3 Way Solenoid Valves

How do 3-Way Solenoid Valves Function?

Utilizing 3-way solenoid valves, gas or liquid flow in a pipe can be closed, opened, dosed, dispersed, or combined. A solenoid valve's circuit function conveys the apparatus's specific function. These solenoid valves operate according to several operating theories, depending on the application. However, the essential principle of operation is the same for all solenoid valves. Electrical power is used to control a 3-way solenoid valve. A solenoid, an electric coil revolving ferromagnetic core (plunger) in the middle, is a valve component. When the plunger is at rest, a small aperture is sealed off.

The coil creates a magnetic flux when an electric current passes through it. When the magnetic field propels the plunger, the orifice is opened. This process is the fundamental idea behind how solenoid valves open and close. The two essential components of a solenoid valve are the solenoid and the valve body. An electromagnetically inductive coil surrounds an iron core known as the plunger in the middle of a solenoid. The housing surrounding the coil, which is frequently made of iron or steel, concentrates the magnetic field created by the coil.

When at rest, a 3-way solenoid valve may be either normally open (NO) or normally closed (NC). In the de-energized state, a normally-closed valve is closed, and a normally-open valve is open. Numerous turns of tightly wound copper wire make up the coil. This wire experiences an electrical current, which generates a high magnetic flux.

A small spring attached to one end of the plunger is overcome by the magnetic flux created inside the coil's body when an electrical current is run through the coil's windings, drawing in the plunger. Electrical energy is transformed into mechanical force by a solenoid to operate. Lifting the plunger activates the seal, which opens the aperture and permits media to pass through the valve if it is normally closed. The plunger lowers when the valve normally opens, causing the seal to close the aperture and stop media flow.

The shading ring (also known as the shading coil) prevents the buzzing and vibrating of the AC (alternating current) coils. The face of the magnet assembly or the armature of an alternating current solenoid that has a few turns of an electrical conductor, frequently copper or aluminum, is known as a shading coil or shading ring. The major tasks of the shading coil are to supply a large phase-shifted magnetic field, guard against mechanical harm to the magnet and power contacts, and suppress unwanted noise.

Types of 3-Way Valves

Valves for 3-Way Normally Open Solenoids

Three pipe connections make up a 3-way, normally-open solenoid valve: the stop port, the body orifice port, and the cavity port. The body orifice and the stop orifice, which are always open, are its two orifices. This design enables two flow pathways. First, the plunger is raised when the power is turned off, sealing the stop orifice and permitting flow through the valve from the body orifice port and out the cavity port. The body orifice is sealed off, and the stop orifice is opened when the coil is energized to enable flow through the valve from the cavity port and out the top port.

Valves for 3-Way Normally Closed Solenoids

The cavity port, body orifice port, and stop port are the three pipe connections on a 3-way, typically closed solenoid valve. The body orifice and the stop orifice, which are always open, are its two orifices. This enables two flow pathways. First, the plunger closes the body orifice and opens the stop orifice when the power is turned off, allowing flow through the valve from the cavity port and out the stop port. As soon as the coil is turned on, the plunger is raised, blocking the stop orifice and opening the body orifice, allowing flow from the body orifice port out the stop port and through the valve body.

Directionally Solenoid Valves With a 3-Way Option

The cavity port, the body orifice port, and the stop port are the three pipe connections on a 3-way directional control solenoid valve. The body orifice and the stop orifice, which are always open, are its two orifices. This enables two flow pathways. First, the plunger is raised or lowered when the valve is activated. Then, raising the plunger, the stop orifice is sealed off, and the body orifice is opened, allowing flow through the valve's body. Then, when the plunger is depressed, the body orifice is sealed off, the stop orifice is opened, and the flow is directed through that port.

The Benefits of 3-Way Solenoid Valves

• Rapidity of response
• Little power usage
• Operated remotely
• Accommodates a variety of equipment and applications
• Affordable replacements
• Both DC and AC voltage compatible
• Use of low and high temperatures
• Blocking external leaks for safety
• Either vertically or horizontally mounted

Uses for 3-Way Solenoid Valves

• The steam from an exhaust chamber is normally directed onto a condensing coil inside a water reservoir using a solenoid-controlled vent valve.
• Smaller construction equipment with fixed displacement pumps can perform multi-directional functionality when coupled with 3-way solenoid valves. Changing the flow channel as required by a specific application, such as from up and down movement to lateral or tilt movement, these valves get over the inherent drawbacks of constant flow. As a result, 3-way solenoid valves offer a more convenient and cost-effective alternative to the traditional approach of enlarging the valve and pump to produce additional flow.
• Any air in a compressor's circuit is de-energized and released by a solenoid valve.
• When a circuit designer has to switch the flow from one leg of a circuit to another by emulating a traditional directional spool valve in a unique manifold architecture, several 3-way solenoid valves can be a cost-effective alternative. In addition, if dumping is required and the system needs more than one additional function, these valves can also be combined to meet specific functional and space requirements.

Choosing the Right 3-Way Solenoid Valve Supplier

To make sure you have the most beneficial outcome when purchasing 3-Way solenoid valves from a 3-Way solenoid valve supplier, it is important to compare at least 4 to 5 companies using our list of 2-way solenoid valve suppliers. Each 3-Way solenoid valve supplier has a business profile page that highlights their areas of experience and capabilities and a contact form to directly communicate with the supplier for more information or request a quote. Review each 3-Way solenoid valve business website using our proprietary website previewer to get an idea of what each company specializes in, and then use our simple RFQ form to contact multiple 3-Way solenoid valve businesses with the same form.