Our 3-way solenoid valve is designed for long life while continuously energized in critical applications such as containment isolation.
| General Specifications: |
| Type |
Solenoid valve (3-way) |
| Application |
Specifically designed to support containment isolation and other continuously energized fail-safe applications. |
| Durable |
Life greater than 40 years while continuously energized |
| Quality class |
IEEE 323 qualified |
3 Way Solenoid Valves: Purpose, Application & Functionality
Three-way solenoid valves are a type of electrical operating valve. Predominantly used in fluidics, solenoid valves control the direction of neutral gases, liquids and technical vacuum. Commonly used with pneumatic cylinders and actuated valves, the valves safely open, close, release, divert and mix aggressive fluids.
Solenoid valves have an electromagnetically inductive coil around an iron core at the centre. As current flows through the solenoid, it activates the coil to create a magnetic field, which creates an attraction between the coil and plunger, causing a normally closed valve to open and release material through the pipe. If the valve is usually open, it will block the flow of content to the valve. Solenoid valves are found in a variety of application areas, including heating systems, vacuum, compressed air, irrigation and car washes.
Benefits:
- Used primarily for liquids and gases.
- Used to open, close, mix or direct material through the valve.
- Fast-acting.
- Ideal for use in compressed air, heating systems, irrigation, vacuum, car washes and more.
Types of Solenoid Valves
The number of ports can show the purpose of a solenoid valve. If a valve has two ports, it is used to open and close, whereas a valve with three or more ports can switch between two different circuits to open, close, or mix material. The characteristics of solenoid valves are differential in their electric current, magnetic connection and electronic mechanism.
2-Way Solenoid Valves
A 2-way solenoid valve features two ports (an inlet and outlet), that direct the flow of liquid or gas safely and efficiently. It is electromechanically controlled through an open or closed state to produce material when needed.
3-Way Solenoid Valves
A 3-way solenoid valve features three ports, used to open, close, mix or release material. Ideal for diverting flow to a different path, they are predominantly used for control and vary in their function – normally open, normally closed or universal.
Types of Solenoid Valve Operation
Universal
Universal valves can accept or divert the flow of material in any direction. Labelled as either a normally open or normally closed valve, it adapts to its application.
Normally Open
Normally open valves allow fluid or gas to flow from the inlet to the outlet, blocking the exhaust port when the coil is de-energised. During the coil's energised state, the inlet port closes, and the material will flow from the outlet to the exhaust port. This type of solenoid valve is ideal for applications that need to be open for long term periods, ensuring energy efficiency.
Normally Closed
A normally closed valve is the most common. It works by linking the inlet and outlet ports when the coil energises and connecting the outlet port to the exhaust when it is de-energised.