A solenoid valve is operated electromechanically. Solenoid valves vary in the attributes of the electric voltage they employ, the reliability of the magnetic field they produce, the process they use to automate the fluid, and the type and attributes of fluid they monitor. From linear action, plunger-type actuators to pivoted-armature actuators and rocker actuators, the mechanism varies. The valve may have a two-port configuration to control a flow or a three-port configuration or more to switch flows between ports.
Functions of Pneumatic Solenoid Valves
There are several variants in valve design. Many ports and fluid pathways are possible in typical valves. For instance, a 2-way valve has two ports; while it is open, the ports are linked, and fluid can pass through them; when it is closed, the ports are separated. The valve is said to normally open if it is open while the solenoid is not activated.
Similarly, if the valve closes even when the solenoid is not turned on, it is said to be normally closed (N.C.). There are also 3-way patterns and more intricate ones. A three-way valve links one port to either of the other two ports by means of its three ports (typically a supply port and an exhaust port).
Available Types of Pneumatic Solenoid
Many variations allow for the fundamental, one-way, one-solenoid valve described above:
- One- or two-solenoid valves.
- Direct current or alternating current powered;
- Different number of ways and positions;
Typical Applications
Solenoid valves are installed in fluid energy pneumatic and hydraulic devices in order to monitor cylinders, fluid power machines, or big industrial valves. Automation and controlled irrigation sprinkler applications also install solenoid valves with the help of a dynamic control system. Household washing machines and dishwashers also make use of solenoid valves to automate water flow to the machine. Moreover, solenoids are often employed in paintball gun actuators and the CO2 hammer valve.
Solenoid valves can be helpful to use in a range of industrial applications, such as common on-off control, calibration and test stands, and control loops that pilot plants, automated process systems, and many standard equipment designing applications.
