Solenoid valves are very important parts used in various industries and automation systems. These types of valves are electrically operated and are used on pipelines, tanks or machines to regulate the flow of liquid or gas. In this blog, we will take a look at the different solenoid valve types, their functions of solenoid valves, and how each type of solenoid valve serves different functions in the industry.

What Is a Solenoid Valve?

In mechanical systems, a solenoid valve is described as an electro-mechanical device that causes a uniform flow of a certain medium such as a liquid or gas. For any solenoid valve, an electric current is passed through a coil to create a magnetic field that can pull or push a component – ​​in this case, heating a cylinder, opening and closing the valve thereby allowing or preventing fluid entry into the cylinder. They find applications in industrial automation, air conditioning, heating and ventilation and fluid control, which can be attributed to their effectiveness and simplicity in operation. The functional principle of a solenoid valve is quite straightforward and follows basic principles: Current is supplied to the solenoid coil, which in turn energizes the magnetic field, which rotates the plunger of the valve and produces rapid movement. As a result, control for the flow of liquid or gas can be assisted in an on/off manner, making it a vital element in situations where accuracy and consistency of fluid or gas flow quantities are critical.

Solenoid Valve Types: Understanding the Different Variations

There are actually many valves and one of the most commonly used electric valves in pneumatic applications is the solar powered solenoid valve. There are several common types of solenoids including: 1. 2/2 Way Solenoid Valve: The 2/2 way solenoid valve is one of the most common and easiest types to understand. Having two ports, it is applied in applications that allow passive fluid flow in only one direction. The valve has two operating positions, namely open and closed. When electrical power is applied, the solenoid valve opens and fluid passes. When the power is turned off, fluid passes, the solenoid valve closes. This type is suitable for uses such as irrigation systems and water and gas treatment facilities as only on/off type of control is required. 2. 3/2 Way Solenoid Valve: A 3/2 way solenoid valve is a type of valve with 3 opening ports, mostly used to manipulate the flow of gases or liquids or in systems that require more sophisticated operation such as in pneumatic applications. This type of solenoid valve can either have two positions, or be spring-loaded depending on the application. It is suitable for switching between two different fluid paths allowing for greater versatility in control. A common application of this type of valve is to control air pressure and air flow in pneumatic systems used in assembly lines or robotic arms. 3. 5/2 Way Solenoid Valve: 5/2 way solenoid valves are used in pneumatic systems where actuators need to be controlled. This type has five ports and two positions, and is suitable where a pneumatic cylinder or actuator needs to be actuated in both directions. The purpose of the valve is to provide air flow for forward and backward movement in the two chambers of the actuator. 5/2 way pneumatic solenoid valves, for example, can be installed in machines used in manufacturing, packaging or other material handling industries. 4. 5/3 Way Solenoid Valve: The 5/3 way solenoid valve is another type that is valued in pneumatics because it is able to control both the flow and the direction of air flow. With five ports and three positions, it is more versatile in air supply than the 5/2 way valve. It is used when two actuators need to be supplied with air or when a particular function needs to be implemented in a pneumatic system such as exhaust or pressure release. This type of valve is usually employed in sophisticated automation systems where such possibility of controlling multiple actuators is required, for example in automotive assembly or robotics. 5. Direct-Acting Solenoid Valve: In a direct-acting solenoid valve, the activation of the plunger which opens and closes the valve is done directly by the coil of the solenoid. This type of solenoid valve is suitable for applications with minimum flow or pressure as it uses low power. It is commonly found in small systems such as domestic gadgets or laboratory instruments. 6. Pilot-Operated Solenoid Valve Pilot-operated solenoid valves use fluid pressure to help open or close the valve while direct-acting solenoid valves do not have this feature. This makes these valves suitable for high-pressure applications as direct actuation may not be able to control flow effectively. Large pipe systems and industrial processing plants use pilot-operated valves.

Functions of a Solenoid Valve: How Solenoid Valves Work

Solenoid valves function differently depending on the type and application of the valve. However, every solenoid valve works in a similar way in which it activates the solenoid using an electric current which produces a magnetic field. This magnetic field moves the plunger or diaphragm of the valve causing movement of the valve which controls fluid flow. Here are the key functions of a solenoid valve: Flow Control: The main goal of a solenoid valve is to manage the flow of gas or liquid in a system. The solenoid controls the rate and direction of flow by changing the closed or open position of the valve. On/Off Switching: In simple applications such as household appliances or small machines, solenoid valves serve to turn the flow of fluid or gas on or off. Therefore, a solenoid valve can either be fully opened or fully closed. Pressure Regulation: In advanced systems, solenoid valves can also be used to control and moderate pressure by providing air or liquid to specific areas of the system. Automation: Solenoid valves are essential parts in automated systems that allow flow to be controlled over a distance using electrical current. This makes them useful in systems such as HVAC, industrial automation, and robotics. Applications of Solenoid Valves Solenoid valves are of wide application due to their adaptable nature. The main fields include: 1. Pneumatic Systems:Pneumatic solenoid valves are used to control air flow, pressure, and speed in certain applications such as manufacturing and robotics, where precision is essential. 2. Water and Irrigation Systems:Solenoid valves such as 2/2 way valves are required to control water flow in irrigation systems. 3. HVAC Systems: Solenoid valves regulate the flow of refrigerant, water, and air in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. 4. Oil and Gas Industry: Solenoid valves are used in pipelines to control the flow of gas and oil to increase safety during transportation. 5. Medical Devices: Solenoid valves are used to control the movement of liquids and gases in various medical devices such as ventilators and dialysis machines.

Conclusion

Having knowledge of the applications and different solenoid valve types can help determine the most suitable valve. If it is simply a question of using a valve to turn something on and off, or if it is more complex in regards to restricting the amount of air flow in a pneumatic installation, there is a type of solenoid valve for that purpose. Used as pneumatic solenoids in various fields or as water control valves in irrigation systems, solenoid valves ensure effective and reliable management in a variety of industries. If you want to use the solenoid valve of your choice in your applications, contact us now. We will help you choose the most suitable solenoid valve to provide the most efficient solution for your system.

Get the Best Solenoid Valves for Your Business!

We, at Vs Enterprise, manufacture the highest quality solenoid valves that suit the unique requirements of your industry. For custom made solenoid valves, please contact us so we can assist you in finding the best solution. Contact us now and get advice from our experts!