What is a Solenoid Valve and How Does It Work?

As a leading manufacturer of solenoid valves, Bürkert has extensive knowledge of their operation. We aim to address some of the most common questions regarding solenoid valve functionality, typical applications, and the process of replacing them.

What is a Solenoid Valve?  

An Automotive Lift Repair Tampa Florida solenoid valve is an electro-mechanical device used to control the flow of liquids or gases. There are several types of solenoid valves, but they mainly fall into two categories: pilot-operated and direct-acting. Pilot-operated valves, which are the most prevalent, use the system line pressure to manage the opening and closing of the main orifice in the valve body.

In contrast, direct-acting solenoid valves directly control the main valve orifice, serving as the sole flow path. They are suitable for systems that require low flow capacities or have a minimal pressure differential across the valve.

How Do Solenoid Valves Function?  

Automotive Lift Repair Tampa Florida Solenoid valves manage the flow of liquids or gases by either fully opening or fully closing. They often replace manual valves or facilitate remote control. The operation involves opening or closing an orifice in the valve body, allowing or blocking flow. This action is accomplished by a plunger that moves up or down within a sleeve tube when the coil is energized.

Typically, solenoid valves consist of a coil, plunger, and sleeve assembly. In normally closed valves, a return spring keeps the plunger against the orifice, preventing flow. Conversely, in normally open valves, energizing the coil causes the plunger to seal the orifice, halting flow.

Why Use a Solenoid Valve?  

In many Automotive Lift Repair Tampa Florida flow control applications, it’s essential to start or stop the flow to manage system fluids effectively. Electronically operated solenoid valves are ideal for this purpose, as they can be located remotely and controlled via simple electrical switches.

Solenoid valves are commonly employed as control elements in fluid systems. They facilitate functions such as shutting off, releasing, dosing, distributing, or mixing fluids, making them versatile across various applications. Their advantages include rapid and reliable switching, extended service life, low power consumption, and compact design.

Where Are Solenoid Valves Used?  

Solenoid valves are utilized across a wide range of industrial applications, including general on-off control, process control systems, and equipment manufacturer applications. Specific sectors include:

– Water supply

– Drinking water treatment

– Wastewater treatment

– Purification of grey and black water

– Machine and plant engineering

– Cooling, lubrication, and dosing systems

– Building services

– Large heating systems and climate control

– Safety engineering

– Water main protection and fire suppression systems

– Compressors

– Pressure relief and drainage systems

– Fuel supply

– Transport and tank facilities

– Firing systems

– Oil and gas burner control

– Gas chromatography

– Regulation of gas mixtures

– Blood analysis instruments

– Control of cleaning processes

How to Replace Automotive Lift Repair Tampa Florida Solenoid Valves  

For proper functionality, solenoid valves must be selected and configured according to their specific applications. Key parameters for choosing a solenoid control valve include the Kv value (measured in cubic meters per hour) and the application’s pressure range.

A valve’s orifice size and coil strength directly affect its shut-off pressure capability. Based on the calculated Kv value and the pressure range of the intended application, you can determine the appropriate valve type and required orifice size.

 Solenoid Ball Valve

Both solenoid valves and ball valves are on/off mechanisms that regulate fluid flow within a piping system. While they fulfill similar roles, there are key differences to consider when choosing the right valve for your specific application. Read on to explore the distinctions between solenoid and ball valves, along with their suitable applications, benefits, and drawbacks.

What Is an Automotive Lift Repair Tampa FloridaSolenoid Valve?  

A solenoid valve is an electrically operated shut-off valve commonly used to control the flow of clean liquids and gases. As the name implies, its primary component is a solenoid—an electric coil with a movable magnetic plunger at its center.

These fast-acting valves operate using electromagnetic energy. When at rest, the magnetic plunger seals a small orifice. Upon receiving an electric current, a magnetic field is generated, causing the plunger to move upward and open the port.

Automotive Lift Repair Tampa Florida Manufacturers favor solenoid valves for their ability to manage the release, distribution, and mixing of fluids, air, and gases with quick cycle times. Their compatibility with various materials makes them versatile for a wide range of applications.

– 2-Way Solenoid Valve:  

  – Features an inlet and outlet connected to the flow source.

  – Offers two states: open or closed.

  – Closes to stop fluid flow and opens to allow it.

– 3-Way Solenoid Valve:  

  – Contains three ports.

  – Offers three control settings: normally closed, normally open, and general.

  – Can divert media through different ports.

– 4-Way Solenoid Valve:  

  – Functions as a double-acting cylinder.

  – Equipped with one or two exhaust ports, two cylinder ports, a pressure port, and multiple connectors.

Solenoid valves are utilized across various industries and systems requiring responsive on/off controls. Common applications include:

– Heating

– Compressed air systems

– Vacuum applications

– Irrigation

– Car washes

Additionally, solenoid valves can control other pneumatically actuated valves, such as ball valves. Some manufacturers offer integrated solenoid valves with their pneumatic actuators to direct compressed air to the appropriate port upon receiving a signal voltage.

What Is a Ball Valve?  

Like solenoid valves, ball valves are on/off devices that manage media flow within a piping system. However, ball valves use a rotary ball and spherical bore to regulate flow, allowing or restricting it when the ball is rotated 90 degrees. Ball valves come in both manual and automatically actuated versions and can accommodate various pipe connection types.

These Automotive Lift Repair Tampa Florida valves are popular due to their long service life and reliability, even when handling contaminated substances. They are particularly advantageous in applications involving particulate media, as the ball’s wiping action clears debris from the seats, preventing issues seen with other valve types. While typically classified as on/off valves, ball valves can function as control valves when equipped with a v-port ball.

When to Use a Solenoid Valve vs. a Ball Valve  

When deciding between a solenoid valve and a ball valve for your piping system or application, consider the following key factors: