Solenoid Valve

A solenoid valve is also known as an electrically operated valve and functions automatically without manual intervention. Solenoids operate using electromagnetic solenoid coils to change the valve state from open to close and the other way around. If you close a solenoid valve normally, the coil retains energy and lifts open by the coil's electromagnetic force. 

Solenoid technologies come in three leading technologies. They are direct-acting, forced lift piston type, and in-direct acting type. 

• Direct-acting valves- These types of solenoid valves require no differential pressure to remain at rest state in the NC version. They will only allow the flow of fluid once you energize them. These valves are very durable and can apply in a process line for simple isolation or safety purposes. These valves can also apply on the outlet to a tank where sometimes pressure can dip low, but the valve has to remain open. 

• Indirect valves- These types of valves require a pressure differential between the outlet and inlet to keep them at their rest state. For example, if a valve was normally open and there was not enough pressure differential, the valve could close without a sign if the inlet pressure drops low. According to IOM instructions, these valves can only be applicable if the pressure levels are in a specific parameter. 

• Forced-lift valves- These valves are usable under high-pressure situations where neither of the above valve types can deal with pressure higher than forty bars. These valves use a higher power coil to open and close a seat of valves that connect directly to the piston assembly's bottom, eradicating the need for a diaphragm valve. 

Electronic solenoid valves are applicable everywhere where the processes handle very clean liquid, light oils, or gasses are held. Simple valves which turn on and off are essential in processes that require flow or no flow. Solenoid valves are also advantageous in factories where compressed air is not available. They are also helpful as a replacement for larger valves, such as electrically controllable ball valves, but they do not take up as much space. Operation of this valve is also much faster than other valve technologies. 

Not all two-way valves are bi-directional, and you should avoid making this assumption. Most two-way valves allow flow in only one direction, but the manufacturer will tell you if a particular valve is bi-directional or not. But all solenoid valves are electrically operational, regardless of their status as bi-directional or not. 

If you have moisture inside your solenoid valve, they will freeze at temperatures below freezing, making the valves stick to each other. Other than that, the seal material may also harden below freezing temperatures, causing the valves to leak.