A solenoid is an electromechanical device which allows for an electrical device to control the flow of a gas or liquid. The electrical device causes a current to flow through a coil located on the solenoid valve. This current flow in turn results in a magnetic field which causes the displacement of a metal actuator.
The actuator is mechanically linked to a mechanical valve inside the solenoid valve. The valve then changes state, either opening or closing to allow a liquid or gas to either flow through or be blocked by the solenoid valve. A spring is used to return the actuator and valve back to their resting state when the current flow is removed.
Solenoid valves come in various configurations and sizes. Solenoid valves can be normally open, normally closed, or a two way valve. A normally open solenoid valve allows a liquid or gas to flow through unless a current is applied to the solenoid valve. A normally closed valve works in the opposite manner. A two way solenoid valve has three ports; one port is common, one is normally open and the third is normally closed.
Factory automation makes frequent use of solenoid valves. A computer device running a factory automation program to fill a container with some liquid can send a signal to the solenoid valve to open, allowing the container to fill, and then remove the signal to close the solenoid valve and stop the flow of liquid until the next container is in place. A gripper for grasping items on a robot is frequently an air controlled device. A solenoid valve can be used to allow air pressure to close the gripper, and a second solenoid valve can be used to open the gripper. If a two way solenoid valve is used, two separate valves are not needed in this application.
A valve is a device which can be used to control the flow of liquids, gases, and slurries. Also known as regulators, valves can be found in almost any situation: chances are that you are sitting within a few feet of a mechanical valve right now. There are a number of different designs for valves, depending on how they are being used, and they can be found in a range of sizes from smaller than a pinky to gigantic. Valves also vary from the extremely basic to the extraordinarily complex, and they are one of the oldest mechanical designs; basic valves have been in use for thousands of years.
The term “valve” can be used to refer to human anatomy as well as a mechanical device. Valves throughout the body regulate the flow of blood, oxygen, and body fluids. Valves in the body include the extremely important heart valve, which works with the heart to pump blood through the body. Individuals with heart disease may have their heart valves replaced with artificial ones to perform this vital body function. The numerous valves in the human body work together to keep things running smoothly in your daily life.
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