To correctly define a solenoid valve

Learn how to define a solenoid valve by considering factors such as fluid type, pressure range, temperature, voltage flow, and environmental conditions. Explore the characteristics in detail.

7/19/20242 min read

To correctly define a solenoid valve, it is necessary to know its exact application:

  • the type of fluid (air, nitrogen, hydrogen, cryogenics, etc.)

  • the pressure range

  • the temperature range

  • voltage

  • the flow

  • the atex environment, confinement, clutter

These elements make it possible to determine the characteristics below:

  • the type of elastomer

  • the type of solenoid valve depending on the pressure

  • the type of coil according to pressure and temperature

  • the passage diameter defined by the calculation of the resulting flow/pressure Kv

Determine the control function of the solenoid valve several cases exist:

2-way normally closed - 1 inlet/1 outlet solenoid valve, lets the fluid pass under voltage.

2-way normally open - 1 inlet/1 outlet solenoid valve, lets the fluid pass without voltage, generally used as a discharge safety device during a power voltage.

3-way normally closed - 1 inlet/1 outlet/1 exhaust solenoid valve, allows the fluid to pass under voltage, then releases the downstream chamber without voltage. Example of use: cylinder control.

3-way normally open - 1 inlet/1 outlet/1 exhaust solenoid valve, lets the fluid pass downstream without voltage and supplies the process with voltage. This case is also often used in security.

3-way universal - solenoid valve integrating normally closed and open functions.

3-way selector - solenoid valve allowing the fluid to be directed upstream towards one line to another depending on the open or closed position.

The different technologies:

Direct control: this typology is mainly used for small diameters up to 7mm. Only the moving core inside the solenoid valve is driven. No pressure difference is necessary for its operation.

Assisted control: this type allows, compared to the version above, to obtain equipment with large passages and high pressures, example: DN20 300 bar but requires a pressure difference between the inlet and outlet. When controlling the mobile core, the latter releases the pressure from the chamber above the piston, allowing the latter to open. And when the core closes, the pressure is applied again.

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