What is Solenoid valve and How it is used?

Solenoid valves are electromechanical devices that control fluid flow in a variety of applications. They are used in a variety of applications to release, shut off, mix, or dose liquid and gas media. These devices make many industrial procedures faster and more efficient by automating the closing and opening of valves.

What is meant by solenoid?

A solenoid is an electric coil with a moveable electromagnetic core in the centre. This core is known as a plunger, and when at rest, it seals a small aperture. If we run an electric current through the coil, we will generate a magnetic field, which will exert a force on the plunger, causing the plunger to be drawn towards the centre of the coil and the orifice to open. The solenoid valve employs this idea. This gadget can move linearly and can also be thought of as an actuator. If energy is applied to the solenoid, it will generate a lining force.

Why do we need solenoid valves?

These valves are used to automatically control the flow of fluid. Many chemical processing industries make extensive use of solenoid valves. Solenoid valves are electronic devices that transform electrical energy into mechanical force and motion. They are also utilised as solenoid-operated direct control valves in various hydraulic circuits to change the flow direction in a hydraulic system. Solenoid valves are typically utilised for on-off actions that require a very fast response time; solenoid valves can open or close in 8-12 milliseconds.

What are the parts of Solenoid?

What are the types of Solenoid Valves?

Solenoid valve working principle

A solenoid valve is a type of electromechanically controlled valve that eliminates the need for an engineer to manually operate the valve. Solenoid valves are typically utilised when the flow of media must be controlled automatically. As a range of various designs are available, allowing the valve to be selected to fit the application in issue, an increasing number of facilities are utilising the solenoid valve. MGA Controls outlines the operating concept of a solenoid valve and explains its construction in this article.

Solenoid valve construction

A solenoid valve is a control mechanism that can be electrically energised or de-energized to shut off or release flow. It consists of two major components: the solenoid, an electric coil with a movable ferromagnetic core in its centre, and an iron plunger that may move through the coil’s centre. When the coil is turned on, the generated magnetic field attracts the plunger to the centre of the coil. To return the plunger to its initial position, spring is also necessary.

How does the solenoid valve work?

When the iron plunger of the solenoid valve is at rest, it shuts a small aperture. An electrical current is then passed through the coil, resulting in the formation of a magnetic field. The magnetic field then exerts stress on the iron plunger, pulling it towards the centre of the coil and opening the aperture. This, in turn, controls the flow, allowing media to be turned off or released.

What are the advantages of solenoid valves?

  • Low energy consumption
  • Remotely controlled
  • Maintenance and service are both inexpensive.
  • AC and DC voltages are both supported.
  • Extremely quick open and close times
  • Capable of working at high temperatures
  • External leakage protection
  • It may work both vertically and horizontally.
  • Because of their adaptability, solenoid valve applications are quite diverse.

What are the disadvantages of solenoid valves?

  • The possibility that the coil will need to be replaced over its lifetime
  • The requirement for the control signal to stay active throughout the operation
  • Voltage fluctuation or change sensitivity
  • If the magnetic field is not properly set up, the valve will close partially.
  • The flow’s effect on the valve fluid