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 Valve: Purpose
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 center. 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.
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.
Solenoid Valve Applications
Solenoid valves are found in a variety of application areas, including:
- Heating systems
- Vacuum
- Compressed air
- Irrigation
- Car washes
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 Solenoid Valve
Universal valves can accept or divert the flow of material in any direction. Labeled as either a normally open or normally closed valve, it adapts to its application.
Normally Open Solenoid Valve
Typically open valves allow fluid or gas to flow from the inlet to the outlet, blocking the exhaust port when the coil is de-energized. During the coil's energized state, the inlet port closes, and the material will flow from the outlet to the exhaust port. This solenoid valve is ideal for applications that need to be open for long-term periods, ensuring energy efficiency.
Normally Closed Solenoid Valve
A normally closed valve is the most common. It works by linking the inlet and outlet ports when the coil energizes and connects the outlet port to the exhaust when de-energized.
Solenoid valve working principles
Direct Acting
Direct-acting solenoids work in two ways; for a normally closed valve, the plunger blocks the opening with the valve seal. A spring forces the closure, and when power is applied to the coal, it generates an electromagnetic field, attracting the plunger up, pushing the spring’s force, allowing it to open and material to flow through the valve.
Indirect Acting
Indirect acting solenoid valves are also called pilot operated and used the pressure differential over the valve inlet and outlet to open and close the valve.
FAQS
What is the function of a 3-way valve?
The purpose of a 3-way solenoid valve is to control the direction of neutral gases, liquids, and technical vacuum. They are commonly used with pneumatic cylinders and actuated valves, where the valves safely open, close, release, divert and mix fluids or compressed air.
What is the difference between a 2 way and 3-way solenoid valve?
The main difference between a 2 way and 3-way solenoid valve is they have three pipe connections instead of two. Three-way solenoid valves are used for easier stop and start flow operation, whether it’s energized or de-energized. A 2-way solenoid valve is a more specific component with two openings, one for an inlet and one for an outlet. In contrast, the three-way solenoid valve has three openings, as the name suggests. It can function as a two-inlet and single outlet system or vice versa, depending on whether it needs to be used for mixing fluids or divert flow in another direction.