different types of solenoid valves
Both BALL VALVES and solenoid valves can be automated and can come in a variety of port
configurations. In general, solenoids are low power (ie: about 100 watts, max)
so they are used primarily on relatively small valves where line size is an inch
or less, and at low pressure, up to a few hundred psi. There are exceptions to
this. Some solenoid valves in the aerospace and hydraulic industries can operate
at many thousands of psi, but they are generally for very small line sizes,
about 1/2" or less.
There are also different types of configurations for
solenoid valves:
- Direct acting (the solenoid acts directly on the valve
plunger/spool)
- Indirect (such as shown in the wiki article that Aero
posted)
The indirect acting are generally larger in size and can handle
higher pressures, but they require a minimum pressure drop across the valve to
open. That's generally not a problem, but can be at times.
BALL VALVES
are generally for higher flow rates, and the actuators needed to move them are
generally much larger too. They can be made with a variety of port
configurations, just like solenoid valves.
I'd suggest posting what you
know about the valve's requirements including:
- Fluid type
- Line size
(pipe or tube diameter)
- Temperature range of the fluid
- Ambient
temperature range
- Maximum pressure the valve is needed for
- Process
flow rate
- Acceptable pressure drop across valve
- How fast it must
actuate in seconds or milliseconds
- If "instrument air" is available
(sometimes called "shop air": 50 to 100 psi air).
- Price range
Note
that solenoid valves and ball valves are generally for on/off service. If you're
looking for flow or pressure control such as from a control loop, these won't
generally work.
More products of valves
