Module: Pneumatics & Hydraulics

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Pneumatics & Hydraulics
Module Code	MEC1008 (ITS: MM232)
Faculty	Mechanical & Manufacturing Eng	School	Engineering & Computing
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

To provide knowledge of pneumatic, hydraulic and PLC systems. To analyse compressors, hydraulic power packs, and distribution networks, directional control valves, signal valves and actuators. Introduction to PLC systems and control of circuits.

Learning Outcomes

1. Analyse and solve a range of Pneumatic and Hydraulic problems
2. Build pneumatic circuits using a range of standard pneumatic components
3. Describe factors to be considered when designing pneumatic and hydraulic circuits
4. Specify air treatment equipment and hydraulic power packs
5. Design simple programmes to control the operation of pneumatic circuits
6. Programme a standard PLC and test/fault find

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Laboratory	4	Circuit design, building and testing
Tutorial	12	Tutorials to compliment lecture notes
Lecture	24	Weekly lectures on Pneumatics and Control
Independent Study	85	Including report writing, research and lecture review
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	20155	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Paul Young	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Group laboratory	Each group will complete 2 lab assignments	25%	Once per semester
Formal Examination	End-of-Semester Final Examination	75%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Reciprocating compressors and effect of clearance volume

Psychometry, compressed air drying and air distribution

Pneumatic circuit components, symbols and circuit design

Cascade systems and sequential control

Hydraulic system components, symbols and circuit design

Hydraulic fluids contamination control and filters

Hydraulic system maintenance

Introduction to PLC,s

Programming of PLC,s

Worked Examples of circuits and programs

Indicative Reading List

Books:

T. D. Eastop, A. McConkey: 0, Applied thermodynamics for engineering technologists, 0-582-09193-4
Bolton: 2003, Programmable Logic Controllers, 3rd, Newnes, 0-7506-5986-6
Parr: 1998, Hydraulics and Pneumatics, 2nd, Butterworth, 0-7506-4419-2

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None