Pneumatic Circuit Simulator

1. Overview

Welcome to the Pneumatic Circuit Simulator — a free, browser-based pneumatic systems simulator designed for mechanical engineering students, automation technicians, vocational instructors, and maintenance engineers. This tool serves as a powerful FluidSIM pneumatics online alternative, providing interactive ISO 1219 schematic building, real-time compressed air flow animation, and comprehensive learning modes — all without installation, signup, or licensing fees.

2. Getting Started

Select components from the collapsible palette on the left. Click a component to place it on the canvas, or drag it directly. Click on port circles to create connections between components. Click the Run Circuit button to start the simulation and watch compressed air flow through your circuit with animated particles.

3. Component Library (39 Components)

Air Supply (2)

Compressed air source and air reservoir tank. The air supply provides regulated pressure (typically 6 bar) to the pneumatic circuit.

Air Treatment / FRL (3)

Filter, pressure regulator, and combined FRL unit. Essential for clean, dry, regulated air supply to all pneumatic components.

Directional Control Valves (12)

2/2-way on/off switch, 3/2-way valves (push button, roller lever, idle return, plunger, solenoid), 5/2-way valves (single solenoid, double solenoid, pilot operated), 5/3-way valves (closed center, exhaust center), and 4/3-way closed center valve. All DCVs display ISO 1219 internal arrows showing port connections for each position. Uses ISO 5599 port numbering: 1(P), 2(A), 3(R), 4(B), 5(S).

Flow Control (3)

One-way flow control valve (meter-out), bidirectional throttle valve, and quick exhaust valve for rapid cylinder retraction.

Pressure Control (2)

Pressure relief valve and sequence valve for multi-actuator circuits.

Logic Valves (3)

Check valve (non-return), shuttle valve (OR function), and dual-pressure valve (AND function) for logic-based pneumatic circuits.

Actuators (4)

Single-acting cylinder (spring return), double-acting cylinder, rodless cylinder, and rotary actuator.

Vacuum (2)

Vacuum generator (venturi ejector) and suction cup for pick-and-place applications.

Timing (2)

On-delay and off-delay timer valves for time-sequenced pneumatic operations.

Measurement (3)

Pressure gauge, flow meter, and proximity sensor (reed switch) for cylinder position detection.

Utility (2)

Silencer (exhaust muffler) and T-connector for branching air lines.

4. Building Circuits

Components in the palette are organised into collapsible categories — click a category header to expand or collapse it. Drag components from the palette onto the canvas, or click to auto-place. Click port circles to begin a connection, then click a target port to complete it. Connections automatically route around obstacles with orthogonal paths. You can drag connection segments to adjust routing, or add manual waypoints by clicking on empty canvas during connection.

5. Pre-Built Circuits (9 Templates)

Circuit	Description
Direct Control	Single-acting cylinder with 3/2 push button — basic pneumatic control
Speed Control	Double-acting cylinder with meter-out flow control on both ports
Auto Return	Cylinder auto-retracts when fully extended using roller lever limit switch
AND Logic	Dual-pressure valve requires both inputs to extend cylinder — two-hand safety
OR Logic	Shuttle valve allows either of two push buttons to extend cylinder
Time Delay	On-delay timer holds cylinder extended for set time before auto-retract
Sequential A+B+	Two cylinders extend in sequence using limit switches and pilot valves
Cascade	Multi-cylinder cascade sequencing using group switching valves
Vacuum Pick	Venturi vacuum generator with suction cup for pick-and-place operation

6. Running Simulations

Press Run Circuit to start the simulation. Compressed air flow is shown with animated blue particles. Click on 3/2 valves (push buttons) to toggle them during simulation. Pressure gauges show live readings. Cylinders animate extension/retraction. The readout panel shows supply pressure, flow rate, air consumption, cylinder force, and speed in real time.

7. Component Manipulation

• Rotate: Select a component and press R or the Rotate button for 90° clockwise rotation
• Duplicate: Right-click → Duplicate, or select and press D
• Delete: Select and press Delete or Backspace
• Undo: Press Ctrl+Z to undo the last action

8. Explore Mode

Browse 16+ pneumatic concepts across four categories: Fundamentals (Boyle's Law, flow, force), Components (valves, cylinders, FRL), Circuits (speed control, sequencing, cascade), and Applications (pick-and-place, clamping, sorting). Each card includes formulas, worked examples, and practical tips.

9. Practice Mode

Solve 12 randomised pneumatic calculation problems covering cylinder force, piston speed, air consumption, flow rate, valve sizing, and pressure drop. Each problem provides step-by-step solutions after you submit your answer.

10. Quiz Mode

Test your pneumatic knowledge with 5 randomly selected questions from a pool of 15. Mix of multiple-choice and numeric-answer questions covering valve types, circuit design, calculations, and ISO standards.

11. Keyboard Shortcuts

Key	Action
Ctrl+Z	Undo last action
R	Rotate selected component 90°
D	Duplicate selected component
Delete / Backspace	Delete selected component or connection
Escape	Cancel current connection or close dialog
Space	Toggle simulation run/stop

12. Tips & Best Practices

• Always include an FRL unit between the air supply and the circuit
• Use meter-out flow control (not meter-in) for smooth cylinder speed control in pneumatics
• Add silencers to all exhaust ports to reduce noise
• Use quick exhaust valves directly at the cylinder port for maximum retraction speed
• In sequential circuits, use one-way roller levers (idle return) to avoid false signals
• Set supply pressure to 6 bar for standard industrial applications
• Check ISO 5599 port numbering: 1=supply, 2=output A, 3=exhaust A, 4=output B, 5=exhaust B