Discrete Control Element

Sistem Instrumentasi
2019
Definition
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 → on/off
valve

→ a device that either allows unimpeded

flow or acts to prevent flow altogether.

→ Ball, plug, and gate valves

Fluid Power System : Pneumatic
Fluid Power System : Hydraulic
Solenoid Valve

• A very common form of on/off valve used for pneumatic and hydraulic
systems alike is the solenoid valve.

• Solenoid-actuated valves are usually classified according to the number of

ports (“ways”).

• Unlike electrical switches, the terms open and closed have opposite
meanings for valves.
2-way Solenoid Valve
3-way Solenoid Valve
4-way Solenoid Valve
Example: a steam turbine-driven pump control system

• a pair of 3-way solenoid valves

• control instrument air pressure

to a piston-actuated steam
valve

• to start the turbine in the event

that an electric motor-driven
pump happens to fail

• “NE” (normally energized) →

relies on either (or both) of the
solenoid valves de-energizing to
make the turbine start up.
Example: an emergency air door control system

• control of an air vent door on a large

furnace

• open up if the forced-draft fan (blowing

combustion air into the furnace) happens
to stop for any reason

• normally open solenoid valve : the pressure

(“P”) port to the cylinder (“C”) port when
de-energized

• “NDE” (normally de-energized) → the air

door will swing open if ever instrument air
pressure is vented by the solenoid →
energized condition.
On-Off Electric Motor

An electric motor is often used as a

discrete control element in a control
system if driving a pump, conveyor
belt, or other machine for the
transportation of a process
substance.

Of all the available electric motor

types, the most common found in
industrial applications (by far) is the
three-phase AC induction motor
Motor Contactor and Protection