Solenoid Valves
A solenoid valve is used for controlling the flow of process media from one location to another. It is an electro-mechanical valve that can turn on or shut off flow and can be used to control the flow of steam, air, water, oil or other processes. A solenoid valve can be use alone or in tandem with other valves. One or more of these handy valves may be placed on a manifold with several control operations.
Solenoid Valves - Parts
The main parts of the valve are the solenoid and the valve. The solenoid controls the electromagnetic current that opens and closes the valve. The valve may have a soft or metal seat. A magnet is activated by the current to open the valve. The core of the solenoid is enclosed in a tube with a coil. The core is the magnetic plunger that moves to open the valve when it is turned on. The spring holds the magnet in place when it is in the off position. (Please note: Since there are different types and sizes of solenoid valves for various applications, this is a simplified description) A plugnut prevents fluid from escaping when the solenoid valve is closed. An O-ring is used as a seal between the plugnut and the solenoid magnet. The materials and the seals must be compatible with the fluid flowing through it. Solenoid valves are available in metal, plastic, brass, stainless steel and aluminum are the general materials used to build a typical solenoid valve. Most solenoid valves are two and three-way, but even four-way valves are available. The valves come in all sizes from miniature precision control units in various shapes to large push-pull, cartridge and pilot valves. Special rotary solenoids are available for industrial high flow applications.
Solenoid Valve Uses
Solenoid valves are used everywhere. A solenoid valve may be used for water irrigation timer devices turning the water on and off for commercial building grounds. In addition, solenoid valves are often used in various commercial water purifiers or even on pneumatically actuated valves to control the flow of air into the actuator to move (actuate) very large valves. Food processing plants use solenoid valves to control propane gas used for stoves and ranges along with refrigeration systems and filling machines. Industrial use for solenoid valves includes hydraulic and pneumatic systems that control steam, water, air, and other chemicals and can process liquids and gases. Special wet-pin pressurized bore solenoids are used in hydraulic drilling operations. Explosion proof solenoid valves are important for oil drilling, refineries and mining operations.
Solenoid Valves for Sale
Check out ValveMan for a large section of ASCO Valves, Bonomi solenoid valves, and other solenoid valves for all of your applications. ValveMan is conveniently located in Exton, PA only 30 miles outside Philadelphia. Our valve store has been serving customers since 1965, distributing valves all over the world. Check out the online catalog for their complete selection of valves that can be assemble and shipped all over the globe.