Module 2

Direct and Indirect

Control
 Module Objectives
1- Configure and connect the electrically actuated
directional control valves (solenoid valves).

2- Configure the direct control in electro-pneumatics.

3- Configure the indirect control in electro-

pneumatics.

4- Identify the advantages and disadvantages of

direct and indirect control techniques.

5- Simulate and construct simple electric circuits

 Module Contents
1. Solenoid valves
2. Types of solenoid valves
3. Direct control in electro-pneumatics
4. Advantages of direct control
5. Disadvantages of direct control
6. Practical task 1
7. Practical task 2
8. Indirect control in electro-pneumatics
9. Advantages of direct control
10. Disadvantages of direct control
11. Practical task 3
Electrically-actuated DCV - Solenoid valves
• Forms of energies used to
operate electro-pneumatic
control system are:
– Electrical energy.
– Compressed air energy
• Electrically actuated (DCVs)
are switched with the aid of
an electric coil that is called
a solenoid.
• The electric coil attracts or
repels the valve spool
 Operation

Not Activated Activated

Solenoid valves groups

Single solenoid valve

with a spring return

Double solenoid valves

keeps and maintains the last
switched position even when
no current flows through the
solenoid. Memory Valve
 Direct control in electro-pneumatics
• It is the control of an electro-pneumatic valve without using
intermediate components such as a relay, a contactor or an
industrial computer (PLC).
• Advantages of direct control
– Simple and easy
– Cheap.
• Disadvantages of direct control
– Remote control is not possible.
– Switching more than one valve at a time is not possible.
– Latching is not possible.
– Design improvement is not flexible.
 Direct control in electro-pneumatics

• It is the control of an electro-

pneumatic valve without using
intermediate components such
as a relay, a contactor or an
industrial computer (PLC). (See
the figure)
 Practical Task 1
• Direct control of a double
acting cylinder using 5/2
DCV, single solenoid.

• Objectives:
to be familiar with:
– 5/2 DCV, single solenoid, with spring
return.
– Electro-pneumatic equipment.
 Background
• A direct control circuit is used to control a 5/2
DCV single solenoid using a push button
switch.
• Activating the pushbutton will energize the
coil (solenoid) which in turn will actuate
(operate) the valve.
Solution to Practical Task 1
• Required components
– A double–acting cylinder
– A 5/2 way valve, single
solenoid
– A power supply
– A push button switches
 Practical Task 2
Opening/closing the flow in a pipeline
• The double acting cylinder (1A) in the Figure is
used to open and close the main valve in a
pipeline. Draw an electro-pneumatic circuit to
control the movement of cylinder (1A).
Solution-1 to Practical Task 2
with a double acting cylinder
 Solution-2 to Practical Task 2 with
a double acting cylinder
• Required components
with a double acting
cylinder:
– Double – acting
cylinder
– 5/2 way valve,
double solenoid
– Power supply
– Switches
 Class work (1)
3. Draw a pneumatic and an electric circuit to control a
double solenoid valve directly, by using a normally
closed detent switch.
 Practical Task 3
• Direct control of a double
acting cylinder by using 5/2
DCV, double solenoid
• Objectives:
to be familiar with:
– 5/2 DCV, double solenoid.
– Electro-pneumatic components.
– Electric circuits
 Practical Task 3
• Diverting machine
• The parts used in the diverting machine are to be moved from
one conveyor track to another. By pressing a pushbutton
switch the frame of the diverting machine is pushed forward.
The part is moved over and transported onwards in the
opposite direction. By pressing another pushbutton switch the
frame is returned to its start position as shown below.
Solution to Practical Task 3
Indirect control in electro pneumatics

Indirect control is the control of an

electro-pneumatic valve using
intermediate components such as
relays, contactors or programmable
logic controllers (PLC).
 Advantages of indirect control
systems
• Remote control is possible
• Switching more than one valve at a time is
possible
• Latching is possible.
• Flexible design improvement and
development.
• Incorporating logic operating conditions (OR,
AND conditions)
 Disadvantages of indirect control
• Complicated
• More wiring
• More cost involved
 Practical Task 3 (Bulk material)
• Problem description:
• Bulk material is to be emptied
from a hopper as shown in the
Fig. By pressing a pushbutton
switch, the hopper is opened
and the bulk material is
emptied out. By pressing
another pushbutton switch the
hopper is closed again.
• Hint: The controlling circuit
should contain relays for the
indirect control
Solution to Practical 3
Solution to Practical 3
Solution to Practical 3
Homework 2
Homework 2 Solution 1
Homework 2 Solution 1
HW 2 Solution 2
HW 2 Solution 2
End of Module 2