JAES Learning

Valves are shut-off or regulating equipment placed along the path of a fluid stream. They can either let or interrupt a fluid to flow, regulate the flow rate or the current pressure; they are equipped also with actuators, a mechanism which control the movable element for regulating or interrupting the flow.

The solenoid valve is a type of valve equipped with an electromechanical actuator, usually a solenoid. In this video we will show you how the solenoid actuator works, its advantages, and we will analyze the inside of a real solenoid valve. Watch also all the other videos on our playlist to find out all the other types of valves we use every day.

JAES, for over a decade has been providing its customer with the best solutions for their supply chain and in their catalogue you can find any kind of valve from the leading manufacturers.

Valves with solenoid actuators can have the most varied shapes, but they are generally composed of the classic valve body in the lower part, and a block which contains the solenoid in the upper part. Together they form a solenoid valve.

Solenoid valves are used when it is necessary to control a valve remotely, therefore without a human operator, but by means of automated systems such as PLC.

When the current flows inside the solenoid coil, it forms an electromagnetic field: in this way, the valve can be operated.

If the valve is of the "normally closed" type, the electromagnetic field attracts the plunger and consequently the disk to itself, letting the flow to pass through.

On the other hand, if the valve is "normally open", the current flows in the opposite direction, reversing the direction of the electromagnetic field, which now repels the plunger and the disk, and interrupts the passage of the flow which is normally free to flow.

When the current is interrupted, a spring makes the piston to return to its original position.
Let’s now examine a real solenoid valve with a “normally closed” solenoid actuator. As we can see in the lower part is located the valve body, upon which the arrow indicating the flow direction in order to carry out a correct assembly is placed.

The flow that enters from the entry hole, flows towards the upper part of the body, passes through a filter that blocks impurities, finally it goes down inside the sealing seat and continues towards the outlet hole.

In the upper part lies the casing, which closes the solenoid hermetically; it is equipped with electrical connectors and a printed circuit board for the electric current management.

If the solenoid is separated from the valve body, we can see the plunger; it is equipped with two gaskets to make it slide over the armature; the stem and disk are connected to it.

The pressure of the fluid in the inlet chamber and a spring keep the disk pressed on its seat (closing the passage of the fluid); when the solenoid coil is energized, the whole "plunger, rod and disk" group moves upwards, overcoming the force of the spring and the pressure of the fluid. The flow can slide from the upper part of the valve body, towards the lower part and continue towards the outlet hole.

If the coil supply is interrupted, the valve closes, and interrupts the passage of fluid. Compared to manually actuated valves, solenoid valves have the advantage of being extremely precise, instantaneously operated, and they work automatically. In fact, they are used in all possible applications, in order to make operations more efficient in all aspects.

Do you know how many types of valves we use daily? Watch the videos of our playlist, you will discover all the types of valves that surround us. If you find this video useful, please let us know by leaving a like and a comment. You can also share it, and don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel.