IQS Newsroom Articles on Solenoid Water Valves
Solenoid Water Valves
Solenoid water valves are used widely in home appliances such as washing
machines, dishwashers, ice makers and refrigerators. Industrial and commercial
businesses use solenoid water valves in applications such as vending machines,
sensor-activated water faucets, sprinkler or irrigation systems and many others
which require triggered water flow. Solenoid valves are chosen above other
types of valves - such as butterfly or
ball valves - because
solenoids offer the unique capacity for being activated remotely, by sensor
cue or by hysteresis (device memory).
The types of valves which are considered solenoid water valves are typically
normally closed (NC), which is to say that the valve's inactive state
blocks the flow of water and releases flow when activated. Water solenoids
are also typically pilot-operated diaphragm valves, as opposed to direct-acting.
Where direct-acting solenoids have a plunger in direct contact with the valve's
inlet, opening and closing the valve to permit and hinder flow, the pilot-operated
solenoid is actually a combination of a pneumatic valve and a smaller solenoid
valve. Pilot-operated solenoid valves work with a diaphragm rather than a plunger,
using differential pressure to release or hinder flow. Pressure is controlled
by a small solenoid vent chamber which activates the valve by lifting a vent
and changing internal pressure.
Pilot-operated water valves, often referred to as hydraulic valves, are often
used to pneumatically control water flow in home washing appliances. Solenoid
water valves are usually pilot-operated rather than direct-acting, since water
pressure within the valve provides a secure seal and the pilot solenoid requires
relatively little power to activate the valve. Thus, in appliances such as
washing machines, in which water must be triggered at specific times, solenoid
water valves provide a sealed, easily activated solution to timed water flow
control.