A Guide On Solenoid Valves And Their Types

A solenoid valve is necessary for on/off or automatic regulation of liquid or gas flow. Solenoid valves have several applications, including opening and closing circuits, dosing items, and blending gases and liquids.

Services range from the installation of a basic process valve to the installation of a highly specialised valve control, such as an overpressure safety system or an emergency shutoff valve. and valves used in fire suppression systems for controlling fluids. In comparison to standard valves, solenoid valves react much more quickly. Therefore, the following uses have emerged for them:

During the compressor’s startup phase, the solenoid valve is used to release the compressor, hence reducing the engine’s starting torque.

- Irrigation solenoid valves’ quick response time helps farmers save water while using sprinkler systems.

- In situations when a failed solenoid valve could cause an accident, such as with industrial presses, a double body valve may be utilised instead. Most commonly, these are 3/2-way solenoid valves with a redundant valve system that keeps the system running smoothly even if one valve fails.

What Is A Solenoid Valve?

When an electric current flows through a solenoid’s wire, a magnetic reaction occurs, converting the electrical energy into mechanical energy. When a button is pressed on the solenoid, a device is set into action. Fluid and hydraulic systems, such as irrigation controllers, typically require the use of such devices for power.

Solenoids are used for a wide range of tasks, from turning on an automobile’s ignition to setting off a home’s sprinkler system. For systems and motors that use fluid or air power, a solenoid valve is essential for regulating the flow of fluid or air. Many electronic devices obtain their power from fluids that are either expelled, mixed, or turned off. In this article, we will examine the five major types of solenoid valves.

The 5 Different Types Of Solenoid Valves Are:

1. Direct-acting valves

These solenoids contain coils that use magnetic fields to directly open the valve by moving the shaft and seat. Direct-acting solenoid valves utilise the energy generated by the solenoid’s magnetic field to function. When the power is cut off, the valve is returned to its previous position by a mechanical spring.

One way to prevent a machine from overheating is through direct-acting valves.

2. Pilot-operated valves

Pilot-operated valves have a small pilot aperture that is opened and closed by a plunger. While pilot-operated valves use less electricity to open, they require continuous power to stay open, and they are less quick to respond than solenoids that act directly on the valve’s actuator. When it comes to direct-acting valves, full power is only needed during the opening phase.

3. Two-way valves

They consist of an inlet and an outlet, both of which may be opened or closed. A two-way valve can be classified as typically open or normally closed, depending on its intended use. These valves are incredibly flexible, finding use in a variety of settings across many different sectors for quickly and simply controlling flow. A normally open valve stays that way till electricity is passed through it, at which point it closes.

4. Three-way valves

The entrance, the exit, and the exhaust are all separate openings on this valve. As such, it is employed in the control of actuators with only one acting position. Based on the valve condition when the solenoid is energised, these valves are classed as normally closed, normally open, or universal for diverting operations, and are employed frequently when a control valve’s diaphragm operator gets alternating and exhaustive pressure.

5. Four-way valves

These valves are two-way positive action and can have as many as four port connections. In double-acting valves, where the cylinder/actuator is double-acting, four-way valves are commonly employed to offer on/off control. When the solenoid is deactivated, air is supplied to only one side of the actuator, while the other side is vented to the outside.

Conclusion:

Solenoid valves are available in many styles, each with its own set of functioning mechanisms and construction. There are numerous considerations while deciding on the optimal kind. The intended function serves as the primary inspiration for the design and operational principle. For simple on/off control, direct-acting or 2-way solenoid valves are the way to go. It takes more than a simple motion to effectively steer or mix fluids in complicated systems. Some circuits need extra ports to function properly. In general, there is one use for which every type of solenoid valve is ideally suited.