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If you are a player in the manufacturing, automotive, or agriculture industries, or you regularly use vacuum systems, home heating units, hot drink dispensers, car wash machines, and similar devices, you likely know solenoid valves. Not only that, but you may also be aware of their essential nature in everyday applications and apparatuses. But, if you know little to nothing about these components, don't fret. This article contains all you need to learn.

What is a Solenoid Valve?

Solenoid valves are designed to control the flow of gasses or liquids in many applications. These electro-mechanical appliances execute said task positively, fully open, or fully closed. In a nutshell, a solenoid valve primarily allows or prevents flow by relying on a plunger to open or close a specific orifice. Since solenoid valves are extremely effective, they are a common alternative for manual valves previously used in home appliances, heating units, fire extinguishing systems, refrigeration equipment, and agricultural apparatus such as automatic sprinklers.

Types of Solenoid Valves

The main types of solenoid valves available today include:

1.       Direct-acting valves

Direct-acting valves are unique components that don't need pressure differences in the outlet and inlet ports to operate. The only thing they require is a functioning solenoid. If you need a solution that performs seamlessly in negative pressure circuits, these solenoid valves are the best option for you. However, typical direct acting valves are smaller and ideal for high pressure or low flow applications, including filling, shut-off, and ventilation. 

2.       Two-way valves

Two-way solenoid valves come with two different ports that serve as outlets and inlets. For these valves to operate properly, you must observe flow direction. Therefore, expect to find an indicator for flow direction, such as an arrow on them. Moreover, two-way valves are generally "normally closed" or "normally open." Normally closed two-way valves are the most common and are always closed until you use a power source to open them. On the other hand, a normally open two-way valve is designed to remain open, but you can use an electric current to close it.

3.       Three-way valves

As the name suggests, a three-way valve has three ports: the stop port, the cavity port, and the body orifice port. The ports enable you to close, open, release, or mix particular liquids or gasses as required. In addition, these solenoid valves are also equipped with two orifices: the stop orifice and body orifice, which provide two flow paths. Due to the nature of their operation, three-way solenoid valves are popularly used in applications reliant on exhaustive and alternate pressure. That's why you are most likely to find them in devices like dishwashers and coffee machines. 

For more information on a solenoid valve, contact a company near you.