Solenoid Valve Manufacturers
What is a Solenoid Valve?
A solenoid valve is a valve that allows fluid flow or shut off when it is electrically energized or de-energized. It converts electrical energy to mechanical energy, which results to the creation of a magnetic reaction as the electric current approaches the wire in the solenoid. The actuator of a solenoid valve is in the form of an electromagnet.
The valve has an electric coil, called a solenoid, that has a ferromagnetic core in the center. The core is coined as the plunger. A magnetic field builds up to pull a plunger or pivoted armature against spring’s action when energized. The pivoted armature or plunger returns to its original state by the operation of a spring when it is de-energized.
Solenoid valves are widely used in liquid and gas circuits. These valves can be applied in several operations like heating systems, industrial automation, swimming pools, compressed air technology, sprinkler systems, dental equipment, irrigation systems, washing machines, and even car wash systems.
Solenoid Valve Components
1. Valve Body
2. Inlet Port
3. Outlet Port
4. Solenoid/Coil
5. Coil Windings
6. Lead Wires
7. Piston or Plunger
8. Spring
9. Orifice
How to Select the Best Solenoid Valves for Industrial Applications
Here are some things to think about when selecting solenoid valves for industrial applications:
Type of Media
To find the right type of solenoid valves for your perusal, you have to know the type of media they will be used for. In general, these valves are primarily designed to operate with media having no solid articles such as oil, steam, heat transfer fluids, water, petroleum products, and compressed air. By knowing the type of media, you will know what materials your solenoid valves should be made of.
Materials
The number of ports
Type of Operation
Environment of the Application
Nominal Diameter
What Are the Various Kinds of Solenoid Valves?
Solenoid Valves Classified by Circuit Functions
2/2-way Solenoid Valves
Because they lack an exhaust port, 2/2-way solenoid valves are diaphragm or poppet type valves that are only used for on and off functions. Because they are widely used in a variety of industries, 2/2-way solenoid valves are considered versatile.
3/2-way Solenoid Valves
The 3/2 way solenoid valves are commonly referred to as spool type solenoid valves because they have three ports and two positions. The most basic 3/2-way valves use port 1 as the inlet, port 2 as the valve outlet, and port 3 as the exhaust, which is blocked in its resting state.
When power is applied to the solenoid, the spool position changes and the inlet port is blocked, while the flow passes through the outlet to the exhaust ports. When there is no power, normal valve function is restored, and the spool spring returns to its resting position.
5/2-way (Sol/Spring or Sol/Sol)
In operation, 5/2-way solenoid valves are very similar to 3-2 way valves, except that these valves have two extra ports that are primarily designed to be used as pneumatic cylinders or pilot double acting pneumatic actuators. 5/2-way solenoid valves are available with a single coil that allows for spring return or with a double solenoid coil.
5/3-way (Sol/Sol – APB or Pressure Held)
5/3-way solenoid valves are typically equipped with two coils. They are classified as a spool type solenoid valve, with 5 ports and 3 positions. Two of the positions serve the same purpose as the 5/2-way solenoid valve. In a different operation, the third position is assigned.
When no power is applied to either of the solenoid coils, the third position is activated. This position performs the pressure held function, also known as the “all ports blocked function.” As a result, the third position maintains the larger actuator and valve in a steady state until power is applied to one of the solenoid coils.
Solenoid Valves classified by Type of Operation
Direct Acting Solenoid Valves
Direct-acting solenoid valves, also known as direct operated solenoid valves, work on a simple principle. As the fluid flows through a small hole known as an orifice, the plunger with a rubber gasket on the bottom closes the valve with the help of a small spring. The plunger is made of ferromagnetic materials and is surrounded by an electric coil that uses a magnetic field to control the operation of the direct-acting solenoid valves.
When the coil is electrically energized, the magnetic force pulls the piston to the coil, opening the orifice for the medium to pass through. This is known as a Normally Closed (NC) valve. A Normally Open (NO) valve works in the opposite direction. The NO valve has been designed differently to open the orifice while the solenoid is not energized. When the solenoid is actuated, the orifice closes.
The maximum pressure and flow rate for the valve’s operation are directly related to the orifice diameter and the magnetic field of the valve. This principle is widely used in applications with low flow rates. Because direct-acting solenoid valves have no minimum operating pressure, they can be used from 0 bar to the maximum pressure rate permitted.
Direct-acting 2-way Plunger Solenoid Valves
Direct-acting plunger solenoid valves are the most common type of direct acting solenoid valve, and they operate on a tough, effective principle.
When the coil is de-energized, the core spring, in conjunction with fluid pressure, forces the plunger and seal, obstructing the path from the inlet to the outlet. When the power is turned on, the solenoid coil generates a magnetic force that pulls the seal and plunger upwards against the fluid pressure and spring. As a result, a path for fluid to pass through from the inlet to the outlet ports is created.
Direct-acting 3-way Plunger Solenoid Valves
Three ports and two seats are provided by direct-acting 3-way plunger solenoid valves. One valve seat is always closed, while the other is never closed. Direct acting 3-way plunger solenoid valves are used to mix and distribute compressed air in order to pilot larger pneumatically driven valves.
When there is no power in the coil, the spring acts up against the media pressure from under the seat to force the plunger to the valve seat in direct acting 3-way plunger solenoid valves. Once the valves are energized, the plunger is raised, allowing fluid to flow through the pressure and inlet ports before closing the inlet and outlet channels.
Direct Acting Pivot Solenoid Valves
Pivoted armature valves are known for their durability, long service life, and ease of use. Once the coil switches the valve, a lateral or rotational movement of the core around the pivot is induced in direct acting pivot solenoid valves. As a result, the armature can seal one of the body cavity’s two horizontally arranged seats.
Direct acting pivot solenoid valves, as opposed to plunger valves, can be used in media that separates the diaphragm. These valves can then be used to control and regulate corrosive, contaminated, and vacuum fluids.
Direct-acting Rocker Solenoid Valves
Direct-acting rocker solenoid valves have an extremely long cycle life and can be built with or without a diaphragm. The energy in the coil flows through a horizontal, low mass rocker that moves around a fulcrum between the valve seats to seal one vertically oriented seat in these valves.
The operation of direct acting rocker solenoid valves provides adequate resistance to back pressure. The ports in these valves are all located in the same location as the body. Direct acting rocker solenoid valves with no diaphragm are used to regulate liquids and neutral gases and as a pilot for pneumatically actuated valves in non-hazardous and hazardous environments.
When a diaphragm is isolated in direct acting rocker solenoid valves, it separates the valve mechanism from the fluid path, allowing direct acting rocker solenoid valves to be used for aggressive fluids in either servo-assisted or stand-alone valves.
Direct-acting Flipper Solenoid Valves
Direct-acting flipper solenoid valves operate in a flexible sealing system between two opposing seats. These valves have an extremely long cycle life and are always integrated with a diaphragm. These solenoid valves have a vertical framework with a low mass flipper moving around a fulcrum and a permanent magnet.
Direct-acting flipper solenoid valves are frequently used to control liquids and neutral gases on a regular basis. They serve as a test bed for pneumatically actuated valves in both non-hazardous and hazardous environments.
Direct-acting 2-way Solenoid Valves
Direct-acting two-way solenoid valves are shut-off valves with one inlet and one outlet port. When these solenoid valves are de-energized, the core spring uses the fluid pressure to hold the valve seat on the valve seat, preventing the medium from flowing.
When the valve is energized, it opens by pulling the seal and core to the solenoid coil. The electromagnetic force present in the entire operation is greater than the sum of the spring’s static and dynamic pressures.
Direct-acting Flipper Solenoid Valves
Direct-acting flipper solenoid valves operate in a flexible sealing system between two opposing seats. These valves have an extremely long cycle life and are always integrated with a diaphragm. These solenoid valves have a vertical framework with a low mass flipper moving around a fulcrum and a permanent magnet.
Direct-acting flipper solenoid valves are frequently used to control liquids and neutral gases on a regular basis. They serve as a test bed for pneumatically actuated valves in both non-hazardous and hazardous environments.
Semi-direct Operated Solenoid Valves
Semi-direct solenoid valves combine the advantages of both indirect and direct valves. This combination enables semi-directly operated solenoid valves to operate from zero bar to maximum pressure rate. These valves are also recognized for their ability to handle high flow rates. Semi-direct operated solenoid valves are structurally similar to indirect valves. They have a movable membrane with pressure chambers on both sides and a small orifice.
The difference between indirect and semi-direct operated solenoid valves is that the solenoid plunger of a semi-direct valve is connected to the valve’s membrane. The plunger is lifted to directly lift the membrane, creating a passageway for the fluid to pass through, in order for the valve to open.
When the plunger lifts the membrane to open the valve, it also opens the second orifice, which is larger in diameter than the first orifice of the membrane. As the second orifice opens, the pressure above the membrane decreases. As a result, the pressure difference, in addition to the plunger, lifts the membrane upon opening. This combination enables proper control of systems with relatively high flow rates. Semi-direct operated solenoid valves, also known as assisted-lift solenoid valves, have more powerful coils than indirect operated solenoid valves.
Indirect Operated Solenoid Valves
Indirect operated or indirect acting solenoid valves, also known as servo-controlled or pilot operated solenoid valves, use the pressure difference between the ports to close and open the valve. Indirectly operated solenoid valves have a minimum pressure difference of about 0.5 bar.
The inlet and outlet ports of these valves are separated by a rubber membrane known as the diaphragm. The diaphragm has a small orifice that allows medium to flow through the valve’s upper compartment. The pressure generated by the fluid flow and the spring located above the diaphragm keep the valve from opening. When the valve is closed, the solenoid closes the low-pressure port that connects to the chamber above the diaphragm.
The pilot orifice is larger in diameter than the hole in the rubber membrane. When the solenoid is energized, the orifice opens, causing a pressure drop from the upper part of the membrane. The differential pressure between the diaphragm’s two sides lifts the membrane, allowing fluid to flow from the inlet port to the outlet port.
Because of an extra pressure chamber in the diaphragm that functions as an amplifier, a small solenoid can control a large flow rate. Indirectly operated solenoid valves are used for operations that only require one flow direction. These valves are typically used in applications with a large enough pressure difference and a high desired flow rate. In irrigation systems, car wash systems, and showers, indirect operated solenoid valves are used.
Internally Piloted Solenoid Valves
To switch higher pressures with larger orifice sizes, internally piloted solenoid valves are used. The differential fluid pressure in these valves is what opens and closes the valve.
2-way Internally Piloted Solenoid Valves
A diaphragm is used to provide sealing for the main valve seat in internally piloted 2-way solenoid valves. When the pilot valve is closed, fluid pressure builds up on both sides of the diaphragm and passes through a blood orifice. When the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet ports remains, a shut-off force is available above the diaphragm.
The diaphragm releases the pressure in the upper compartment of the membrane when the pilot valve opens. When a greater net pressure force lifts the diaphragm, allowing fluid flow, the valve opens. Internally piloted valves, in general, require a minimum pressure difference to open and close the valve completely.
Internally Piloted Multi-way Solenoid Valves
Internally piloted 4-way solenoid valves are primarily intended for use in pneumatic and hydraulic circuits to properly actuate double-acting cylinders. These valves have four port connections: a pressure inlet, one exhaust port connection, and two cylinder port connections.
When the pilot valve is de-energized, it opens from the pressure inlet to the pilot channel connections. Both poppets in the main valve have been activated and pressurized. The pressure inlet is then connected to one of the cylinder port connections, with the remaining cylinder port connection releasing the medium via a second restrictor via the exhaust port connection.
External Piloted Solenoid Valves
Externally piloted solenoid valves are controlled by a separate pilot medium. When the environment is not pressurized, the valve seat remains closed. To control the independent pilot medium, a 3-way solenoid valve can be mounted on the actuator.
When the valve is activated, the plunger is lifted against the spring, causing the valve to open. The actuator’s top is connected to the independent pilot medium. There is no spring attached to double-acting versions of externally piloted solenoid valves controlled by 4/2-way valves.
Solenoid Valves classified by Numbers of Port
The Various Types of Control Valves
Two-way Solenoid Valves
The most common type of solenoid valve is a two-way solenoid valve. These valves have two ports that allow or prevent fluid from passing through to “normally open” or “normally close” the valve.
A normally open valve remains open until a current is applied to close it. When the electrical power is turned off, the valve automatically returns to its normal state. A normally closed solenoid valve will only open when a power source initiates the valve’s opening.
3-way Solenoid Valves
Solenoid valves with three ports are known as three-way solenoid valves. These valves are commonly found in applications where additional or exhaustive pressure is required for operation, such as dishwashers or coffee machines.
Three-way solenoid valves are used in applications where single-acting actuators, such as diaphragm actuators, are used. Three-way solenoids are used to send air from a single actuator chamber. For double-acting actuators with a pneumatic positioner, three-way solenoids interrupt the instrument signal.
3-way Solenoid Valves
Solenoid valves with three ports are known as three-way solenoid valves. These valves are commonly found in applications where additional or exhaustive pressure is required for operation, such as dishwashers or coffee machines.
Three-way solenoid valves are used in applications where single-acting actuators, such as diaphragm actuators, are used. Three-way solenoids are used to send air from a single actuator chamber. For double-acting actuators with a pneumatic positioner, three-way solenoids interrupt the instrument signal.
3-way Normally Open Solenoid Valve
Three pipe connections are available on 3-way normally open solenoid valves: the body orifice port, the stop port, and the cavity port. The body orifice and the stop orifice are the two orifices on these valves. One of the two orifices is always open to allow fluid flow in both directions.
When there is no power, the plunger is lifted to close the stop orifice, allowing fluid to pass through the valve from the body orifice port to the cavity port. When the coil is energized, the plunger is depressed, which opens the stop orifice and allows fluid to flow through the valve from the cavity port to the stop port.
3-way Normally Closed Solenoid Valves
3-way normally closed solenoid valves, like 3-way normally open solenoid valves, have three pipe connections and two orifices, allowing for two paths of flow. When the coil is de-energized, the plunger moves downward, sealing off the body orifice and allowing fluid to pass through the valve from the cavity port to the stop port.
When the power is turned on, the plunger is lifted, allowing fluid to flow through the valve all the way to the stop port.
3-way Directional Control Solenoid Valves
Two orifices and three pipe connections are provided by 3-way directional control solenoid valves. When the valve is activated, the plunger lowers or raises. By lifting the plunger, the body orifice opens, allowing fluid to flow through the valve’s body. When the plunger is depressed, the stop orifice opens, allowing fluid to flow through the stop port.
4-way Solenoid Valves
Solenoid valves with four or more port connections are known as four-way solenoid valves. Four-way solenoid valves are typically used in conjunction with an actuator or a dual-acting cylinder. Half of the port connections in these valves are for pressure, while the other half are for exhaust pressure. Four-way solenoid valves are available in three configurations: normally open, normally closed, and universal.
Positive bi-directional action is provided by four-way solenoid valves. Four-way solenoids, rather than positioners, can control the on-off operation of double-acting valves. When the solenoid is turned off, the air supply is delivered on one side of the actuator and exhausted on the other.
Solenoid valve classified by applications
Solenoid valve for air compressor
When the system is turned on, the electric motor drives the compressor, which absorbs filtered air. The compressed air is then transferred to the refrigerator to reach the tank. To energize the valve, power is passed through the solenoid valve via the electric coil at this stage. To regulate the pressure in the valve, the operation closes the circuit.
When the tank reaches the desired pressure reading, the motor is stopped by a pressure switch, which keeps the air inside the tank intact. To protect the compressor from damage caused by prolonged exposure to pressure, the solenoid valve opens and power is turned off. After that, the air in the circuit is expelled through an exhaust port.
Solenoid valve for press safety
In this application, two three-way solenoid valves are used. When solenoid valves are turned off, the pressure inlet from the cylinder port to the exhaust port is closed. Compound pressure is used by pressure gauges to control the amount of pressure in the pipes.
Two solenoid valves are controlled by an electronic panel at the same time. By closing their own exhaust ports, solenoid valves used as press safety valves allow fluid to flow through the valve to the piston chambers. During this operation, the pressure drops to allow fluid to pass through the pressure inlet to the cylinder port connection.
In the event of a failure, de-energize the coil to reduce pressure, causing the spring to lift the piston upward and the exhaust to open. The fluid flows from the pressure inlet to the exhaust port, causing the valve to close. When the system is declared safe, the valve can be used again, and it automatically resets when the stand-by position is restored.
Solenoid valve for Vibrang feeders
A circular vibrator is made up of a vibrating base, a separate electronic controller to control the vibration’s excursion, and a container that can be stepped, conical, or cylindrical in shape. A spiral guider in the internal wall of a container allows small parts to ascend to the linear feeder.
The pulsating force in the container is caused by a magnet, which also causes the vibrations. The vibrations cause the small parts to move forward along a track inside the container. At the end of the track, a series of traps are present to select parts that have been placed incorrectly. These small parts fall in the center of the painter to ensure that only the correct parts pass through.
The solenoid valve keeps compressed air out of the system. Instead, the valve directs the fluid to the small parts, which are then pushed into the assembly machine.
A photocell is installed at the feeder’s mouth. When a failure is detected, the de-energized solenoid valve blocks the flow of air in the system, causing the vibrator to stop working. The only way to restart the process is for an operator to intervene.
Solenoid valve for Dentist Chairs
Dental chairs are outfitted with all of the necessary dental tools as well as an adjustable lamp. They have automatic functions that are controlled by a console that is simple to use for the operator. The chair is lifted by a hydraulic cylinder that uses oil as a medium. The chair’s height is controlled by two solenoid valves.
The medium is pumped from the basin to the circuit at a pressure of 12-13 bar. The buttons on the console control the solenoid valves. These valves keep oil out of the pump and instead force medium flow through the cylinder.
The cylinder is in charge of converting hydraulic energy to mechanical energy whenever the chair is raised to the desired height. Another button must be pressed to open the second valve. The medium inside the cylinder is released into the basin due to the overhanging weight.
Automatic Hot Drinks Dispenser
Hot drink dispensers, which can be found in public areas, private facilities, and offices, provide people with coffee, tea, and other hot drinks instantly. Aside from coffee, vending machines quickly provide soluble beverages, which are widely used in a variety of establishments.
Vending machines are classified into two types based on their supply. The first is for coffee, while the second is for soluble beverages. However, in this article, we will go over the operation of supplying soluble beverages in greater detail, specifically the use of solenoid valves with media at atmospheric pressure.
The distribution sequence is as follows: First, the glass is positioned correctly. The sugar is then provided, followed by the coffee spoon and beverage.
The infusion process begins when the user selects the product by pressing an electronic button. A volumetric dispenser is used to prepare a single dose of powder for the mixer. The solenoid valve transports hot water from the boiler to the mixer at 90-95 degrees Fahrenheit. The level of water inside the boiler is kept constant by allowing fresh water into the electronic system.
Coffee-in-Cartridge Dispensers
Two three-way solenoid valves in coffee-in-cartridge dispensers prevent water from passing through the vibrating pump, which is responsible for supplying power to the hydraulic actuator. The tank, on the other hand, transports water to the boiler, which contains hot water and a thermostat for temperature control.
After inserting the cartridge, the actuator pushes the boiler against the cartridge, and the solenoid valves open. Before the actuator completely shuts down, a safety valve on top of the second solenoid valve prevents fluid from flowing.
When the pressure reaches 9-10 bar for about 10 seconds, the safety valve opens and allows cold water to pass through the boiler. Once the previously warm water has been filtered through the cartridge, cold water is released. The resulting mixture, such as coffee or chocolate, is dispensed into the cup via a nozzle.
At the end of the cycle, the second solenoid valve begins to close, and any remaining fluid from overpressure is exhausted into the tank. The first solenoid valve also closes, allowing water from the actuator to enter the tank. The spring force causes the actuator to return to its resting position.
Industrial Ironing Boards
For the final finishing of cloth, integrated industrial ironing boards are used. A vacuum blow table, an iron, and a sleeve form board make up the appliance. Utility presses, spotting tables, and ironing boards are all classified as an ironing group for different operators.
Each machine can be connected to steam, compressed air, or vacuum, or it can operate on its own. The system employs steam in its operation to ensure an efficient process of ironing clothing. The iron has a push-button control to release the medium when pressed to supply steam. When the operator presses the button control, the solenoid valve in the ironing board takes control of the steam released by an electric boiler.
The solenoid valve in industrial ironing boards has a flow regulator in the form of a knob or screw that allows the operator to properly regulate the quantity and pressure of the steam needed to iron the garment. This application is best suited to solenoid valves that can withstand demanding applications and high pressure levels.
Car Washing Machines
In the car washing industry, self-service car washing systems are regarded as a breakthrough. These are cleaning and polishing areas for vehicles such as camper vans, scooters, small boats, caravans, motorcycles, and all-terrain vehicles that traditional car washing systems cannot clean.
A car washing system delivers high-pressure water laced with detergent, wax, and car washing form via a brush and a lance. The cleaning cycle is chosen by the user by selecting one from the control panel. Cleaning the vehicle necessitates the use of two tools: a lance and a brush.
In the circuit, solenoid valves are used to stop the flow of liquid detergent. The liquid detergent mixes with air before reaching the brush after the electromechanical pump sucks it to deliver it back to the circuit at 80 bar.
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