Electric solenoids are the fundamental way to operate valves of all sizes, Figure 1.Īn electric solenoid consists of a wire coil arranged around a movable central poppet, plunger, or spool element. But to improve efficiency and safety, it is often desirable to upgrade designs to automatically controlled valves.įor most kinds of automation, a valve needs to be controlled electrically by hardwired circuitry or a PLC.
Many types of basic equipment and processes are designed with manually operated valves managed by operators. The valve itself can be operated manually or by a physical action, such as a door closing or a person moving a button, pedal, or lever. All figures courtesy of AutomationDirect. When installed on equipment or in associated control panels, they make it possible to remotely and automatically operate systems. Electric solenoid valves are available in a wide variety of form factors. They may directly control a fluid - such as water, solvent, or anything else used in a production process - or they may be arranged to command more powerful physical actions.įigure 1. Valves are typically used to control the flow of liquids and gases. In many cases, there is more than one right answer depending on the required action, installation space, and type of automation.
For these electrical and intelligent platforms to interact with the physical pneumatic systems, a solenoid of some sort is typically incorporated.ĭesigners need to be familiar with several types of solenoid valves and the varying form factors and features available so they can select the right products. These systems are economical, reliable, and easy to design and maintain They also operate with speed, precision, and force suitable to meet most mechanical requirements.īasic manual pneumatic components are appropriate for certain situations, but most forms of remote or automatic operation are better implemented with hardwired logic or programmable logic controllers (PLCs). Pneumatic systems provide one of the essential methods designers can employ to create motion and force for equipment and manufacturing systems. Pneumatic solenoid valves make it possible to remotely operate and automate equipment, with a range of product and technology options available for upgrading designs.īy Kevin Kakascik and Pat Phillips, AutomationDirect
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