Exploring the main applications of a solenoid valve
2024-04-03Solenoid valves are used in a wide range of applications, from industrial machinery and automobiles to household appliances and systems. Pneumatic solenoid valves regulate the passage of air in the circuit, while liquid solenoid valves control the flow of liquid media.
The widespread use of solenoid valves is not without reason. Among other advantages, these valves act quickly, virtually silently, and accurately.We have selected and described the most common applications.
Manufacturing system
Solenoid valves are used in industry to control machines, dose, mix or restrict the flow of liquids or gases. For example, beverage plants use solenoid valves to measure the exact amount of beverage to be poured into bottles.
These valves can also be used to mix different liquid substances in precise volumes. In automated systems, solenoid valves are used to control the flow of fluids and create motion.
Agriculture
Most agricultural equipment contains solenoid valves used to control the system. You'll find them in irrigation equipment, such as automatic sprinklers or motorized agricultural machinery to add substances.
Irrigation solenoid valves mainly control water flow and can be used to automatically operate sprinkler functions. Other uses include agricultural machinery transmission systems for regulating different fluids. You'll also find these valves in equipment used to dispense chemicals. The milking machine uses the function of a solenoid valve.
Because of all these uses, these valve types are the most common in agriculture, rivaled perhaps only by pneumatic control valves.
Automotive applications
A range of solenoid valves are used in motor vehicle systems. They are often used to regulate the flow of automotive fluids such as engine oil, anti-skid brake fluid, and even fuel.
In some of these functions, variable solenoid valves are often used. It allows controlling the media without turning it off completely. A good example is restricting the flow of fuel to the engine to reduce vehicle speed. Fuel solenoid valves are common in countries with speed regulations.
Other automotive solenoid valves include those used to cut off fuel flow and stop the vehicle, solenoid valves that automatically drain water from the water separator, and coolant control solenoid valves in the vehicle's HVAC system.
Vacuum system
Solenoid valves are widely used in vacuum applications. Direct and semi-direct valve types are the most common. They do not require a minimum level of stress, which makes them best suited for these situations. Vacuum solenoid valves are usually designed to be leak-free, which is a necessary requirement under such conditions.
Vacuum applications include the electronics industry, vacuum manufacturing and automation systems, and vacuum pumps that require partial removal of air.
Home heating equipment
Heaters use gas or wood to heat water and distribute it to various fixtures, such as bathroom shower heads, kitchen faucets, and other fixtures. The heart of the heater's operation is the solenoid valve.
These open and close automatically to let in cold and hot water. The flow rate in the circuit is usually high, which makes a pilot-operated solenoid valve most suitable.
Refrigeration equipment and systems
An important use of solenoid valves is in refrigeration systems. Refrigeration solenoid valves serve multiple functions in these installations. It prevents the high-pressure compressor from starting and protects the compressor from liquid hammer problems. The valve also closes and opens the refrigerant passage as needed, helping to prevent refrigerant from entering the evaporator when the compressor is stopped.
Car washer
Car wash equipment delivers high-pressure water and detergent to clean motor vehicles. To mix and lift water and cleaning solutions, these devices use a series of automatic solenoid valves.
These valves are usually direct-acting. To protect valves from corrosive chemicals in cleaning solutions, manufacturers use nickel-plated brass.
Air compressor unit
An air compressor takes in air, compresses it, and sends it to a compressed air storage tank. When air enters the tank, it must maintain pressure. This is achieved through the use of solenoid valves.
The compressed air solenoid valve is energized to shut off the flow of fluid, in this case air, and allow the built-up pressure to remain in the tank.
Compressed air pressure should not be left inside the tank for long periods of time. When the coil is de-energized, the valve opens and releases air into the system.
Hot drink machine
These are machines that dispense coffee, tea, and other beverages. They are commonly found in offices and commercial establishments, although some can be used in private locations. Hot beverage machines typically use direct-acting solenoid valve systems.Valves open and close in sequence to allow fluid to flow through the system.
Water mixing in safety faucet
Where hygiene requirements are strict, solenoid valves are used to automatically mix hot and cold water before flowing out of the faucet or faucet. Typically, these devices are equipped with a sensor to detect the presence of a person. It can be an infrared sensor or any other device.Behind the installation are two water solenoid valves. They open simultaneously to let in hot and cold water. Due to the high flow rates involved, the type used is usually a pilot operated solenoid valve.
Floor scrubber
The scrubber must dispense the right amount of water and detergent at the same time. To ensure this, solenoid valves are used for each function.Since the fluid being controlled has no pressure, most of the valves used are direct-acting.
Water metering device
These are mechanical devices that regulate the amount of water dispensed. They are used in different places, such as the food industry, to measure the precise amount of water in a mixture. The solenoid valves used in these instruments are usually pilot operated.
These are easily adapted to the high flow rates common in installations. These water solenoid valves have an auxiliary lift function when system pressure is low.
Natural Gas Fixtures and Appliances
Solenoid valves are used in industrial and domestic gas systems to open or stop the flow of natural gas. Gas solenoid valves can also be found in devices that use pneumatic actuators to perform different functions. Natural gas solenoid valves control the flow of air in a home gas heating system, indicating when the gas must come on to heat water and when it must turn off.
In conclusion
Solenoid valves are a common device on the job today. They are found almost everywhere, from automated manufacturing systems, automobiles, refrigeration and air conditioning systems to farm pumps and irrigation systems.
In contrast to pneumatic valves or some types of hydraulic valves, they can be found in most household appliances and fixtures.In industrial and engineering systems, solenoid valves have the most applications.
The list of applications is by no means exhaustive, the examples explained here are the most common.
