How Select Solenoid Valves
Solenoid valve. Encapsulated solenoid valve
Image Credit: Clark | ASCO | Gems
Solenoid valves are devices that use a solenoid to control valve activation. They are considered electromechanical control devices used to control liquid or gas flow. An electrical current runs through a coil to control the valve by moving a plunger. When the solenoid receives an electrical signal (energized), it channels the air supply directly...
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Q & A on Solenoid Valves
We asked our users for their input on Solenoid Valves. Here are the results of 158 users familiar with Solenoid Valves.
Who Took Our Poll? | Design Trends | Applications and Use | Features | Buying AdviceDesign TrendsTop
What new technologies are influencing solenoid valve design?
23 answers
Pneumatics switches and limit switches, in other words there is no electrical signal to activate the solenoid valve.
~Engineering Consultant, Dallas, TX
Solenoid valves are driven through Field Bus - Profibus, devicenet, canopen, ASi & intrinsically safe circuits.
~Marketing/Sales, Chennai, India
Serial interface offerings incorporated with manifold packages
Small envelope size
Low wattage
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~David T., Marketing/Sales, Syracuse, NY
From your perspective, which companies are creating the most innovative solenoid valves?
26 answers
Our suppliers using ASCO solenoids for ash valves and NORGREN solenoids for air system valves.
~Engineering, Design, Ostrtava, Czech Republic
Asco for fluids, SpiraxSsarco for gases, other specialty mfrs for pneumatics.
~Bill Tomko, Owner/Technician lab instrumentation, Raleigh, NC
Asco and Parker Solenoids for pneumatic and hydraulic control applications.
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~Marketing/Sales, Winnipeg, Canada
Applications and UseTop
What are some of the applications you have used solenoid valves for?
38 answers
I´m interested in fly ash power plant removal technologies. Each automatic operated valve in system is controlled by solenoid. Furthermore bin vent filters are purged by air counterflow provided by solenoids.
~Engineering, Design, Ostrtava, Czech Republic
Shipboard applications to control almost everything in the Machinery space that needs to operate under the most adverse environmental conditions.
~Technical Support/Services, TULSA, OK
Compressors, valve automations, pneumatic equipments, pneumatic special purpose machinery, dust collectors, railway braking systems, etc.
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~Marketing/Sales, Chennai, India
Please share with us any “non-standard” applications that solenoid valves have been used for.
13 answers
Using SOV on process must be carefully reviewed. Not much variety of material and process parameter are available. So On-Off valves driven by SOV/air to be used.
~Aqil M, Design Engineer, Al-Jubail, Saudi arabia
Pre-action systems in fire protection.
Spark suppression in duct systems.
For release of foam airport systems.
~Mark L, Marketing/Sales, Toronto, Canada
As far as I know we use solenoids only for standard applications.
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~Engineering, Design, Ostrtava, Czech Republic
Do you know of any disastrous mistakes that occurred due to the incorrect usage of solenoid valves?
11 answers
If you cycle, by turning on and off a solenoid valve too fast or for long period of time, they will get very hot. The use of a valve driver circuit will eliminate that effect. We use and purchase ALA Scientific Valve Driver for high speed applications.
~Engineering, Design, Annandale, NJ
Using SOVs on corrosive materials. An SOV driven valve on chlorine made the chlorine go to the instrument air line when teflon diaphragm got damaged. IA was also being used for gas masking in that area.
~Aqil M, Design Engineer, Al-Jubail, Saudi arabia
Massive refrigerant leaks due to incorrect mounting of solenoid coil on reed tube, causing both ice tube pinch (sub-zero), and also arcing from the coil due to moisture entrapment.
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~John S, Refrigeration Company Owner/Design Consultant, Nelson, New Zealand
FeaturesTop
What would your design or feature "wish list" be for this product?
22 answers
Response time less than 20 microseconds. Repetition rate up to 1KHz. Temperature range from cryogenic to 250c.
~Uzi Even, Professor, Tel Aviv, Israel
300 psi capable, 120 and 24 volt capable, single in and out, and normally closed, open on power up.
~Mark L, Marketing/Sales, Toronto, Canada
1- I would like to include in my design a solenoid valve with status limit switches.
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~Engineering Consultant, Dallas, TX
Is there any advice you want to share with users to help them avoid common errors in selection or usage of solenoid valves?
13 answers
When troubleshooting, NEVER leave a coil separated from the valve when energized, the coil will melt due to lack of heat dissipation.
~Paul Larson, Technical Support, Colorado Springs, CO
Most common error is correct sizing, and application of solenoid valves.
~John S, Refrigeration Company Owner/Design Consultant, Nelson, New Zealand
Take care of area classification. Carefully design port arrangement.
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~Aqil M, Design Engineer, Al-Jubail, Saudi arabia
Buying AdviceTop
Do you have any advice for people relative to buying or using solenoid valves?
12 answers
Important to precisely determine operating conditions. Correct selection of type and construction of valve/s. Double check with reliable and trusted supplier that application is suitable.
~John S, Refrigeration Company Owner/Design Consultant, Nelson, New Zealand
They are not a commodity item. Understand your requirements, then do some research on the different designs available. Be cautious when utilizing 3 position, solenoid operated air valves.
~David T., Marketing/Sales, Syracuse, NY
When controlling on/off liquid, consider spending a little extra and purchasing a slow opening/slow closing valve to prevent water hammer.
~Paul Larson, Technical Support, Colorado Springs, CO
Avoid much variety by selecting universal type. Banked SOVs save space but are difficult to maintain.
~Aqil M, Design Engineer, Al-Jubail, Saudi arabia
No, just find the best match for your application.
~Bill Tomko, Owner/Technician lab instrumentation, Raleigh, NC
Check for the pressure drop across the valve.
~Paul L, Technical Support, Wichita, Sg.
Spring pressure return. Seat material wear
~Brent W., Project Manager, Edmonton, Canada
To apply valves with correct rating
~Jens H, Technical Support, Arendal, Norway
Maintain air quality
~Krishna Kumar P, Engineer, Bangalaore, India
Match all paramaters
~Ed Wilson, Technical Support, Temecula, CA
Not at this stage
~KARUN D, Design Engineer, HOBART, AUSTRALIA
Pressure design
~General Management, Beit arye, Israel
