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Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2024-09-23 Origin: Site
Are you looking for a device that helps in effectively controlling airflow in pneumatic systems? Well! pneumatic solenoid valves are one you are looking for. These pneumatic valves can control the flow of compressed air in pneumatic systems via electrical means. This article will explain how it works, its types, and its advantages. This guide will also discuss different factors helping you in choosing solenoid valves best suited for your required application. So, keep reading!
1) What is a pneumatic solenoid valve?
2) Explain the working mechanism of a pneumatic solenoid valve.
3) Discuss different types of pneumatic solenoid valves.
4) What are the benefits of Pneumatic solenoid valves?
5) How to choose the right pneumatic solenoid valves?
"A pneumatic solenoid valve acting as a switch in the pneumatic system, which controls the flow of compressed air in response to an electrical signal."
➔ Where to use?
You can integrate these types of pneumatic valves into different uses. For instance,
● They are also used in the automotive industry to control the airflow on certain systems like braking systems.
● They are often integrated within automated machines to ease the control of actuators and cylinders that work on compressed air. For instance, medical equipment, water-treatment plants, etc.
Moreover, the best part about them is that they are remotely controlled. Thus are good options for automation and control systems.
2) Explain the working mechanism of a pneumatic solenoid valve.
The operation of a pneumatic solenoid valve is rather straightforward. It involves an electrical movement of air that is purposely directed. First, we will consider its various parts and then see how they operate collaboratively in making air movement possible.
● Ports: They allow airflow in and out of the valve.
● Spring: It helps the plunger to return to its original position when the solenoid turns OFF.
● Plunger: This is an iron cylindrical rod which goes up and down in the solenoid coil.
● Valve Body: This is the predominant part of the valve that covers all the transverse parts.
● Solenoid Coil: When a current passes through it a magnetic field is induced.
➔ How It Works
Step#1) When you power the button ON, an electric current passes through the solenoid coil.
Step#2) The solenoid coil then produces a magnetic field that takes the plunger up.
Step#3) Now, with the motion of the plunger up and down, the plunger opens or closes the valves located internally as the valve body.
Step#4) It allows air through the valve or forms a barrier depending on the construction of the valve.
Step#5) When power cuts off the current vanishes. Hence the valve is re-rested to its position thanks to the spring that restores the plunger.
You can categorize pneumatic valves on the basis of their functionality and the direction of airflow. So, let's briefly discuss all of their types.
i) Normally Open (NO) Solenoid Valves: As the name suggests, valves are open in a normal state wherein the power supply is OFF. On the other hand, after supplying electrical energy to a certain level to the solenoid, it will move a plunger to keep the valve in the closed position. You can use them in cooling systems, automation systems or mainly in a combination of the two such as in the case of firefighter and sprinkler systems.
ii) Normally Closed (NC) solenoid valves: In this kind, the flow passage is normally obstructed but once turned on by an electrical magnetic coil, this passage is actuated. They are useful in air actuators and cylinders, automated production lines, energy-conservation systems, and braking systems.
iii) Bistable Solenoid Valves: These kinds of valves are called latching valves. They will remain in that position even if the supply of electric power gets interrupted. However, when you apply electric power, they get shifted from one stable position to another. They come in handy for applications that run on batteries or that are energy-conserving.
iv) Direct Acting Solenoid valves: In this type of valve, when you apply electric current, the solenoid directly generates a magnetic field and moves the plunger around. So, they are beneficial for applications which require additional activation force than the direct-acting solenoid can provide for opening the valve. For example, they are used in air compressors, industrial automation, pneumatic brake systems, etc.
v) Internally Piloted Solenoid Valves: They have a small pilot valve which controls the working of the main valve. The pilot is solenoid-operated. Thus, they are useful in situations where they require more than what a direct-acting solenoid can offer in terms of the effort in opening the valve. For instance, they are applicable in various applications like in air compressors, industrial automation systems, pneumatic braking systems, etc.
vi) Externally Piloted Solenoid Valves: They employ an external source of pressure to operate the main valve. The solenoid moves the pilot valve which then uses an external pressure to operate the main valve. Usually used in high-flow or high-pressure applications wherein the main valve at times requires more force than what the solenoid can only deliver.
For instance, in the petrochemical and oil refining industry, water treatment plants, industrial cooling systems, mining and drilling operations, etc.
i) Two-Way Valves: They consist of two ports and can either be in the normally open or normally closed position. They modulate the airflow in only one direction. These are beneficial to the system for advanced on-off control.
ii) Three-way valves: They come with three ports used to redirect air. For instance, one inlet is an exhaust and a third one is an outlet which is an actuator port. These are effective in the gentle operation of a single-acting cylinder or exhausting operations.
iii) Four-Way Valves: They incorporate four ports and are engaged to provide more complex control tasks. They are best suited for working systems where two independent air flows are to be controlled, which is the case with the use of double-acting cylinders.
iv) 5/2 Valves: They possess 5 ports and can be set up for other applications. For instance, these 5/2 solenoid valves are appropriate for advanced systems where several air pathways require precise control for instance in IEO processes.
Now, in this section, we’ll talk about the advantages offered by pneumatic solenoid valves.
+ Versatility: Such products are available in various designs, such as normally closed, normally open, etc. for ease of application.
+ Reliability: Unlike mechanical valves, these valves are less prone to damage due to the fewer rotating elements.
+ Accurate Control: They assist in the precise regulation of the pressure and flow rate of air, which is vital in automated systems.
+ Energy Efficiency: They have low energy consumption, which makes it possible to save energy.
+ Remote Operation: You can operate such valves from a remote location by employing electronic control. Thus, it ensures increased autonomous functioning.
+ Quick Response Time: The valves have the capability of turning on and off very fast hence suitable for applications requiring rapid action like in medical equipment etc.
Do you want to purchase the best pneumatic solenoid valves that would meet your needs and preferences? Well! You have to keep in mind the following factors:
? Voltage: You have to be known of the fact that proper voltage is essential forr reliable operation of solenoid valves. They work well on either 8, 12, 24 DC volts or 120, 240, 480 AC Volts.
? Type of Valve: There are various kinds of valves which we have seen under the previous section, each one exhibiting its usefulness in its own right. Therefore, you can make choice depending on particular requirements.
? Pressure rating: You have to check the pressure rating of solenoid valves. For instance, these valves have label on them which contains all the information related to pressure in bar or psi units. So, choose one according to your required demand.
? Temperature range: It is best to find out if any temperature constraints exist for the operations of the particular valve at hand. For instance, if you use valve for system invloving water vaopurs then minimum ambient temperature would be 32F or higher. Otherwise water vapours amy get condensed.
? Response Time: It is the time required by valve for changing its position when you apply electric power. The normal response time of these valves ranges from 5 to 200 milliseconds.
? Valve body materials: As we know valve body encloses all the internal components. So, its material must be durable and of high quality to withstand corrosion and weather conditions. For example, you can choose stainless steel or brass body valves for outdoor applications. While PTFE and PPP are for chemical plants, pharmaceuticals and water treatment, etc.
? Size and Port Configuration: Check whether the size of valve will occupy the space in the system. And that ports are properly sized for the piping or tubing. Sizes and configuration of ports must also be compatible to reduce chances of leakage and establish efficient flow.
While considering these aspects, you can find the best pneumatic solenoid valve for a given system.
To wrap it up, pneumatic solenoid valves are the backbone of many automated systems. They can be remarkably beneficial to your system once you understand their function, types and advantages. Moreover, by considering above mentioned factors like voltage, temperature, type, materials, etc, you will be able to find the right solenoid valve that fit your needs and preferences.
Besides this, we suggest you consider BLCH pneumatic solenoid valves. They are the chinas best pneumatic manufacturer with 20 years of experience in the production line of pneumatics. They have 120+ million annual revenue which shows the reliability and customer’s trust in their products.
