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Solenoid valve:

A solenoid valve is an electromechanically operated valve. The valve is controlled by an electric


current through a solenoid: in the case of a two-port valve the flow is switched on or off; in the case
of a three-port valve, the outflow is switched between the two outlet ports. Multiple solenoid valves
can be placed together on a manifold.

Solenoid valves are the most frequently used control elements in fluidics. Their tasks are to shut off,
release, dose, distribute or mix fluids. They are found in many application areas. Solenoids offer fast
and safe switching, high reliability, long service life, good medium compatibility of the materials used,
low control power and compact design.

Besides the plunger-type actuator which is used most frequently, pivoted-armature actuators and
rocker actuators are also used.

There are many valve design variations. Ordinary valves can have many ports and fluid paths. A 2-
way valve, for example, has 2 ports; if the valve is open, then the two ports are connected and fluid
may flow between the ports; if the valve is closed, then ports are isolated. If the valve is open when
the solenoid is not energized, then the valve is termed normally open (N.O.). Similarly, if the valve
is closed when the solenoid is not energized, then the valve is termed normally closed.[1] There are
also 3-way and more complicated designs.[2] A 3-way valve has 3 ports; it connects one port to either
of the two other ports (typically a supply port and an exhaust port).

Solenoid valves are also characterized by how they operate. A small solenoid can generate a limited
force. If that force is sufficient to open and close the valve, then a direct acting solenoid valve is
possible

SOLENOID VALVE TYPES


A solenoid valve is an electromechanical controlled valve. The valve features a solenoid, which is an electric coil with
a movable ferromagnetic core in its centre. This core is called the plunger. In rest position, the plunger closes off a
small orifice. An electric current through the coil creates a magnetic field. The magnetic field exerts a force on the
plunger. As a result, the plunger is pulled toward the centre of the coil so that the orifice opens. This is the basic
principle that is used to open and close solenoid valves.

"A solenoid valve is an electromechanical actuated valve to control


the flow of liquids and gases."
Solenoid valves are amongst the most used components in gas and liquid circuits. The number of applications is
almost endless. Some examples of the use of solenoid valves include heating systems, compressed air
technology, industrial automation, swimming pools, sprinkler systems, washing machines, dental equipment, car
wash systems and irrigation systems

Circuit Functions Of Solenoid Valves

Solenoid valves are used to close, dose, distribute or mix the flow of gas or liquid in a pipe. The specific purpose of a
solenoid valve is expressed by its circuit function. A 2/2 way valve has two ports (inlet and outlet) and two positions
(open or closed). A 2/2 way valve can be 'normally closed' (closed in de-energized state) or 'normally open' (open in
de-energized state). A 3/2 way valve has three ports and two positions and can therefore switch between two circuits.
3/2 way valves can have different functions such as normally closed, normally open, diverting or universal. More ports
or combinations of valves in a single construction are possible. The circuit function can be expressed in a symbol.
Below are some examples of the most common circuit functions. The circuit function of a valve is symbolized in two
rectangular boxes for the de-energized state (right side, visualized by ) and energized state (left). The arrows in the
box show the flow direction between the valve ports. The examples show a 2/2-way Normally Open (NO) valve, a
2/2-way Normally Closed (NC) valve and a 3/2-way Normally Closed valve. For more information about valve
symbols and circuit functions, please visit the page about valve symbols.

Type Of Operation

Solenoid valves can be categorized into different groups of operation.

Direct Operated

Direct operated (direct acting) solenoid valves have the most simple working principle. The medium
flows through a small orifice which can be closed off by a plunger with a rubber gasket on the bottom. A small spring
holds the plunger down to close the valve. The plunger is made of a ferromagnetic material. An electric coil is
positioned around the plunger. As soon as the coil is electrical energized, a magnetic field is created which pulls the
plunger up towards the centre of the coil. This opens the orifice so that the medium can flow through. This is called a
Normally Closed (NC) valve. A Normally Open (NO) valve works the opposite way: it has a different construction so
that the orifice is open when the solenoid is not powered. When the solenoid is actuated, the orifice will be closed.
The maximum operating pressure and the flow rate are directly related to the orifice diameter and the magnetic force
of the solenoid valve. This principle is therefore used for relatively small flow rates. Direct operated solenoid valves
require no minimum operating pressure or pressure difference, so they can be used from 0 bar up to the maximum
allowable pressure. The displayed solenoid valve is a direct operated, normally closed 2/2 way valve.

Schematical representation of a direct operated solenoid valve (2/2-way, normally closed).

The short video below explains step by step the operating principle of direct operating solenoid valves. For the
example a 2/2-way normally closed valve is used. Although direct operating solenoid valves exist in many forms, the
basic working principle is always the same.

The video explains step by step how a direct acting solenoid valve opens and closes. If you like the
video, you are free to subscribe to our channel or share the video.

Indirect Operated (Servo Or Pilot Operated)

Indirect operated solenoid valves (also called servo operated, or pilot operated) use the differential pressure
of the medium over the valve ports to open and close. Usually these valves need a minimum pressure differential of
around 0.5 bar. The inlet and outlet are separated by a rubber membrane, also called diaphragm. The membrane has
a small hole so that the medium can flow to the upper compartment. The pressure and supporting spring above the
membrane will ensure that the valve remains closed. The chamber above the membrane is connected by a small
channel to the low pressure port. This connection is blocked in the closed position by a solenoid. The diameter of this
"pilot" orifice is larger than the diameter of the hole in the membrane. When the solenoid is energized, the pilot orifice
is opened, which causes the pressure above the membrane to drop. Because of the pressure difference on both
sides of the membrane, the membrane will be lifted and the medium can flow from inlet port to outlet port. The extra
pressure chamber above the membrane acts like an amplifier, so with a small solenoid still a large flow rate can be
controlled. Indirect solenoid valves can be used only for one flow direction. Indirect operated solenoid valves are used
in applications with a sufficient pressure differential and a high desired flow rate, such as for example irrigation
systems, showers or car wash systems. Indirect valves are also known as servo controlled valves.
Schematical representation of an indirect operated solenoid valve (2/2-way, normally closed).

The video below explains step by step the operating principle of indirect operating solenoid valves. For the example a
2/2-way normally closed valve is used.

The video explains step by step how an indirect acting solenoid valve opens and closes. If you like the
video, you are free to subscribe to our channel or share the video.

Semi-Direct Operated

Semi-direct operated solenoid valves combine the properties of direct and indirect valves. This allows them
to work from zero bar, but still they can handle a high flow rate. They look somewhat like indirect valves and also
feature a movable membrane with a small orifice and pressure chambers on both sides. The difference is that the
solenoid plunger is directly connected to the membrane. When the plunger is lifted, it directly lifts the membrane to
open the valve. At the same time, a second orifice is opened by the plunger that has a slightly larger diameter than
the first orifice in the membrane. This causes the pressure in the chamber above the membrane to drop. As a result,
the membrane is lifted not only by the plunger, but also by the pressure difference. This combination results in a valve
that operates from zero bar, and can control relatively large flow rates. Often, semi-direct operated valves have more
powerful coils than indirect operated valves. Semi-direct operated valves are sometimes called assisted-lift solenoid
valves.
Schematical representation of a semi-direct operated solenoid valve (2/2-way, normally closed).

The short video below explains step by step the operating principle of semi-direct operating solenoid valves. For the
example a 2/2-way normally closed valve is used.

The video explains step by step how a semi-direct acting solenoid valve opens and closes. If you like
the video, you are free to subscribe to our channel or share the video.

Direct Operated 3/2 Way Solenoid Valves

A 3/2 way solenoid valve has three ports and two switching states. In each switching state, two of the three
ports are connected. By activating the solenoid, the valve switches state and a different connection between the valve
ports is established. The drawing below shows a direct operated 3/2 way valve. In the de-energized state, the
medium can flow between from the port on the right side to the top port. In the energized state, the medium can flow
from the left port to the right port. This is a called a normally closed 3/2-way valve.
Schematical representation of a direct operated 3/2 way solenoid valve.
What is a Solenoid Valve and how do solenoid valves work.
A solenoid valve is an electro mechanically operated valve. These
valves are controlled by an electric current through a solenoid in the
case of a two-port valve the flow is switched on or off; in the case
of a three-port valve, the outflow is switched between the two
outlet ports. Multiple solenoid valves can be placed together on a
manifold.

Solenoid valves are the most frequently used to control fluids and
Gases. Their tasks are to shut off, divert, release, dose or mix fluids
and gases. They are found in many vacuum, cryogenic, water, fluid,
Steam, gas, oil or air and high pressure applications and controlling
other 5/2 way and 5/3 way pneumatic valves or coaxial valves or
Angle Seat Piston Valves. Solenoids offer fast and safe switching,
high reliability, long service life, good medium compatibility of the
Brass Stainless Steel and Plastic general purpose solenoid valves,
low control power 12vdc and compact design in sizes from 1/8 BSP
to large flanged solenoid valves to DN500 sizes.

2 Way Direct Acting


Solenoid Valve.
Power Off - valve remains
closed.

Power On - Armature lifts


and valve opens allowing
flow from ports 1 to port 2.

Ideal for High Pressure low


flow Applications
3 Way Direct Acting
Solenoid Valve
Power Off - Port 1 closed,
port 2 open to port 3.

Power On - Armature Lifts


blocking Port 3, port 1
now open allowing flow to
port 2

Ideal for Actuator


and Cylinder Control or
diverting flow.

2 Way Servo Assisted


Solenoid Valve

Power Off - Port 1 closed

Power On - Armature
Lifts, Pressure above
diaphragm is released via
small pilot hole into port 2
allowing port 1 inlet
pressure to lift diaphragm
allowing full flow.

Ideal for Open to


Atmosphere and medium
pressure high flow
applications. P over 0.5
Bar (P1-P2)
2 Way Hung
Diaphragm Solenoid Valve.
Power Off - Port 1 Closed

Power On - Armature lifts


connected Diaphragm, Pilot
Pressure above diaphragm
released into port 2
allowing port 1 inlet
pressure to assist lifting
diaphragm allowing flow to
port 2.

Ideal for Low Pressure,


Vacuum and Closed loop
high flow pipework systems

What are the different parts of a solenoid valve?

The illustration below depicts the basic components of a solenoid valve. The valve shown in
the picture is a normally-closed, direct-acting valve. This type of solenoid valve has the
most simple and easy to understand principle of operation.
1. Valve Body 4. Coil / Solenoid 7. Plunger

2. Inlet Port 5. Coil Windings 8. Spring

3. Outlet Port 6. Lead Wires 9. Orifice

How does a solenoid valve work?

The media controlled by the solenoid valve enters the valve through the inlet port (Part 2 in
the illustration above). The media must flow through the orifice (9) before continuing into
the outlet port (3). The orifice is closed and opened by the plunger (7).

The valve pictured above is a normally-closed solenoid valve.


Normally-closed valves use a spring (8) which presses the plunger tip
against the opening of the orifice. The sealing material at the tip of the
plunger keeps the media from entering the orifice, until the plunger is
lifted up by an electromagnetic field created by the coil.

The video animation below shows the operation sequence for a direct-acting solenoid valve.
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