Solenoid valves are a combination of two different technologies that operate in tandem in order to ensure the best processing of any workpieces your organization has to deal with. Whenever they’re applied correctly, these units leverage the power of both electrical and pneumatic technology to get the job done.
If you plan on installing one of these modules, then you might want to take a few moments to pick up a little better understanding of the background principles behind the initial construction of these devices.
At its base, a solenoid is a sort of electromagnet that generates a controllable magnetic field through a coil that’s made into a closely packed and wound helix. In a solenoid valve, this is attached to a compressed air-driven switch and operates it. While these are slightly more complex than traditional pneumatic valves, they might also be more flexible depending on your needs.
The Working Principle Behind Solenoid Valves
In theory, the term solenoid could potentially refer to a large variety of transducer devices that convert electrical energy into linear motion. However, in pneumatic engineering the term is often used to refer exclusively to this kind of valve. Each of these devices consist of a discrete module that features an integrated electrical device. This is designed to actuate a compressed air-driven switch that redirects the flow of fluid.
Keep in mind that air is a fluid, even in its compressed state. That means it’s able to switch the path just as easily as it could if it were moving electricity back and forth.
That’s given engineers the ability to create several different styles of devices. They should give you plenty of flexibility when the time comes to install a solenoid valve switch. Check out these following styles you can use to process your organization’s own workpieces.
Various Types Of Solenoid Valves
Perhaps the most common and simple type are direct-acting valves. In this particular style, a magnetic coil opens the valve in direct action, which has lent its name to the design.
Since this act lifts the shaft and the rest of the seat of the valve, it doesn’t rely on outside pressure. That’s made them an attractive option for those who want to install a device that won’t drain their air compressor’s flow pressure differential as it switches the overall flow.
You might also run into pilot-operated valves on a fairly regular basis. These use a solenoid coil to activate a small pilot valve that in turn opens up a larger valve. The larger valve operates at much higher pressure or at a greater volume of flow than the original one could.
Think of it as a couple of valves connected together. This technology is also related to the concept of a pilot light. Pilot lights are used to ensure that a natural gas-powered system can light a flame when producing thermal energy.
The larger valve in this kind of system can release large quantities of compressed air. Pilot operated valves tend to require less electricity to operate. They do this by needing to maintain full power whenever they’re in an open state. They might act a little slower than direct-acting solenoids that can hold their open position. This applies even when the valves are in low-power mode.
As a result, you’ll want to balance the two different technologies before picking one. One isn’t exactly better than the other, since they both have their pros and cons. Those who want to select a specific type of technology will want to weigh their options carefully before making a decision. You may wish to read a little documentation before making a final purchase. Specifications can help to ensure that you get the best device for your organization’s particular use case.
Most of the other options consist of a standard solenoid valve that’s attached to a number of additional ports. Take two-way valves for instance. These use two separate ports alternately to permit the flow of air and then close it off. Each valve can be specified as either normally open or normally closed. Depending on the type of equipment and how complex your installation is, you’ll also find three-way and four-way valves with additional ports.
These simply provide extra outlets that permit technicians to design compressed air circuits. The circuits are more complex by several orders of magnitude. This kind of equipment gives you the ability to lay out certain types of discrete logic arrangements. Such arrangements include electrical circuitry or more complex pneumatic equipment.
These four-way valves are often found when working with dual-acting cylinders or pneumatic actuators. Technicians are free to specify individual valves as either normally closed, open or universal to the whole system. That gives users a certain degree of freedom. They design a circuit that changes positions on each switch depending on what happens on one line or the other.
For instance, an outlet might switch on a conditional basis. You might be trying to automate a process. With that, you set certain switches to throw the moment a specific condition is met. When you combine this with grippers that are used as part of a pick and place operation, you can dramatically streamline your workflows. This also potentially reduces maintenance since your system will mostly handle things on its own.
Those who are looking for a dramatic increase in the level of control that they have over an air circuit might also be interested in investing in a fieldbus system. The system provides additional flexibility and potentially a great deal of savings in terms of labor. These provide a level of decentralized communication that’s not possible with any device that doesn’t employ solenoid valves.
ISO standards have also made it easy to select a piece of equipment that works well with other standardized components. Those who are trying to adhere to a specific set of international standards might be interested in this kind of equipment in order to avoid running afoul of them.
Find The Right Solenoid Switches For Your Workshop At SMC Pneumatics
SMC Pneumatics knows that field valves require. No matter what kind of compressed air-driven equipment you’re working with, there’s a valve that will process your workpieces.
Feel free to browse our online catalog and then contact us online at SMC Pneumatics to collect a little more information. Our experienced team will help you learn more. Study all the different types of solenoid valves that are currently on the market.