Solenoid valves are simple devices to close, discharge,
dispense, distribute, and mix fluids. They are an important component in most
pneumatic systems. These valves are simple and inexpensive, but choosing the
valve that best suits your needs can be confusing.
To fully understand how this solenoid valves work, it is
best to first understand what a solenoid is. Solenoids are coils that are
tightly wound in a spiral. This coil encloses a metal core that generates an
electromagnet when powered. The higher the electric current, the stronger the
electromagnet. The difference between the beauty of electromagnets and ordinary
magnets is that they can be turned on and off. Therefore, solenoids work in
systems that block, block, or activate other mechanisms.
So if the solenoid is part of the valve, it triggers the
opening and closing of the valve. The force generated by the electromagnet
pushes or raises the piston and, as a result, stops the flow of air, gas, or
liquid.
Some advantages of using solenoid valves are:
- Fast and safe conversion
- High reliability
- Long life
- Excellent intermediate compatibility of used materials.
- Low control power
- Compact design
Direct Acting v.
Pilot Operated Solenoid Valves
Of course, solenoid
valves are available in various types depending on flow, type of fluid, and
operation.
The two main types of solenoid valves are direct operated
and pilot operated valves. The direct acting valve uses an electromagnet power
supply to open and close the valve. On the other hand, the pilot operated valve
uses electromagnetic force combined with the air / liquid / gas pressure that
flows when opening and closing the valve.
Choosing what to use mainly depends on the flow rate of the
fluid used.
Direct acting valves depend only on the electromagnetic
force of the solenoid, making this type of valve best suited for smaller flow
rates. One of the benefits of using these is that you only need to use energy
when opening the valve. When the valve is open, this valve can remain open even
when operating at low power.
If you need something that can handle higher flows, a pilot
operated valve does the trick. This valve uses the combined force of the
electromagnet and the fluid itself to open and close the valve. You may be
wondering how this is possible.
Pilot operated valves require less power to operate, but to
remain open they must maintain maximum power. As a result, it operates at a
slower speed than a direct acting valve. However, this does not prevent it from
becoming the most widely used type of solenoid valve.
Solenoid valve variations
There are a few more variations on the two main types of
solenoid valves. This includes 2-way valves, 3-way valves, and 4-way valves.
Indicates the number of ports on the solenoid valve. In the
basic 2-way solenoid valve, 2 ports are used alternately to allow and shut off
flow. On the 3-way valve, 2 ports are used to allow and shut off flow, and the
third port is used to relieve pressure. The 4-way valve uses half of the port
to provide pressure, and the other port provides exhaust pressure. Four-way
valves are commonly used with double acting cylinders or actuators.
Another option is whether the valve should be in a
"normally closed" or "normally open" state. "Normally
closed" valves are the most common; as they remain closed until the power
supply is opened. A "normally open" valve will remain open until some
kind of current is applied to close the valve.
When deciding on a solenoid valve, one thing to consider is
the material the valve is made of. The most common valve materials are brass,
stainless steel, aluminum, and plastic. It is necessary to consider the type of
fluid that will be used for the operation and what type of material to choose
for the seal. This will make the valve work properly.
