Act8 Instrumentation

UNIVERSITY OF BATANGAS
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
HILLTOP ROAD, BATANGAS CITY
EE5L
INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROL LAB
ACTIVITY NO.8
DISCRETE CONTROL ELEMENTS
MEDRANO, ERVIN C.
EE3-3 / 1201541
ENGR.MELCHOR R. BARCENAS
INSTRUCTOR
APRIL 16, 2021

I. OBJECTIVES
 To differentiate the different types of solenoid.
 To know the proper way of using solenoid.
 To accurately use the proper valves in different connections.
II. INTRODUCTORY PART
On/off valves
Is the fluid equivalent of an electrical switch: a device that either allows unimpeded flow
or acts to prevent flow altogether. These valves are often used for routing process fluid to
different locations, starting and stopping batch processes, and engaging automated safety
(shutdown) functions.
Solenoid valves
A very common form of on/off valve used for pneumatic and hydraulic systems alike is
the solenoid valve. A “solenoid” is nothing more than a coil of wire designed to produce a
magnetic field when energized. Solenoid actuators work by attracting a movable ferrous
armature into the center of the solenoid coil when energized, the force of this attraction
working to actuate a small valve mechanism.
2-way solenoid valves
2-way solenoid valves operate in a manner analogous to single-pole single-throw
(SPST) electrical switches: with only one path for flow. Solenoid valve symbols often appear
identical to fluid power valve symbols, with “boxes” representing flow paths and directions
between ports in each of the valve’s states. Like electrical switches, these valve symbols are
always drawn in their “normal” (resting) state, where the return spring’s action determines the
valve position
3-way solenoid valves operate in a manner analogous to single-pole double-throw
(SPDT) electrical switches: with two paths for flow sharing one common terminal. 3-way
solenoid valves have three ports for fluid, and like 2-way valves may be referred to either as
normally-open and normally-closed. Ports on a pneumatic 3-way valve are commonly labeled
with the letters “P,” “E,” and “C,” representing Pressure (compressed air supply), Exhaust (vent
to atmosphere), and Cylinder (the actuating mechanism), respectively. Alternatively, you may
see the cylinder port labeled “A” (for actuator ) instead of “C”. If the solenoid valve is intended
for use in a hydraulic (liquid) system, the letter “T” is customarily used to identify the return port
rather than “E”
When a pneumatic actuator requires air pressure applied to two different ports in order
to move two different directions (such as the case for cylinders lacking a return spring), the
solenoid valve supplying air to that actuator must have four ports: one for air supply (P), one
for exhaust (E), and two for the cylinder ports (typically labeled A and B).
Motor contactors
Is used to switch a large amount of electrical power through its contacts, it is designated
by a special name: contactor. Contactors typically have multiple contacts, and those contacts
are usually (but not always) normally-open, so that power to the load is shut off when the coil is
de-energized.
III. ANALYSIS
In engineering, a “discrete” variable or measurement refers to a true-or-false condition.

Thus, a discrete control element is one that has but a limited number of states (usually two: on
and off). In the case of valves, this means a valve designed to operate either in “open” mode or
“closed” mode, not in-between.
IV. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. What is the solenoid?
Is a device comprised of a coil of wire, the housing and a moveable plunger (armature).
When an electrical current is introduced, a magnetic field forms around the coil which draws
the plunger in.
2. What is a motor contactor?
Contactors are almost exclusively fitted with normally open ("form A") contacts. Unlike
relays, contactors are designed with features to control and suppress the arc produced when
interrupting heavy motor currents.
3. Why do we used 4-way solenoid valve?

Such a 4-way valve is useful for applications where the final control element (motor,
cylinder) must be free to move rather than be locked in place with the valve in the middle
position

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UNIVERSITY OF BATANGAS

APRIL 16, 2021

II. INTRODUCTORY PART

In engineering, a “discrete” variable or measurement refers to a true-or-false condition.

IV. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1. What is the solenoid?

2. What is a motor contactor?

3. Why do we used 4-way solenoid valve?

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