontally, depending on available space and system requirements.
- Tank safety – care should be taken to ensure adequate safety features, such as safety valves, pressure gauges or pressure monitoring systems.
Choosing the right compressed air tank is key to ensuring efficient installation operation and long-term system reliability. A tool that can assist in selecting the tank size is our Compressed Air Calculators.
Service and maintenance of pneumatic installation
Servicing a pneumatic system is critical to maintaining its efficiency and reliability. In this section, we discuss the process of servicing and maintaining a pneumatic system, tips and best practices.
How to properly service a pneumatic system?
The process of servicing a pneumatic system involves several steps to ensure its long-term reliability and performance. Here is a step-by-step guide to servicing a pneumatic system:
- Condition inspection – involves checking the condition of individual system components, such as the compressor, tank, hoses, valves or compressed air equipment.
- Replacement of worn parts – regular replacement of worn parts, such as filters, seals or valves, allows the system to maintain adequate performance.
- Pressure control – control and regulate the pressure of compressed air in the system to ensure optimal operating conditions for compressed air-powered equipment.
- Cleanliness maintenance – regularly cleaning hoses, connectors and equipment from dust, oil or other contaminants that can affect system performance.
- Periodic inspection – conducting regular technical inspections of a system to monitor its condition and detect possible problems at an early stage.
Proper installation selection and regular service and maintenance are key to ensuring the long-term reliability and performance of a pneumatic system.

The importance of regularly checking for leaks in the system
Regular inspection for leaks in a pneumatic system is essential to maintain its performance and safety. Leaks can lead to energy loss, increased operating costs and reduced performance of compressed air-powered equipment. Some tips for leak inspection revolve around aspects such as:
- Visual inspection – regularly check the condition of hoses, fittings and valves to detect any damage or signs of wear.
- Leak tests – conduct leak tests, such as with water soap or special detectors, to locate leaks in the system.
- Pressure monitoring – monitor the pressure of compressed air in the system to detect possible pressure drops caused by leaks.
- Repairing leaks – quickly sealing leaks, such as by replacing damaged seals or repairing lines, to prevent further energy losses.
Regular inspection of leaks in the pneumatic system helps maintain its efficiency, save energy and ensure safe operation.
Performance and energy efficiency of pneumatic installation
The performance of a pneumatic installation and its energy efficiency are key to achieving optimal operating results, and minimizing operating costs. In this section, we will discuss how to increase the performance and energy efficiency of a pneumatic installation, and how to monitor these parameters.

How to increase the efficiency of the pneumatic system?
In order to increase the efficiency of your pneumatic system, it’s a good idea to use some proven strategies and techniques. Here are some of them:
- Pressure optimization – adjusting the pressure of the compressed air to the requirements of the devices being supplied, thereby reducing energy losses and increasing efficiency.
- Regular servicing – taking care of the system’s condition, replacing worn parts and checking for leaks improve system performance.
- Using energy-efficient equipment – the use of energy-efficient compressors, valves or motors can significantly affect the energy efficiency of an installation.
- Automating processes – the use of control and regulation systems allows optimization of an installation’s operation, resulting in increased efficiency.
The use of these strategies makes it possible to achieve cost-effective pneumatic installations with high performance and energy efficiency.
Monitoring energy efficiency - why is it important?
Monitoring the energy efficiency of a compressed air system allows you to optimize its optimal level and achieve economic benefits. Here are some reasons to monitor energy efficiency:
- Reduction of operating costs – by monitoring energy efficiency, you can identify areas where energy losses occur, allowing you to eliminate them and reduce costs.
- Optimization of device operation – monitoring allows you to adjust the parameters of device operation to current needs, resulting in increased efficiency.
- Extending installation’s lifespan – regular monitoring of energy efficiency allows early detection of problems, which can prevent failures and extend the life of the system.
- Ecology and sustainability – taking care of the energy efficiency of an installation contributes to reducing CO2 emissions and consumption of natural resources, which is in line with the principles of sustainable development.
In practice, monitoring of energy efficiency can be implemented through the use of specialized leakage measurement systems, data analysis and implementation of corrective actions. In this way, the economy of pneumatic installations translates into financial and environmental benefits.
Summary
In this article, we have presented a comprehensive guide to pneumatic installation, discussing its importance, application, design, installation, servicing, performance and energy efficiency. The information presented should help both novice and advanced readers understand the key aspects of pneumatic installation and point out specific solutions and application examples.
We have emphasized that pneumatic installation is crucial in industry because of its versatility and reliability. We also discussed the process of designing and installing the installation, pointing out key design elements and installation steps. We also introduced compressed air equipment and the principles of its operation.
In the section on servicing and maintaining an air system, we highlighted the importance of regular leak checks and proper servicing. In the final section of the article, we focused on the performance and energy efficiency of an installation, highlighting how to increase these parameters and why it is important to monitor energy efficiency.
If you need assistance or would like to learn more about the machines built by CPP “PREMA” S.A., we encourage you to contact us.