Benefits of solenoids in modern industries
The industrial revolution ushered in a whole new level of industry, where society has increasingly relied on advanced machinery and technology to fuel economic growth and allow us to live in an unprecedented level of comfort. To run advanced machinery, complex processes such as radioactivity, high pressure, and temperature control are needed. Fortunately, we have machines that can perform these types of tasks reliably and safely. One of the pillars in industrial processes are valves. They are used to control the pressure, temperature, capacity and flow of liquids in machinery and industrial processes. One of the most useful types are solenoid valves.
Solenoid valves use electricity to control the rate and flow of fluids in various types of systems and machines. Electrical energy flows into a solenoid coil resulting in the creation of a magnetic field that opens a plunger to allow gas and other liquids to flow. When the electricity is cut off, the valve closes.
Solenoids are used in many different industries and in a wide range of machines and processes. They are used in linear and rotary applications to control hydraulic power motors, cylinders, and other types of industrial processes. Some of the major industries that use solenoids include the dental, appliance, energy, medical, and transportation industries. Linear applications include the use of solenoids in brakes, vending machines, door locks, photocopiers, coin changers, pumps, disk drive locks, film processors, and electric typewriters. Rotary solenoid applications include circuit breakers, meters, defibrillators, machine tools, and textile machinery. Solenoid valves can be found in dishwashers and washing machines where they control the flow of water. In dental chairs they control both water and air flow. In other words, solenoids are part of our daily lives without us realizing it.
The use of solenoids is so beneficial in a wide variety of machines and industries due to their reliability, cost effectiveness, and longevity. There are also several different types of solenoid valves to meet various industry-specific needs. Solenoid valves are direct acting or pilot operated valves. They also come with two or more ports. Direct acting solenoid valves are most often used to control low volume valves. This is because they contain a single electromechanical control assembly. Pilot operated valves are made up of a combination of valves, making them possible for use in higher volume applications.
The use of solenoids offers several important benefits, especially when compared to other types of hydraulic and pneumatic designs. Solenoids generally run faster and tend to be easier to install and maintain. In general, solenoids also offer a more constant electromechanical force over a long period of time. They also offer reliable performance. In short, solenoids offer the benefits of longevity, reliability, speed, and ease of installation and maintenance compared to other types of industrial designs. They also tend to be quite affordable.
Solenoids are part of our daily lives without us realizing it. The simplicity of its design actually contributes to many important aspects of our lives, from the dishes we wash, the coffee we make, and the brakes we use on our cars. Whether we’re visiting the dentist or turning on our automatic sprinkler system, solenoids are most likely at work behind the scenes to ensure the correct and safe flow of water, gas, or other liquids into the machines and systems we use every day.
