Let's take a look at the dynamic changes in the features and development trends of solenoid valves

As an actuator of instruments and meters, the usage of solenoid valves has risen sharply in recent years. This article expounds the main features of solenoid valves and briefly and specifically describes the dynamic development of China's improved technology from the perspective of application. It conducts investigations in the directions of simplification, intelligence, integration, and specialization, and briefly discusses the social environmental factors that affect the development trend of solenoid valve technology.

(1) Exposed and blocked, easy to control air leakage, safe to use

Internal and external leakage is a factor that seriously endangers safety. Other self-controlled valves generally extend the piston rod outward, and the rotation or movement of the valve core is controlled by electric, pneumatic or hydraulic valve actuators. All these require addressing the difficulty of external leakage in long-term valve seat dynamic seals. Only the solenoid valve uses the magnetic force to seal the iron core in the magnetic isolation and waterproof sleeve, and there will be no dynamic seal. Therefore, it is prone to clogging when exposed. The torque control of the electric regulating valve is not easy and it is very likely to cause air leakage and even break the top of the valve stem head. The construction form of the solenoid valve is very easy to control the internal leakage until it drops to zero. Therefore, the application of solenoid valves is particularly safe, especially when it comes to substances that are subject to corrosive, hazardous or high and low temperature tests.

(2) Simple and inexpensive

The solenoid valve itself has a compact structure and a low price. Compared with other types of actuators such as regulating valves, it is easier to assemble, maintain and service. More notably, the automatic control system composed is much simpler and the price is slightly lower. Because the solenoid valve is operated by switch signals, it is very convenient to connect with industrial control computers. In today's era of widespread computer usage and significant price drops, the advantages of solenoid valves are even more prominent.

(3) It features fast action, fine output and a lightweight design

The response time of solenoid valves can be as short as several milliseconds, and even pilot-operated solenoid valves can be maintained within tens of seconds. Because it creates a control loop, it is more sensitive than other automatic control valves. When the electromagnetic coil of the solenoid valve is properly designed, the power loss is relatively low, making it an energy-saving and environmentally friendly product. It can also ensure that only the start-up action is required, and the system automatically maintains the valve position, consuming no electricity at all under normal circumstances. The solenoid valve is small in size, which is not only convenient to use but also lightweight, elegant and stylish.

(4) The adjustment of precision is restricted, and the available substances are also limited

Solenoid valves generally only have two situations: power on and off. The valve core is only at two limit value positions and cannot be continuously adjusted. (There are many new design concepts attempting to overcome this, but they are all still in the experimental application stage.) Therefore, the adjustment precision is still subject to certain limitations.

The solenoid valve has very strict requirements for the cleanliness grade of substances. Substances containing particles cannot be used. If it is residue, it should be filtered out first. In addition, viscous substances cannot be used, and the viscosity range of the medium applicable to specific products is relatively narrow.

(5) There are various models and specifications, and they are widely used

Although solenoid valves have inherent deficiencies in development, their advantages are still very obvious. Therefore, they are designed into various products to meet a wide range of different requirements and are widely used. The development of solenoid valve technology is also based on how to overcome inherent deficiencies and how to give full play to the original advantages.