Solenoid Valves

A solenoid valve is a valve that is electrically controlled whereby the coil creates a magnetic field that moves an armature inside an operator tube when turned on. They come in two main states which are either Normally Closed (power to open) or Normally Open (power to close) (excluding latching solenoid valves). Amongst solenoid valves there are two categories; Differential and Zero Differential. This relates to the pressure drop required to operate the valve. Differential are servo assisted where they use a minimum pressure differential to operate whereby Zero Differential will operate with a zero head pressure on the valve. Solenoid Valves are commonly found in sizes from ⅛” to 2” for the majority. They also come in multiple configurations such as 2 way, 3 way & 5 way. We usually term these by the number of ways and over the number of states eg. 3/2 would be 3 way 2 position etc.

Both differential and zero differential solenoid valves operate around the central function of a magnetic field been created to move an armature. This is a magnetic grade of metal (usually stainless steel) that will either move onto (closing off) or lift off (opening) an orifice in the valve. In zero differential applications it will be either coupled diaphragm whereby the armature actually lifts the diaphragm off the seat or direct acting where the armature sits directly onto the seat. In differential solenoid valves it will utilise a pressure differential to open or close the valve in conjunction with the armature moving onto or off a seat. For instance in a normally closed differential solenoid valve a magnetic field will be created, lifting the armature off the bleed off orifice which is bigger than the bleed on hole on top of the diaphragm. Therefore the pressure can escape off the top of the diaphragm faster than it can come on therefore the diaphragm will be lifted effectively opening the valve.

This depends upon the design of your valve, its usage case, its environment, media and how many times it is cycled. For example if it is on a clean media, in a clean environment and not cycled regularly the life will be decades. If it is on a corrosive media and a harsh environment it could be much shorter. We have seen our models in use for decades continuously in some instances. All of our coils are 100% ED which means they are rated to be used 100% of the time continuously. The only caveat in these cases is that the coil must be able to dissipate the heat generated so it can't be in a small box or hot environment if this is the case.

All solenoid valves have a direction of flow they must be installed in. This is usually indicated by an arrow cast into the side of the body of the valve. A solenoid valve can be installed in any plan if needed eg. sideways, upside down but if possible it is best to operate it vertically with the coil on top. This will help stop any scale building up in the operator tube as well as minimise the chance of any leak through on larger size low pressure zero differential applications. Once the valve is installed in the pipeline by either threaded nipples or flanges if it is flanged the valve can be wired up. In most cases this will be by way of a DIN plug which is wired and then connected to the coil. Never run the coil without being on the operator stem as it will cause it to burn out.

This really depends upon the solenoid valve in question as they have an enormous range of domestic and industrial applications. They are found commonly on compressed air lines, water lines, steam lines, fuel lines and any other application where flow needs to be isolated. As long as the pressure, temperature and chemical compatibility is fine the valve will have an application.

This depends upon where you are based and the freight method chosen. If the express freight option is selected it is usually next day delivery to metropolitan areas in Australia for under 5kg. If free freight has been selected it will go by road freight which can be anywhere from 1 to 10 days depending upon your location. It usually averages 3 days.

All of our products come standard with a 12 month warranty. The good news is we have very strict quality controls and all valves leave our warehouse tested (full material and testing certificates to API598 are available) and inspected so there are rarely any issues. Also once your valve is in and operating it will most likely continue to do so for a very long time barring any debris getting caught in the valve or power spikes causing the coil to fail..