In this article, I will be explaining the following three experiments conducted in Fluidsim for the Instrumentation laboratory or Fluidsim laboratory.
- A double-acting cylinder is to be extended on pressing a push-button A “Forward Button” and Retract on pressing a push-button B (“Reverse Push Button”). Speed is to be controlled in both directions.
- A double-acting cylinder is to be extended on pressing a push-button A “Forward Button” and Retract on pressing a push-button B (“Reverse Push Button”). Speed is to be controlled in the forward direction, return should be rapid.
- A double-acting cylinder is to be extended on pressing a push-button A “Forward Button” and Retract on pressing a push-button B (“Reverse Push Button”). Speed is to be controlled during retraction, forward should be rapid.
Before we begin if you do not understand how valves are represented diagrammatically or what is the difference between a 3/2 valve and a 5/2 valve, I strongly recommend that you watch this video to understand it.
Experiment 1
A double-acting cylinder is to be extended on pressing a push-button A “Forward Button” and Retract on pressing a push-button B (“Reverse Push Button”). Speed is to be controlled in both directions.
Schematic :

Press Button A is pressed for Forwarding movement of the double-acting cylinder and
Press Button B is pressed for Reverse movement.
Speed in both the directions is controlled with the help of the ‘One-way flow control valve’ for each respective directions.
Note the orientation of the One Way Flow Control Valve (should look something like a Martini Glass )
Double Click on the One Way Flow Control Valve to set the opening level for speed control.
Experiment 2
A double-acting cylinder is to be extended on pressing a push-button A “Forward Button” and Retract on pressing a push-button B (“Reverse Push Button”). Speed is to be controlled in the forward direction, return should be rapid.
Schematic :

Experiment 3
A double-acting cylinder is to be extended on pressing a push-button A “Forward Button” and Retract on pressing a push-button B (“Reverse Push Button”). Speed is to be controlled during retraction, forward should be rapid.
Schematic:

The logic for experiment 2 and 3 is similar to the first experiment, except the speed control is only in one direction either forward or reverse.
Since speed control is only in one direction, a single One Way Flow Control Valve is used for that particular direction and a Quick Exhaust Valve is used for the opposite actuation.
View Next Experiments (Single Cycle and AutoCycle)
View Last Experiment (Automatic Retraction with Time Delay)