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Many industries rely on proportional solenoid valves to accurately regulate fluid, gas and air flow to and from components in a wide range of applications. These valves may be constructed from plastic or metal such as stainless steel. Another variable is the power source, such as a 12 volt battery. The automotive, automation and aerospace industries use proportional valves frequently to regulate fluid flow in engines and hydraulically-powered equipment. Metalworking, material handling, food processing, woodworking, construction and marine industries use proportional solenoid valves to regulate power, compressed air and water flow. The precision of proportional solenoid valves and their capacity for remote activation and hysteresis make them an invaluable component for countless industrial applications where extremely accurate fluid or gas flow regulation is necessary.
Proportional valves with high frequency response, linearity and hysteresis control flow accurately based on repeatability within close tolerances. Frequency response refers to the valve's capability to respond to outside frequencies aimed at regulating valve flow. Linearity refers to the valve's ability to actuate - that is, to switch on and off - in a way that creates a smooth line of input and output. Hysteresis is path-dependent "memory." Pilot-operated solenoid valves work with a diaphragm rather than a plunger, using differential pressure to control the flow of fluids. In pilot-operated valves there is a solenoid-operated vent which is opened to allow the pressure to equalize, permitting fluids or gases to flow through. Both direct-acting and pilot-operated proportional solenoid valves regulate flow based on linearity, frequency response and hysteresis. One important feature of proportional solenoid valves is their ability to increase or decrease output pressure through one or multiple output lines. Using the laws of fluid pressure, proportional valves can distribute input forces in such a way as to increase or decrease output pressure. Other types of proportional valves have multiple output lines which can be opened, closed and flowed at various pressures. Computers are often used to monitor proportional solenoid valves in applications which require precision accuracy.