Solenoid Valve Applications

[Johngoog]

Have some experience with solenoid valves on smaller lines and they work fine. Do any issues with reliability/operation start to creep up with solenoid valves on larger lines (1" or greater)? Specific application is for process water.

 

[itsmoked]

Larger ones are used less than smaller ones because water hammer from their closing becomes more problematic. Often pneumatic valves are used because it's easier to configure the opening and closing rates with simple orifices or needle valves in the pneumatics. I also see ball valves that are driven with pneumatic cylinders for the same reason - smooth drawn-out operations.

I guess what I'm saying is that just because we might not hear much about larger solenoid valves failing it could be they are 10X more failure prone but 100X less used = the mistaken belief they are 'just as reliable'.

Keith Cress
kcress -

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[Compositepro]

Many solenoid valves are pilot operated rather than direct acting. The solenoid opens and closes a small orifice that then allows system pressure move a piston or diaphragm. In larger sizes there just is no point to making the solenoid a built-in part of the larger valve.