Irrigation solenoid valves are essential components in modern sprinkler systems, providing precise control over water flow to ensure efficient and effective landscape irrigation. These valves, which can be electrically operated from a distance, are versatile tools that cater to a range of pressures and flow rates and are designed with various functionalities to meet the specific needs of different irrigation setups. This article explores the role of solenoid valves in irrigation systems, their selection criteria, common issues, and troubleshooting procedures.
WATER TREATMENT
There are a variety of solenoid valves used within the water treatment industry including valves of plastic, brass and stainless steel construction. They may be used for applications such as tank filling, as service valves on water softeners, piloting larger actuated valves with air or water as well as a variety of inlet valves for equipment. The choice of material depends upon the requirements of the application and its operating environment. Whilst all three valve body materials are suitable for mains water use some consideration must be given to the application parameters such as the ambient temperature, the degree of exposure to shock or other physical impacts.
The most commonly used valves are 2/2 normally closed and 2/2 normally open. The operation of these valves is either as a direct acting, where the force to operate the valve depends entirely on the magnetic field generated by the solenoid coil, assisted lift or servo assisted, where the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet of the valve is used to move a flexible diaphragm.
GAS APPLICATION
Gas Solenoid Valves are made of parts that receive electrical impulses that then translate those impulses into mechanical movements. When an electrical impulse is received, by the Gas Solenoid Valve, it will open or close the valve. Thus controlling the flow of gas into a chamber or through a line.
A gas solenoid valve can be used in many applications. Both for commercial and residential devices. Commercial uses of Gas Solenoid Valves generally include any pneumatic machinery that uses gas pressure to move its parts. Manufacturing facilities might use solenoid valves to control the movement of gases used in their manufacturing processes.
Residential applications include solenoid valves used inside furnaces. These control when the gas comes on and is ignited by the pilot light to create warmth. Vehicles powered by natural gas use solenoid valves to control the flow of gas into the engine’s cylinders. While gas-powered clothes dryers also have solenoid valves to control the flow of gas into the dryer, which helps to prevent fires or gas poisoning.
MEDICAL APPLICATION
A solenoid is also very important in the medical field. Since medical equipment have to be very precise and accurate, solenoid manufacturing for medical purposes has to adhere to strict standards since human lives are at stake.
It is an essential component for dialysis machines. Two solenoids are used in the device to control a person's blood flow during dialysis. A dosing machine also uses a solenoid to control the flow of medicine that goes into a person's blood stream.
SOLENOID VALVES IN ELECTRONIC MIXERS
Equipment for supplying water without hand contact. By moving the hands in the infrared area of taps or approaching shower and urinal systems, water will flow.
The use of electronic mixers is compulsory in places requiring special precautions, such as hospitals and public places.
Furthermore, this application will get a reduction of consumptions due to the fact that the water supply stops automatically a few seconds after use.
The system is based on an optical sensor (photocell) producing an infrared beam of light.
The presence of a body can interrupt the beam. When this happens, the sensor will send an electric impulse to the control unit. This, in turn, will electrically operate the two solenoid valves.
The valves connect to the hydraulic system and deliver hot and cold water. Thanks to a mixer, the water temperature is properly regulated.
SOLENOID VALVES IN AIR COMPRESSORS
The way the solenoid valve will work in the compressor is as follows:
When the system is operating, the electric motor runs the compressor, which takes in filtered air. It then compresses it, sends it to the refrigerator and then finally to the tank.
During this stage, power flows to the solenoid valve (coil, to energise it). This closes the circuit keeping it under pressure.
When the tank reaches the requested pressure reading, a pressure switch stops the motor. This checks the valve and keeps the air inside the tank.
To prevent the compressor from remaining under pressure for too long and to avoid damage, the power stops and the solenoid valve opens. This allows it to exhaust the air still in the circuit.
SOLENOID VALVES IN AUTOMATIC HOT DRINKS DISPENSER
Hot drinks dispensers distribute coffee, tea and other hot drinks quickly. They are usually in public areas, work offices and also, private facilities.
Vending machines for espresso or lyophilised coffee and soluble hot beverages. The main feature of vending machines consists in a quick distribution of coffee, tea, milk and chocolate in working places, public or private facilities (offices, factories, hospitals, schools, bars, restaurants, etc.).
Vending machines usually consist of two supplying groups, one for coffee and one for soluble beverages. This sheet describes the operation of the group for soluble beverages, specifically the use of vending valves with media at atmospheric pressure. The sequence of distribution is the following. First the plastic glass is positioned, then sugar is supplied and finally, the beverage and the coffee spoon are delivered.
When the user selects the product on an electronic push-button panel, the infusion process activates.
A volumetric dispenser prepares a single-dose of powder into the mixer.
The vending valve delivers hot water at a temperature of 90-95°C to the mixer from the boiler. An electronic system keeps the level of water inside the boiler constant by letting in fresh water from the supply.
Finally, the mixer exploits the centrifugal force to dissolve the powder in water and so obtain the beverage. After the mixing operation, the mixer stops and gravity delivers the beverage into the glass.
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