Weigh in on Pneumatics Innovation

Can't think of any new advancements that have occurred but since I work with both ddc and pneumatics I have a fair picture of the strengths and weaknesses of both. The obvious advantages in pneumatics include precision, higher torque and close-off for valves and dampers resistance to heat on steam and hot water etc. The weaknesses start with air quality, there is no way to ensure that proper maintenance is performed to maintain a clean dry supply ( I've seen 5 floors filled with water). The only way to remove oil seems to be replacements. Everyone installs a cheap compressor so they pass oil from startup. There is also the added power cost for the compressor and added maintenance. Calibration is mandatory.

DDC requires little maintenance, consumes minimal power and perform intelligent functions beyond the ability of pneumatics. Although we can use available high torque actuators, they still do not like the heat on steam and high temp water valves. There is also the problems with incompatability in com protocols and newer versions of software and controllers. Equipment manufacturers create proprietary systems to lock in the service and the driver cards they sell to integrate with other bac's are lacking and their personel often fallin the same category. Bacnet is a standing joke. No matter what ashrae writes there will always be a way to put a fly in the ointment.

Servicing pneuamtics can be performed by any competent tech but most ddc requires someone with the programm for the system, the programming software for that brand and training on that controls system brand. There are a few companies like mine that train and equip their techs to deal with multiple protocols and programs from different manufacturers but mine is a small niche business and this is not practical for most. The investment in time and money is ridiculus and the manufacurers have roadblocks built in, ie. Johnson N-2 will not communicate over serial if you are using usb to serial. You have to know how to work around this and have the equipment because computers do not come with serial ports any longer. Older versions of ccn and tracer run only with windows 95. The result is all my techs and I carry 2 and three laptops each and we are still calling each other for help and equipment. If I installed in my own building, the controls for hvac, access, lighting and security would be ASI with a Bacnet Jace.

Innovations in pneumatics come about when they're fitted with electronics and software.

Moisture control tubing that transports moisture out of small diameter tubes. These tubes are typically used for small bore actuators and grippers with such small displacements that air volumes in tubes don't get replaced easily enough. Moisture in there could otherwise be drawn into your actuators, wreaking havoc. This is a great innovation.

And what about valve/cylinder combos? Previous generations were clunky, like screwing on what looked like a stand alone valve onto the actuator body. This generation's models have purpose-designed valve bodies that are clean and flush-mounted to the actuator.

Ionizers are great products, spraying ion-charged air onto products and machinery prone to static build-up. This dramatically reduces static discharge, which is both an electronic and a health risk.