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Pneumatic Timers - FAQ

How do they work?

Set the time delay required. Switch on air supply (to port 12 or port 1 depending on model). After time delay a valve within the timer will operate and switch an output (or if a normally open NO option is chosen, switch OFF an output). Timer remains in switched position until a reset signal is received, usually by interrupting or switching off the air supply.

All our standard pneumatic timers require the presence of an air supply in order to time.  There is one exception, which is the Ellis Kuhnke Specialist timer.  In this case the removal of a compressed air pilot supply on certain models will cause the timer delay function to initiate. These specialist timers are used in certain safety applications and not in normal instrumentation.

Pneumatic timers operate as logic devices and are normally used to switch a main valve elsewhere in a circuit, one that is controlling air supply to the application.

What time options are there?

Short Interval  - 0.3 - 3secs, 0.3 - 10secs, 2 -30secs, 3 - 100 secs, 1 - 120 secs, 20 - 300 secs.

Long Interval - 0.3 - 10 minutes, 3 - 100 minutes, 0.3 - 10 hours, 3 - 100 hours.
Digital - 0 - 999secs, 0 - 999mins, 0 -  99999sec, 0 -  99999mins
Ellis Kuhnke Specialist (Non-Display, Set & Forget Type) - 9 models up to 60mins delay

What other options are there?

Mostly Panel mounted, Normally Closed (NC) or Normally Open (NO), normally M5 ports but some with 4mm tube options.

How to time "on" and then time "off"

In most case 2 separate timers are required, unless the time period "on" and "off" are always the same (flip-flop, or wiper).

These applications require simple pneumatic circuits. Contact our office for assistance or download a PDF circuit in the applications section.

What air quality is needed?

Dry, non lubricated, filtered to 5 micron.(Exception: The main 5/2 valve on the 54 series can accept lub/non lub air at 50 micron, but not the signal supply to port 12).

Biggest Operating Problems

1. Oil in the air line. Pilot ports and body become flooded.
2. Overpressure. (Max 6 bar on mini series)
3. Panel mount cut out too tight. (Mini-series body flexes)
4. Dirty air
5. Water condensate in air

Are pneumatic timers repairable or serviceable?

No.

What operating pressures apply?

Mini Timers: 2 - 6 bar

Clock Face Timers: 0 - 10 bar (with 2 - 10 bar pilot)

Digital Timers: 2 - 8 bar

Are Kuhnke products interchangeable with other manufacturers products?

Mainly yes. We manufacture and brand for other leading pneumatics suppliers including Norgren, Festo & Bosch. Kuhnke and Hengstler products are fully interchangeable, and we will generally recognise both Kuhnke and Hengstler part numbers. Contact us for equivalent part numbers.

Can I buy RS versions from Kuhnke?

Yes, RS Components used to offer some Hengstler pneumatic timers and counters, with push on tube connectors in place of the preferred and more secure M5 ported versions. The Timer & Counter Company will supply exact or equivalent products (with full technical support!).

Can pneumatic timers operate cylinders directly?

No. Our pneumatic timers are designed as pilot devices. They should be used to operate larger control valves.

An exception might be the 54 series clock face timer which includes an integrated 5/2 valve. this valve is supplied with one port plugged so that a 3/2 NO or 3/2 NC function can be chosen. A small actuator could be operated directly.

Can pneumatic timers be operated using other gases?

The answer is "Yes and No!" These timers will operate with any inert gas, within the minimum and maximum pressures for each model. BUT all models exhaust to atmosphere through the body in a way that cannot be ported or blocked. The inert gas will escape to atmosphere, and the constant bleed may rapidly exhaust bottle supplies. This design feature tends to restrict the use of these timers to compressed air (which is what they are designed for). The exception is the Ellis Kuhnke specialist timer which uses the pilot signal to operate a diaphragm against a spring. The timer will not exhaust this pilot signal although the pneumatic circuit generating the signal will have to do so, somewhere! Call us for more details.