A solenoid valve is an electrically controlled valve that is used to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy. It consists of two main components: a solenoid and a valve body. The solenoid is composed of a wound copper wire that surrounds a core with a movable closing plunger. The task of the coil is to create a magnetic field by means of a passing electric current, which then moves the piston and either opens or closes the valve. Solenoid valves differ in the characteristics of the electric current they use, the strength of the magnetic field they generate, the mechanism they use to regulate the fluid, and the type.
Solenoid valves are used in a wide range of applications, with high or low pressures and small or large flow rates. They are used to close, open, dose, distribute or mix the flow of gas or liquid in a pipe. Some common applications include fluid power pneumatic and hydraulic systems, automatic irrigation sprinkler systems, domestic washing machines and dishwashers, and paintball gun triggers. Solenoid valves offer fast and safe switching, high-reliability, long service life, good medium compatibility of the materials used, low control power, and compact design.
