Solenoid valves are used to control fluid flow in hydraulic systems using electric currents. Unlike other valves, solenoid valves make operations faster, easier, and automated. It has become easy to manage everything from home appliances like dishwashers to heavy machines such as forklifts using solenoid valves.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Read on to learn about the types of solenoid valves, their component parts, and how they are used. This article will guide you in selecting an optimal valve that best suits your needs.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n A solenoid valve is electrically used to regulate liquid or gas flow. The solenoid, a coil of wire through which an electric current passes, is wound around a plunger. Energizing the solenoid produces a magnetic field that automatically opens and closes the valve.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Operating principles for solenoid valves differ significantly from other types. Solenoid valves use electricity to control the direction of flow. There are numerous types of solenoid valves popularly used in hydraulic systems, considering either their applications or design.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The components depend on the types of solenoid valves and their operations. The critical four elements of a solenoid valve are listed and described below.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The coil is one of the integral parts of a solenoid valve. The coil is wrapped around a tube where the plunger is contained. A magnetic field is generated when electricity flows through it. It is this magnetic pull that controls the flow of liquid by pulling the plunger down or pushing it up. The coil of the valve provides quick motion for controlling the valve.<\/span><\/p>\n The plunger is a movable piece fitted inside the coil, typically made from some magnetic material. This makes it easy to respond to the magnetic field which the coil provides. The plunger is adjusted to open or close the valve. It also helps in restricting or assisting with the flow of the fluid depending upon its position.<\/span><\/p>\n In solenoid valves, the movement opens the valve by lifting the plunger from the valve to enable the liquid to flow. When the coil is turned off, the plunger returns to how it was. The flow of the current is thereby stopped or changed in direction, helped by the spring.<\/span><\/p>\n The body of the valve houses all the other components and containment for the fluid. It is primarily a hollowed housing that has passages through which the fluid will pass and exit. The body also contains the plungers’ seat, where the plungers will rest when not in use.<\/span><\/p>\n The valve body is solid and reliable, considering the operations it conducts on other components that it houses. The durability of the valve body determines the solenoid valve as a whole. It is structured to hold fluid over some time without leakage.<\/span><\/p>\n It resides in the valve, just next to the plunger. The spring always aids the valve whenever the magnetic field cannot operate the movement of the plunger. It leaves the plunger closed any moment when the coil is without current to block the liquid flow. The spring holds the plunger in position when electric current is flowing.<\/span><\/p>\n There are several types of solenoid valves depending on design, flow passages, and actuation modes used in their application. The types of hydraulic solenoid valves with diagram below are used in diverse ways according to the level of control needed.<\/span><\/p>\n Direct-acting solenoid valves function using a direct pull from the solenoid coil that is used in closing or opening the valve. After charging the coil, the magnetic field directly pulls the plunger to permit the flow of liquid. Direct-acting solenoid valves shall be used only for low-pressure applications since they function without pressure from within the system.<\/span><\/p>\n Pilot-operated solenoid valves help to open and shut the primary valve using the system pressure. This feature makes them more appropriate for high-pressure use. When the solenoid valve is active, it creates an opening for pressure to be released from one part of the valve. This type operates better than direct acting in terms of higher flow rates.<\/span><\/p>\n This type of solenoid valve is the most basic type of solenoid valves and have both an inlet and outlet. These ports control and stop the fluid movement into the valve. If the valve is open, the liquid will flow smoothly based on the connectivity of the two ports. If the valve is closed, then this flow will stop.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Unlike the two-way solenoid valves, this type has three ports and can redirect the liquid flow between two separate pathways. The three-way solenoid valve has an exhaust, outlet, and inlet port. Without electricity, only two out of the three ports will connect. Once energized, fluid is diverted from one outlet path to another, making it easy to switch applications.<\/span><\/p>\n The port usually connected regardless of the presence or absence of electric current is called the “common port”.<\/span><\/p>\n This type of solenoid valve has four or more ports, two for outlets and two for inlets. They are designed for double-acting motors or cylinders that require directional control to control the liquid flow. An energized solenoid can change the direction of fluid flow from one set of ports to another.<\/span><\/p>\n Proportional solenoid valves, rather than simply control the flow of fluid, regulate the flow rate. The level of electric current applied to the coil controls the plunger\u2019s position, enabling the valve to open or close gradually. This action gives the proportional valve control over the specific flow rate, depending on the current applied.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n There are several factors that you should consider before picking the solenoid valve that will work best for you. Some of them are:<\/span><\/p>\n The flow rate refers to the volume of fluid required to go through the valve per time. This rate is calculated in liters or gallons per minute. This factor is important when considering getting a solenoid valve as it determines the valve size and orifice. This size affects the amount of fluid that can go through the valve within a specific period.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you have a system that needs a high flow rate, a bigger valve will suit you better. If yours is a low-flow system, then a smaller valve and orifice are suitable to manage the fluid flow effectively.<\/span><\/p>\n The materials used in a solenoid valve must be compatible with the fluid flowing through it. Different types of fluid respond differently to valve materials. Some valves work well with aggressive fluids, while some do not. When fluid not compatible with the valve material is supplied in it, it can lead to several problems.<\/span><\/p>\nWhat is a Solenoid Valve?<\/span><\/h2>\n
Principal Components of the Solenoid Valve<\/span><\/h2>\n
Coil:<\/span><\/h3>\n
Plunger:<\/span><\/h3>\n
Valve Body:<\/span><\/h3>\n
Spring:<\/span><\/h3>\n
Types of Solenoid Valves<\/span><\/h2>\n
Direct Acting Solenoid Valves<\/span><\/h3>\n
Common Applications:<\/span><\/h4>\n
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Pilot Operated Solenoid Valve<\/span><\/h3>\n
Typical applications:<\/span><\/h4>\n
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Two-Way Solenoid Valves<\/span><\/h3>\n
Applications:<\/span><\/h4>\n
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Three-Way Solenoid Valves<\/span><\/h3>\n
Applications:<\/span><\/h4>\n
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Four-Way Solenoid Valves<\/span><\/h3>\n
Applications:<\/span><\/h4>\n
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Proportional Solenoid Valves<\/span><\/h3>\n
Applications:<\/span><\/h4>\n
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Factors to Consider When Choosing a Solenoid Valve<\/span><\/h2>\n
Flow Rate and Pressure Requirements:\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
Material Compatibility:\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n