Operating Pipes with Solenoid Valves

Different types of valve have different types of mechanisms. Some valves can be operated by turning their handles manually, while others are operated using pressure or temperature. Some valves are suitable for pipelines that transport substances at fairly low pressures, while some are designed for high pressure pipelines. However, most high pressure pipelines have automatic or power-driven valves.

A solenoid valve is a good example of a high pressure valve. This type of valve is characterized by a solenoid, which is basically thin copper or brass wire wrapped around a metal core, designed to create strong magnetic fields when an electric current is applied. In short, the solenoid becomes an electric magnet that can create a strong linear pull, converting the electric energy into mechanical energy.

Other components of a solenoid valve include the valve piston, the plunger, the springs, and the diaphragm. The solenoid magnetizes the piston, releasing the plunger contained inside the piston when it activates. The piston also serves as a divider, separating the coil and the plunger. Of all these parts, the diaphragm is the only component not made of corrosion-resistant metal.

If the solenoid valve needs to pull the plunger all the way up, it can produce a magnetic field at full strength. However, it can also create weak magnetic field to pull the plunger by just a bit. Controlled amounts of current can be used to lift the plunger to varying elevations, allowing greater control on the amount of fluid passing through the pipes. Larger solenoid valves, like the Spence E5 Valve, have huge solenoids that require a lot of power to generate enough magnetic pull.

The plunger is held in place within the piston using a pair of springs, one in each end of the piston. When the solenoid pulls the plunger up, the diaphragm is pulled upward, allowing fluid to enter the ports. In some valves, like the Spence E5 Valve, the plunger automatically goes back in place and seals the port when the magnetic pull dissipates.

In Spence PRV valves, the amount of fluid passing through the ports is determined by the amount of time electric current is flowing through the coil. In simple terms, if there’s electricity in the coil, there’s fluid flowing through the port. This is a lot safer than manual switches, because there is a chance that the operator might leave a manual valve partially open.