How Solenoid Control Valves Work?
Solenoid valves work based on the principle of electromagnetism. They consist of a coil, an armature, and a valve body with an orifice or passage for fluid flow. When an electric current is applied to the coil, it creates a magnetic field that acts on the armature, causing it to move and control the opening or closing of the valve.
The opening and closing of the solenoid valve can be controlled by the application or removal of the electric current to the coil. By modulating the electric current or using different coil designs, the solenoid control valve can be adjusted for various flow rates, pressure ranges, and operational requirements.
There are different configurations of these motorized solenoid valves available. These metering valves are widely used in water transmission systems, gas transmission lines, and industrial fuel lines. Owing to all these, there is high demand for pneumatic solenoid valves.
Cannon Water Technology, Inc offers a variety of motorized solenoid valves developed by us as well as by other leading brands like ASCO.
Types of Solenoid Valves Offered By Cannon Water Technology, Inc
The following are the types of motorized water solenoid valve
- ASCO Motorized Valves: The ASCO motorized solenoid valves are from the brand ASCO. There are two versions of ASCO solenoid valves available with us and they are ASCO 3/4ʺ solenoid valve and ASCO 1/2ʺ solenoid valves. These are the brass solenoid valves that operate on 120VAC at 60Hz of frequency and 2 watts of power.
The ASCO solenoid valves are specifically designed for industrial applications, not for domestic or drinking water supplies. These brass solenoid valves are suitable for industrial cooling towers for bleed control.
- Automatic Drain Solenoid Valves: EZ-Purge automatic drain valves by Cannon Water Technology, Inc are available in two types - the solenoid ball valves and electric solenoid valves. These valves offer automated draining after the operations. These solenoid ball valves are automated with a set interval of 1 to 60 seconds. The valve will automatically operate after set interval of 60 seconds. The motorized ball solenoid valves generally take five seconds to open or close. The motorized solenoid ball valves can be used for the filtration system purging, centrifugal separator purge valve, automated drainage, condensation lines, etc.
- Brass Motorized Ball Valves: Cannon Water Technology, Inc. offers two types of brass solenoid valves. The first is KLDo75 3/4ʺ brass motorized ball valves. These brass motorized ball valves can be powered by 90-250VAC or 12VDC. The second is KLD100 1ʺ brass motorized ball valves, 90-250VAC. We offers these motorized brass solenoid valves as a low cost solution for outdoor applications. Commonly is suited for water treatment blow down, drain valves, HVAC systems, etc. These are IP67 rated waterproof valves. One can use these chemical resistant solenoid valves for corrosive liquids and chemicals.
Key Benefits of Solenoid Controlled Valves in Water Treatment
Solenoid controlled valves offer significant advantages in water treatment systems by providing precise, automated control over fluid flow. Here are the key benefits of solenoid valves in water treatment.
- Precise Flow Control: Solenoid valves offer precise control over water flow, which is essential for maintaining the correct levels of fluid in treatment processes. This accuracy helps in achieving consistent water quality.
- Quick Response Time: The rapid actuation of solenoid valves allows for immediate control over water flow, making them ideal for applications that require quick adjustments and real-time responses.
- Reliability and Durability: Built with robust materials such as brass, stainless steel, and high-quality seals, solenoid valves are designed to withstand harsh environments and continuous operation, ensuring long-term reliability.
- Energy Efficiency: Solenoid valves consume minimal power during operation, contributing to the overall energy efficiency of water treatment systems. This helps in reducing operational costs and environmental impact.
- Ease of Automation: Solenoid valves are easily integrated into automated systems, allowing for remote control and monitoring. This facilitates efficient management and reduces the need for manual intervention.
- Compact Design: The compact size of solenoid valves makes them suitable for installations where space is limited, without compromising on performance or functionality.
- Versatility: Available in various configurations and materials, solenoid valves can handle different types of fluids and pressures, making them versatile for various stages of water treatment, from filtration to chemical dosing.
- Safety: Solenoid valves provide fail-safe operation features, such as normally closed or normally open configurations, ensuring that systems remain safe in case of power loss or emergency situations.
- Environmental Protection: By providing precise control and preventing leaks, solenoid valves help in minimizing water wastage and environmental contamination, promoting sustainable water management practices.
How to Choosing Right Solenoid Valve for Your System?
Choosing the right solenoid-controlled valve for your system is essential to ensure optimal performance and reliability. Consider these key factors.
- Application Requirements: Identify the specific needs of your application, including the type of fluid, flow rate, and pressure.
- Material Compatibility: Ensure the valve materials (body, seals, wetted parts) are compatible with the fluid to prevent corrosion and wear.
- Operating Conditions: Consider temperature, pressure, and environmental conditions to select a valve that can withstand these factors.
- Valve Configuration: Choose between normally open or normally closed valves based on safety and operational needs.
- Power Supply: Verify that the valve's voltage and power requirements match your system’s capabilities.
Installation Tips for Solenoid Valves
Proper installation and maintenance of solenoid valves are crucial for ensuring their optimal performance and longevity. Here are some essential tips to help you install and maintain your solenoid valves effectively.
- Correct Orientation: Install the valve in the correct orientation as specified by the manufacturer, ensuring the flow direction matches the arrow on the valve body.
- Clean System: Ensure the piping system is clean and free of debris before installation to prevent contamination and damage to the valve.
- Secure Connections: Tighten all connections securely to prevent leaks, but avoid over-tightening to prevent damage to threads and seals.
- Proper Wiring: Connect the electrical wiring correctly, adhering to the voltage and power specifications of the valve to prevent electrical issues.
FAQs
- Can I Use Solenoid Control Valves for Flow in Either Direction?
No, you can only use it to control flow in a single direction.
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Can I Use All Types of Fluids on Solenoid Control Valves?
Yes, you can use them to control most fluids, including water, oil, and certain light chemicals. However, we do not recommend them for heavy fuel oils, glues, and viscous media. In addition to this, the valves may not be suitable for fluids with large particulate matter.
- My Solenoid Valve is Making Lots of Noise and Not Opening and Closing Properly. What Could be the Reason?
This type of failure could be due to any of the following reasons:
- The system pressure differential is too low to open or close the valve
- The system pressure is not meeting the specifications of the valve
- The bleed hole in the diaphragm is blocked by fluid debris
- The valve is damaged
- The valve has no dirt filter
- Incorrect voltage is applied to the valve
- What is the Average Life Expectancy of Solenoid Control Valves Offered by Cannon Water Technology?
All our solenoid control valves have an average life expectancy of 10,000 cycles. This means you can use them for ten years before its replacement. However, this is only an average - some solenoid control valves may last much longer, while others may only last a few years.
- How to Choose the Right Solenoid Control Valves for My Application?
You can choose the right solenoid control valve based on the following factors:
- Type of fluid flowing through the valve
- Maximum and minimum operating pressure of the system and media
- Desired flow rate through the valve
- Flow rate of the valve
- Duty cycle of the valve
- Environmental conditions
- Supply voltage required
- Can I Mount My Solenoid Control Valve in Any Position?
No, you need to check the instructions in the manufacturer’s manual. For instance, when used on sand separator, our EZ-Purge Automatic Drain Valve can only be installed on a horizontal length of pipe and not directly on the drain fitting. This helps avoid the collection of sand particles in the valve.
- Do You Offer a Warranty on Solenoid Control Valves?
Yes, we offer a warranty on all our solenoid control valves. For instance, we offer a 1-year warranty on electronic components of EZ-Purge Automatic Drain Valves.
- How Can I Install and Maintain Solenoid Valves? Can I Contact You For More Information?
Yes, you can contact us for any guidance regarding solenoid valve installation and maintenance. We always recommend our clients to check the manufacturer’s instructions for installation. However, regular maintenance would include lubrication, cleaning, and replacement following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Do AC or DC Solenoid Valves Look the Same?
The AC or DC solenoids have different armature and coil designs. Vibrations may be observed at the core of most AC solenoids and this can be easily phased out using smoothing systems. These vibrations are due to alternating currents.
- Can I Alternate My Valve Between AC and DC Operations Through a Coil Change?
No, as we said before, the coil and armature designs differ across these valves.
- How Can I Turn and Open a Solenoid Valve?
A solenoid valve is offered as normally open or close. In a normally closed valve, you first need to activate the solenoid and move the piston to open the valve. In a normally open valve, the valve opens when the current is switched off.
A solenoid valve features an electromagnet is connected to the electric current. A magnetic field is created around the coil when current flows through the electromagnet. This helps activate the valve.