Solenoid Valves Photo Courtesy of Pneumadyne, Inc.

The science behind the term solenoid is fundamental to understanding how a solenoid valve works. Regardless of which style, be it pneumatic, gas or electric or miniature or latching, all solenoid valves function by way of the same scientific principles. According to physics a solenoid is a long wire, very thin and coiled around a metallic core. This structure is able to produce a magnetic field when electricity passes through it. It is this simple process built on a simple structure of thin coiled metal that allows solenoid valves to exist. Understanding a bit more about how it is able to work brings a broader understanding to how the solenoid valve works and why it is so important in the industrial, commercial and residential world.

The magnetic field produced by the relationship between the metal coil and the metal core is explained scientifically as loops of energy, some of which cancel each other out and some of which do not. When the solenoid structure or metal coil is limited, the magnetic field may be concentrated to activate something, as it does when it is a part of an electromechanical valve. The distance between the mechanical force being activated and the solenoid must be short since the power of the solenoid is limited by its length and size and most solenoid valves are pretty small.

This general understanding of the physics that allow solenoid valves to regulate liquid and gas flow through a variety of systems in a plethora of industries is helpful when one is trying to figure out why they need a solenoid valve instead of another style. The benefits to the solenoid system include the ability to respond to remote activation, few moving parts which means little maintenance is required and a wide spectrum of styles that can fit the needs of any system or machine.