Solenoid valve

Solenoid valve

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Solenoid valves are used in fluid power pneumatic and hydraulic systems, to control cylinders, fluid power motors or larger industrial valves. Automatic irrigation sprinkler systems also use solenoid valves with an automatic controller. Domestic washing machines and dishwashers use solenoid valves to control water entry into the machine. They are also often used in paintball gun triggers to actuate the CO2 hammer valve. Solenoid valves are usually referred to simply as "solenoids."

  

A solenoid valve is an electromechanical device which uses an electric current to generate a magnetic field and thereby operate a mechanism which regulates the opening of fluid flow in a valve.

Solenoid valves differ in the characteristics of the electric current they use, the strength of the magnetic field they generate, the mechanism they use to regulate the fluid, and type and characteristics of fluid they control. Mechanism varies from linear action, plunger-type actuators to pivoted-armature actuators and rocker actuators. The solenoid valve can use a two-port design to regulate flow or use a three or more port design to switch flows between ports. Multiple solenoid valves can be placed together on a manifold.

Solenoid valves are the most frequently used control elements in fluidics. Their tasks are to shut off, release, dose, distribute or mix fluids. They are found in many application areas. Solenoids offer fast and safe switching, high reliability, long service life, good medium compatibility of the materials used, low control power and compact design.

There are many solenoid valve design variations. Ordinary solenoid valves can have many ports and fluid paths. A 2-way solenoid valve, for example, has 2 ports. If the valve is open, then the two ports are connected and fluid may flow between the ports. If the valve is closed, then ports are isolated. If the valve is open when the solenoid is not energized, then the valve is termed normally open. Similarly, if the valve is closed when the solenoid is not energized, then the valve is termed normally closed.

  

  

There are also 3-way and more complicated designs. A 3-way valve has 3 ports. It connects one port to either of the two other ports (typically a supply port and an exhaust port).

Solenoid valves are also characterized by how they operate. The small solenoid valve can generate a limited force. If that force is sufficient to open and close the valve, then a direct acting solenoid valve is possible.

The valve body must be compatible with the fluid. Common materials which are used in the production of solenoid valves are brass, stainless steel, aluminum, and plastic.

  

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