DEPARTMENT OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION

ANDHRA PRADESH
Name : K. Sambaiah
Designation : H.A.E.I.E.S
Branch : Applied Elect.&Instru. Engg.
Institute : GMRP, KARIMNAGAR.
Year/semester : V Semester
Subject : PROCESS CONTROL
Subject code : AEI-504.
Topic : Introduction to continuous batch
process and Final control Elements
Duration : 50 min.
Sub topic : Final Control Elements
Teaching aids : ppts ,Diagrams
AEI504.44 1
 Objectives

Upon Completion of this topic, you would be able

to know…

• Principle of Final Control Element

• Applications of final control Element

AEI504.44 2
 Final Control Element

Basic Principle of Final Control Element

• Final control element operations involve the steps

necessary to convert the control signal, (generated by

a process controller) into proportional action on the

process itself.

AEI504.44 3
 Final Control Element
Principle

• The process controller O/P signals are usually in one

of three forms.
• Electrical signal ( 4 -20 mA )
• Pneumatic signal (3 to 15 PSI)
• Digital signals usually TTL level voltages.

• By using the above signals the final control element

control the process. AEI504.44 4
 Elements of a Final Control Operation

For a typical process-control application the

conversion of a process-controller signal to a control
function can be represented by the elements of a
final control operation as shown in fig 1

AEI504.44 5
Control Signal Actuator
Signal conversions

Final control
Element

Process

Fig:1 ELEMENTS OF FINAL CONTROL OPERATION

AEI504.44 6
 Description of each block

• Control Signal:
The input control signal may take many forms such as
• An electric current
• Pneumatic pressure
• Digital signal etc.,

AEI504.44 7
 Description…..

2. Signal conversions :
• This block refers to the modifications that must be
made to the control signal to properly interface
with the next stage of control, that is actuator.
• Thus, if a valve control element is to be operated
by an electric motor actuator,
• Then a 4 - 20 mA DC control signal must be
modified to operate the motor

AEI504.44 8
 Description…..cont..
• If DC motor is used, modification might be current to
voltage conversion and amplification

• Signal conversions are often called transducers

because they convert control signals from one form to
other, such as

• Current to pressure
• Current to voltage

AEI504.44 9
 Description….

3. Actuators:

• The actuator is a translation of the converted control

signal into action on the control element.

• Thus, if a valve is to operated then the actuator is a

device that converts the control signal into physical

action of opening or closing the valve

AEI504.44 10
 Description….

4. Final control element:

• This device has direct influence on the process dynamic
variable and is designed as an integral part of the
process.
• Thus, if flow is to be controlled, then the control element,
a valve, must be built, directly into the flow system
• If temperature is to be controlled, then some control
element that has a direct influence on temperature must
be involved in the process

AEI504.44 11
 Description….

4. Final control element:

• This could be a heater / cooler combination, that

is electrically actuated by relays or a pneumatic

valve to control influx of reactants

AEI504.44 12
 Applications of final control element

• To regulate the flow rate in a fluid delivery system

• To control the degree of backing of crackers in

cracking systems etc.,

• To maintain level, temperature etc., in process

industries

AEI504.44 13
 Summary

We have discussed about

• Final control element

AEI504.44 14
 Quiz

1. The process controller output signals are usually

in the form of

a) Electrical signal

b) Pneumatic signal

c) Digital signal

d) All the above

AEI504.44 15
 Frequently Asked Questions

2. Explain Final control elements with block

diagram.

4. Mention application of final control element

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