ISA Interchange

Welcome to the official blog of the International Society of Automation (ISA).

This blog covers numerous topics on industrial automation such as operations & management, continuous & batch processing, connectivity, manufacturing & machine control, and Industry 4.0.

The material and information contained on this website is for general information purposes only. ISA blog posts may be authored by ISA staff and guest authors from the automation community. Views and opinions expressed by a guest author are solely their own, and do not necessarily represent those of ISA. Posts made by guest authors have been subject to peer review.

All Posts

AutoQuiz: What Is the Final Control Element in a Process Control System?

AutoQuiz is edited by Joel Don, ISA's community manager.

Today's automation industry quiz question comes from the ISA Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) program. Certified Control System Technicians calibrate, document, troubleshoot, and repair/replace instrumentation for systems that measure and control level, temperature, pressure, flow, and other process variables. Click this link for information about the CCST program. This question is from the Level I study guide, Domain 2, Loop checking. Level I (Level I represents a professional who has a five-year total of education, training, and/or experience.)

AutoQuiz-20160916-Final-Control-Element-Process-Control-System

In most process control systems, the final control element is a:

a) transmitter
b) sensor
c) controller
d) valve
e) none of the above

A final control element is a device that directly controls the value of the manipulated variable of a control loop. Often the final control element is a control valve (ANSI/ISA-5.1-1984, revised 1992). It can also be the component of a control system, such as a control valve, that directly regulates the flow of energy or material to or from the process (ANSI/ISA-77.44.01-2000). Other examples of final control elements are solenoids and servomotors.

The best answer is D, valve.

Joel Don
Joel Don
Joel Don is an independent content marketing, social media and public relations consultant. Prior to his work in marketing and PR, Joel served as an editor for regional newspapers and national magazines throughout the U.S. He earned a master's degree from the Medill School at Northwestern University with a focus on science, engineering and biomedical marketing communications, and a bachelor of science degree from UC San Diego.

Related Posts

3 Ways Industry 4.0 Can Upgrade Industrial Water Treatment Methods

Industrial water treatment methods must evolve to remain relevant and efficient. Many decision-makers hav...
Emily Newton Mar 12, 2024 7:38:26 PM

ISA Business Academy: A Mini-MBA For Automation Industry Leaders

The ISA Business Academy is a 10-week fully digital program beginning 28 March for both current and aspir...
Ashley Ragan Mar 11, 2024 10:08:24 AM

How Automation Is Transforming the Recycling Industry

Modern recycling industry professionals are increasingly interested in how automation could boost their o...
Ellie Gabel Mar 8, 2024 8:00:00 AM