In a conventional pneumatic power system, the compressed air used to actuate a cylinder is vented to the atmosphere. This is inefficient, since the compressor must constantly pressurize air to resupply the system.

The ERDP Remote Drive from PHD Inc. solves that problem. It electrically powers pneumatic grippers, clamps, and short-travel linear actuators, independent of factory air systems. Unlike a conventional pneumatic system, the remote drive and attached actuators form a closed-loop system with no air exhausted during operation. 

A servomotor connected to a rack-and-pinion system drives a two-piece piston. Force produced against the exhaust-side piston is redirected to help compress the compression-side air. Energy expended to compress air on the compression side is recovered during subsequent expansion. The two-piece piston opens during the expansion cycle to replace air leaked. Pneumatic actuators connect directly to the remote drive with standard pneumatic tubing. The remote drive connects to the machine’s digital controls.

The device enables the power system to be located near the point of use, which simplifies setup. FRL units or valves are not required. Since compressed air is not vented to the atmosphere, the system operates more quietly than conventional pneumatic systems. It’s also more energy efficient.

The device is suitable for a wide range of applications, including automated guided vehicles, welding cells, crossbar robotic feeding systems, medical and hospital equipment, packaging equipment, robotic end-of-arm tooling, assembly cells, and food processing equipment. 

The device ensures consistent force to the pneumatic actuator