Solenoid valves are the foundational device used in automation devices concerned with fluid control. These electromagnetic devices are primordial for the distinct and accurate control over the fluids in a wide range of devices. Thus, solenoid valves are mostly used in regulating the gas and liquid flow in devices.
One such solenoid is Bürkert 3-2 way valves, which are designed with advanced engineering and versatile technology. It is known for accurate fluid control between 3 different posts with 2 different switches.
Considering this, let’s delve deep into this topic and understand more about solenoid valves.
What is a Solenoid Valve?
A solenoid valve is an electromagnetic device made from the following components:
Solenoid: A device made up of a wound coil of insulated wire that acts as a magnet when current is passed through it.
Valve: This component is used to change or block the flow path of a liquid compound or gaseous substance, i.e., governing the flow modulation.
Orifice: It is a precisely calibrated aperture within the valve body that leads the flow.
Electromagnetic Actuation and Fluidic Modulation
The solenoid valves work on the principle of electromagnetic actuation, i.e., converting the mechanical and electrical energy into one another. When the current is passed through the electromagnet, the solenoid coil energizes and acts as a magnet that generates magnetic fields around the coil in a closed circular direction. These magnetic fields exert force on the plunger, leading to the movement of the values and the flow control by the orifice.
To control the opening and closing of different valves, changes and interruptions on the magnitude of the current are used.
Types of Solenoid Valves
The following are the different types of solenoid valves available:
1. Categorization by Operation
These are the different types of solenoid valves based on their operations:
Direct-Acting Solenoid Valves: This valve quickly responds to the magnetic effect and is considered to be suitable for low flow rates and pressure applications.
Pilot-Operated Solenoid Valves: In these valves, a small pilot orifice is used that acts with the magnetic field of the solenoid and helps in valve actuation. This enables a higher flow rate and control compared to direct-acting valves.
Internally Piloted Solenoid Valves: These valves incorporate the characteristics of both direct-acting and pilot-oriented valves, making them utilize system pressure for actuation and externally piloted valves.
2. Categorization by Function
Taking the different functions of solenoid valves, the following are the different types of solenoid valves:
2-Way Solenoid Valves: The most common types of solenoid valves that come with 2 ports: one inlet and one outlet.
3-Way Solenoid Valves: Comes with three ports: inlet, outlet, and exhaust. Used to switch flow between 2 different ports.
4-Way Solenoid Valves: These valves consist of 4 ports: inlet, outlet, and 2 exhausts. It enables complex fluid control between different ports.
3. Categorization by Application
Depending on the de-energized state, the solenoid valves can be categorized in the following:
Normally Closed (NC) Solenoid Valves: These valves remain closed and block the flow of liquids and gases when not affected by any force.
Normally Open (NO) Solenoid Valves: These valves remain open and allow the flow of liquids and gases when not affected by any force.
A Solenoid Valve: Why Use One?
Rather than investing additional investment to manage the flow of liquids, integrating a solenoid valve is considered to be a better choice due to the following advantages:
1. Key Advantages
The following are the focusing advantages of solenoid valves:
Exceptional Speed: Solenoid valves are known for their exceptional speed and reaction in milliseconds on automated processes.
Enhanced Reliability: These valves are strong and come with minimal moving parts, resulting in extremely low chances of breakage and failure.
Seamless Automation: The automation system of solenoid valves is tested and found to be uninterruptible in experiments.
Compact Design: Due to their small size design, solenoid valves can be integrated easily into devices.
2. Comparison to Traditional Valves
Taking the history of valves, mostly there are 2 different types of valves, predecessors to solenoid valves: manual valves and mechanical valves. At first, the manual valves were replaced by mechanical valves due to their requirement for human intervention and inconsistency in functionality.
Later, due to the lack of speed, precision, and remote operability of mechanical valves, solenoid valves were introduced, which facilitate speed, accuracy, reliability, and automation. This led to making solenoid valves superior to any other kinds of valves.
Solenoid Valves: Where Are They Used?
Now comes the ultimate question: Where are the solenoid valves used? As we know, solenoid valves’ uses are versatile; they can be used for a variety of purposes:
1. Automotive
Fuel Injection: Delivery of fuel to the engines is controlled by solenoid valves, resulting in efficient fuel combustion and efficiency.
Air Suspension: Adjusting the right height and damping in the air suspension system is managed by solenoid valves, delivering a smooth driving experience.
Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS): When the solenoid valves rapidly actuate, they deliver pressure on the brakes. This leads to instant wheel lockup and enhanced car control.
2. Industrial
Pneumatic Systems: In manufacturing industries, solenoid valves are used to control the flow of compressed air to power cylinders, actuators, and robotic systems.
Hydraulic Systems: Heavy-duty machines like excavators and hydraulic presses work on the solenoid valves, controlling the flow of hydraulic fluids to make an action.
3. Medical
Respiratory Equipment: In hospitals, the ventilators and oxygen concentrators are integrated with solenoid valves to control and manage the flow of gases.
Dialysis Machines: Accuracy in the flow of blood in dialysis is important. Thus, solenoid valves are used to keep the process stable and precise.
4. Agriculture
Irrigation Systems: Solenoid valves are used in automated sprinklers to control the timing and distribution of water in the fields.
Livestock Watering Systems: Automation of sufficient watering of the livestock is ensured with solenoid valves.
5. Domestic
Washing Machines: The drainage and intake of water in washing machines are controlled by solenoid valves.
Sprinkler Systems: The automation of watering and irrigation facilities in the lawns and gardens is facilitated with solenoid valves.
Bottom Line
Although most people are not familiar with the existence of solenoid valves, they play a vital role in automation equipment. Solenoid valves have not only made a distinct impact on other technologies but have also advanced the areas of fluid control and automation. Their ability to control the fluids has resulted in widespread adoption in the current world.
