The use of a reservoir in a pneumatic circuit; - Leaving Cert Engineering - Question iii - 2016

A reservoir is used in pneumatic circuits primarily to create a time delay. This functionality is significant in applications where synchronous operation is required.

When a pneumatic circuit uses a reservoir, it temporarily stores compressed air, allowing for more controlled release. A larger reservoir affects the circuit performance by increasing the time it takes to fill with air, thus resulting in a longer time delay before the air pressure stabilizes and operations commence.

In summary, the size of the reservoir directly influences the time delay; larger reservoirs will take more time to fill and subsequently lead to longer delays in circuit actuation.