Solenoid Valve

A solenoid valve is an electrically controlled valve. A solenoid is an electric coil with a movable ferromagnetic core (plunger) at the center. While in the resting position, a plunger closes off a small orifice. An electric current then passes through the coil, creating a magnetic field. The magnetic field then exerts an upward force on the plunger, thereby opening the orifice. This is how an asco solenoid valve opens and closes. A water solenoid valve is used for liquid applications while a gas solenoid valve is used for gases. All of these valves are used to open, close, distribute or mix the required media with two or more inlets (or outlets). These valves are very fast acting and can be commonly found in heating systems, compressed air, vacuum, irrigation and car washes.

What are the types of solenoid valves?

There are three types of solenoid coils. A normally closed solenoid valve is a valve that is closed when de-energized, meaning that media cannot flow through it. When a current is sent to the electric solenoid the valve is opened. A normally open solenoid valve is a valve that is open when de-energized, meaning that media can flow through it. When a current is sent to the electrical valves the valve is closed. A normally open solenoid valve is ideal in situations that require the valve to be open for longer periods of time because it is more energy efficient. A bi-stable solenoid, also known as a latching solenoid valve is a valve that can be switched by a momentary power supply. The valve will then stay in that position without power. Therefore it is neither normally open nor closed because it stays in its current position when no power is applied. This is accomplished through the use of magnets instead of a spring.