INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF MORATUWA

NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN TECHNOLOGY

SECOND YEAR EXAMINATION
2006 / 2007

DME 207 – PNEUMATIC CONTROL & INSTRUMENTATION

Time Allowed : 03 Hours

Instructions :
All questions carry equal marks
Answer any five questions

Q1. (a) Taking suitable examples differentiate the open loop control systems and
closed loop control systems.

(b) What are the advantages and limitations of the open loop control system.

(c) Explain the term “Transfer Function” used in control systems.

(d) Find the transfer function, F(t) / x(t), given in following Mechanical Model.

Force F(t)

Mass M x(t)

Spring K
Damper C

Figure Q1

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Q2. (a) Find the overall Transfer Function between C(s)/R(s) in following block
diagram.

G4(s)

+ C(s)
R(s) + + +
G1(s) G2(s) G3(s)
-
-

H2(s)

H1(s)

Figure Q2

(b) Explain the use of “Characteristic Equation” in control systems.

(c) Find the characteristic equation in above block diagram.

Q3. (a) Following figure shows the position control system with unity feedback.

R(s) + C(s)
A 1/(s2+5s+6)
-

Figure Q3

(b) Find the Peak time, Rise time for A = 10, A = 50 & A = 100

(c) Find the system response, c(t), when input signal equal to 10.t.

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Q4. (a) With aid of the suitable diagrams, explain the following pneumatic
components.

i. Quick exhaust valve

ii. Shuttle valve
iii. Two way pressure valve
iv. Sequence valve
v. Pressure regulator valve

(b) Draw the pneumatic symbols to explain the following directional control valves

i. 3/2 roller operated, normally open valve

ii. 4/2, double pneumatic with manual override
iii. 3/2 spring return, manually operated, normally closed valve
iv. 2/2 spring return, pneumatically operated, normally closed valve.

(c) Explain the difference between “Supply air throttling” & “Exhaust air throttling”

Q5. Figure shows the sequence of operation of three double acting cylinders 1A, 2A and
3A. Sequence is operated so that finally metal strip, X is bending into the required
shape. The sequence that required bending the metal strip is as follows,

1A + / 2A + / 3A + / 1A - / 2A - / 3A -.

Using suitable directional control valves and other required components, construct
the pneumatic circuit. (You may assume suitable limit switches are available).
Also draw the step diagram to illustrate the motion of the three cylinders.

Figure Q5

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Q6. (a) State five important factors that you consider in selecting the “Measuring
Instrument”

(b) Explain the following terms

i. Hysteresis Error
ii. Non – Linearity Error
iii. Repeatability

(c) Explain how you calibrate the “Bourdon tube pressure gauge”

Q7. (a) Explain the following terms

i. Proportional Action
ii. ON-OFF Controller Characteristics
iii. Tuning of the controller
iv. OFF SET of proportional controller
v. Integral Action

(b) Write a short essay on “Programmable Logic Controller”. (Limit your essay
into 150 words.)

Q8. (a) Explain construction and application of “Linear Variable Differential

Transformer”, (LVDT)

(b) “Resistive Temperature Detector is sensor while Thermocouple is a

transducer”, Explain above statement with suitable clarification.

(c) Describe operation characteristic of “Differential Pressure Cell” (DP Cell) and
relevant applications.