Solenoid valves
Solenoid valves for applications with high switching frequencies and fast interruption
Solenoid valves 12 VDC, 24 VAC/VDC or 230 VAC for applications with high switching frequencies
Solenoid valves have become an integral part of modern process control. Whether for compressed air or liquids, for shutting off, draining or diverting: Solenoid valves can be used to switch your processes quickly and reliably.
The robust solenoid valves are 2/2-way or multi-port valves with open and close functions for fixed or flexible lines. Solenoid valves are a cost-effective option for fluid control in systems with high switching frequencies and fast interruption.
What exactly is the function of these small but very important components? And in which areas of application can you find solenoid valves?
How solenoid valves work
Solenoid valves consist of a solenoid coil, a seat and a diaphragm. The opening and closing of the valve is controlled by the magnetic field of the electric current in the solenoid coil. The coils are available in various voltages in AC and DC. In control technology or in vehicles, coils with 12 VDC or 24 VDC are usually used. In plant engineering, solenoid coils with voltages of 24 VAC/VDC or 230 VAC are in demand.
Compared to other types of valves, solenoid valves offer important advantages. On the one hand, the simple but extremely effective mode of operation means that the response time of solenoid valves is short. This allows fast switching operations to be realised. On the other hand, the high precision and low energy consumption are further advantages.
Solenoid valves control media such as water, air and gas quickly and reliably, making them a key component of fluid control in industry and plant engineering. TRI-MATIC supplies solenoid valves made of brass and stainless steel with FPM seals. Depending on the control type, direct-acting, pilot-operated or forced-acting versions are used: direct-acting valves open from as low as 0 bar (even when unpressurised), whilst pilot-operated valves operate particularly energy-efficiently from approx. 0.5 bar. Depending on the type, the valves are available in 12 VDC, 24 VDC/VAC or 230 VAC versions and can be integrated into existing electrical automation systems.
Actuation types of solenoid valves
We mainly distinguish between the following control types of solenoid valves:
The application areas of solenoid valves
Solenoid valves play a central role in various industries. In automotive engineering, solenoid valves are used to control fuel, cooling or compressed air flows. In production automation, solenoid valves are used to control the flow of liquids in machines or to precisely direct movements. In medical technology, solenoid valves control or dose liquids and gases in medical devices.
These industrial applications can be easily automated with solenoid valves in various voltages from 12 VDC to 230 VAC. For applications in hazardous areas, TRI-MATIC offers the corresponding versions with coils in the required voltage and the appropriate ATEX approval.
A solenoid valve for water
There are many possible applications for solenoid valves in the water sector for adding liquids or as a simple switching valve: from car washes and water treatment to household appliances, swimming pools and the medical sector. However, pressure surges can occur with fluids such as water, unlike in applications with the compressible medium compressed air. Especially with large nominal diameters, the resulting forces should not be underestimated, which in extreme cases can lead to the destruction of valves, pipes or attached consumers. Such events can be counteracted by extending the opening or closing time of the solenoid valves.
Various housing materials such as brass for general compressed air applications and stainless steel for demanding media are available. The robust solenoid valves are available in nominal sizes from 1/8" to 2".
Careful selection and installation of solenoid valves is essential to ensure smooth operation and prevent potential safety risks or damage. We will be happy to take a close look at the requirements of your particular application with you so that you can achieve the best possible result.
Couldn't find the right solenoid valve?
We offer personalised advice and will find the ideal solution for your application.
FAQ
A solenoid valve consists of a solenoid coil, a movable armature (piston) and a valve body. As soon as current is applied to the coil, it generates a magnetic field that attracts the armature, thereby opening or closing the flow channel. When the power is switched off, a spring pushes the armature back to its initial position. This electromechanical operating principle enables switching times in the millisecond range, making solenoid valves ideal for applications with high switching frequencies.
For water applications, solenoid valves made of brass or stainless steel with FPM seals are recommended. The key factor is whether a minimum pressure is present: In unpressurised systems (e.g. gravity feed), you need a direct-acting solenoid valve that opens without differential pressure. For line pressures from approx. 0.5 bar, a pilot-operated valve is the more efficient choice, as it consumes less energy. TRI-MATIC supplies both variants for drinking water, process water and industrial water treatment.
In a direct-acting solenoid valve, the solenoid coil moves the armature directly against the spring force. Advantage: It operates from a differential pressure of 0 bar and is therefore suitable for unpressurised or vacuum applications. Disadvantage: Higher energy consumption with larger nominal diameters.
A pilot-operated (indirect) solenoid valve uses the pressure of the medium to open the main diaphragm. The coil only controls a small pilot valve. Advantage: Significantly lower power consumption for large nominal diameters. Prerequisite: A minimum differential pressure of typically 0.3 to 0.5 bar. Find out more about the different valve types in the TRI-MATIC range.
The choice depends on the intended application:
- Solenoid valves switch in milliseconds, are compact and are ideal for applications with high switching frequencies and smaller nominal diameters (typically DN 3 to DN 50).
- Ball valves with electric or pneumatic actuators are the preferred solution for large nominal diameters, high flow rates and applications where a fully open passage is required.
For medium nominal diameters up to approx. DN 50, both variants may be suitable. The decisive factors are switching time, flow rate and whether a minimum pressure is available. Our specialists will be happy to advise you on selecting the optimal solution.
Valves from TRI-MATIC
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