What Are Solenoid Valves?

Within a plumbing or fluid system, valves are important components that are implemented to regulate, control, and direct the flow of fluids within the system. Solenoid valves are a special type of valve that is operated electromechanically, and they may perform many of the same functions of a standard valve automatically. With various types available that offer diverse sets of capabilities, solenoid operated valves may benefit a number of plants, equipment, and applications. In this blog, we will discuss the functionality of solenoid valves, as well as the applications that they benefit.

Unlike standard valves, solenoid valves do not need to be operated manually, and thus they open up the capability of remote control to serve as externally piloted valves. The main components that form the solenoid valve assembly are the subassembly, core tube, bonnet, hanger spring, backup washer, diaphragm, disk, and valve body. Within the solenoid subassembly, there is typically a retaining clip, solenoid coil, core tube, plugnut, shading coil, core spring, and core. Altogether, these parts provide for the automatic control of fluids within the system.

Solenoid valves operate by opening and closing orifices within the body of the valve, either permitting or denying the flow of fluids. The opening and closing of these orifices is done by the plunger within the sleeve tube that is actuated by a magnetic field. Such magnetic fields may be produced by having a current run through the coil of the solenoid, energizing it to create the magnetic field. This magnetic field and energizing of the solenoid is harnessed to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy for valve operations. The seals of a solenoid valve may be metallic or rubber, and electrical interfaces may be present to create an ease of control.

The main benefit of a solenoid valve is the ability to remotely control functions, as well as permit more complex processes within a system. Solenoid valves create the ability to easily shut off, release, dose, distribute, and mix fluids within a system. On top of their capabilities, solenoid valves also tout high reliability and service lives, as well as permit fast switching, low control power, and are compact in design.

Within industries and applications, the use of solenoid valves may range from simple on and off control of dishwashers to plant control loops. Common uses of solenoid valves include applications such as water supply, fuel supply, wastewater treatment, oil and gas burner control, blood analysis instruments, gas mixture regulation, pressure relief and drainage, large heating systems, machine engineering, and much more. Depending on the application, various solenoid materials may be used, such as brass, stainless steel, aluminum, and plastics. Solenoid valves may also be direct current or alternating current powered, as well as may be one or two solenoid valves. Since their debut in the 1910, solenoid valves have been greatly beneficial to a number of hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

When it comes time to begin sourcing the solenoid operated valves and aerospace components that you need for your next project or operation, Aerospace Unlimited has you covered with everything you are searching for. Aerospace Unlimited is owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, and we can help you find the aircraft and marine parts that you are searching for, new or obsolete.


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July 3, 2020

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