GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT SOLENOID VALVES
1. Solenoid valve assembly and terminology
DIRECT ACTING SOLENOID VALVE
1. Solenoid coil2. Solenoid base (or shaft)
3. Core
4. Spring
5. Disc seal
6. Valve body
DIAPHRAGM OR PISTON VALVE
1. Solenoid coil2. Solenoid base (or shaft)
3. Core
4. Spring
5. Disc seal
6. Valve body
7. Diaphragm or piston 8. Spring
9. Bleed (or pilot) orifice
10. Valve bonnet
2. Function modes
2/2 CLOSED WHEN DE-ENERGISED (NC) DIRECT ACTING
When the coil is energised the valve opens. The valve does not require minimum operating pressure differential. Maximum operating pressure depends on the orifice diameter and coil power. Due to the coil power limitations high flow rates cannot be achieved.
3/2 CLOSED WHEN DE-ENERGISED (NC) DIRECT ACTING
Valve function similar to 2/2 NC, only with 3 ports that allow 2 ways simultaneously: one open and the other closed. 3/2 valves are often used as cylinder actuators. The same valve also allows NO function when properly connected.
2/2 CLOSED WHEN DE-ENERGISED (NC) PILOT OPERATED
Valve orifice is closed by a diaphragm or a piston. A bypass connects the chamber above the diaphragm/piston and valve outlet. Bypass is closed by a solenoid core and opens when coil is energized. When this occurs, the pressure above the diaphragm/piston drops and the flow through the valve is established.
This principle of operation requires pressure difference between the valve inlet and outlet and is therefore not applicable at pressures near 0 bar.
2/2 CLOSED WHEN DE-ENERGISED (NC) COMBINED OPERATION
Principle of operation combines direct acting and pilot. Valve diaphragm or piston is attached to the solenoid core and no pressure difference is required. This principle allows high flow rate at pressure near 0 bar.
3. Materials used
The choice of materials used in JAKSA solenoid valves depends on the type of fluid to be controlled.Valve bodies
• machined brass (CuZn39Pb3), optionally nickelised
• thermoplasts (Polyamide or Polypropylene)
• stainless steel (AISI 303/1.4305, AISI 304/1.4301 or AISI 316L/1.4404)
Seals - diaphragms
The choice of sealing material depends on mechanical, thermal and chemical requirements. NBR is the standard material for use with neutral chemically fluids at temperatures up to 90°C. At higher temperatures, EPDM, FPM and PTFE can be used. In some cases (high temperature and high cycling rate) stainless steel can also be used.
Characteristics of sealing materials:
NBR (Nitrile butadiene rubber)
• high mechanical durability
• resistant to oil and grease
• tight shut-off
• temperature range: -20°C (-40°C) to +90°C
• fluids: water, fuel, mineral oil, air, argon, town gas, methane, propane, buthane
EPDM (Ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber)
• resistant to acids and lyes of medium concentration
• non-resistant to oil
• tight shut-off
• temperature range: -30°C to +130°C
• fluids: hot water, wet steam, ozone, ethylene and methylene, alcohol, acids and lyes
FPM (Fluorinated propylene monomer)
• excellent chemical resistance
• mechanical durability lower than NBR or EPDM
• tight shut-off
• temperature range: -40°C to +200°C
• fluids: hot and oiled air, acids, lyes and other fluids that do not allow use of NBR or EPDM
PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene)
• resistant to almost all chemicals
• non-resilient, slight leakage on valve seat may be expected at low pressures
• temperature range: -200°C to +250°C
• fluids: various chemicals, refrigerants, ammonia, dry steam
PA (Polyamide, 30% glass-fiber reinforced)
• non-resilient, slight leakage on valve seat may be expected at low pressures
• good chemical resistance, particularly to fuels, lubricants, solvents and cleaning agents
• temperature range: -40°C to +160°C (+180°C short term)
PU (Polyurethane)
• not suitable for water and other liquids due to cavitation
• elastic material with hardness of 90 Sh A and tight shut-off
• temperature range: -60°C to +70°C
• fluids: air (dry or oiled), grease
PEEK (Polyether ether ketone)
• excellent hardness and wear resistance
• easily machinable, with excellent surface finish
• non-resilient, slight leakage on valve seat may be expected at low pressures
• temperature range: -50°C to +250°C
• fluids: mostly liquid
4. Electrical characteristics
• All solenoids are designed for continuous duty (ED100%).• Exceptions are marked on individual solenoid or valve types.
• Wire insulation is class H (180 or 200°C).
• Voltage tolerance is ±10% at AC and ±5% at DC.
• Power consumption is stated in watts (W) and equals:
• the product of measured DC voltage and current
• the product of measured AC voltage and current multiplied by 0.6
Thermal conditions
After the solenoid has been energized for a period of time the temperature of the winding rises. Amount of heating is affected by ambient and fluid temperature. In extreme cases the overheating causes damage to the wire insulation and the solenoid becomes defective. Special solenoids for extreme thermal conditions are also available.
Electrical protection - IP rating
Apart from standard solenoids, original explosion- and waterproof types are also available, thus allowing the use of solenoid valves in practically any environment. Standard solenoids are encapsulated in special thermoplastic resin which prevents the intrusion of damp and protects the winding from mechanical damage.
Explosionproof solenoids are encapsulated in epoxy resin. Basic IP rating for a solenoid is IP00, whereas IP65 can be achieved with properly fitted plug.
TM35k type solenoid with IP67 rating is designed for extremely damp ambients (also water immersion).
5. Flow rate and kv value
Flow rate of any given valve depends on valve size, type of fluid and the pressure which forces the fluid through the valve. Kv value is given for each valve type in the table. With known parameters the flow rate can be calculated according to the following formula:
Q......flow rate [l/min]
Kv.....value given in the table for each valve type
Δp....difference between inlet and outlet pressure [bar]
p1.....pressure measured at valve inlet [bar]
p2.....pressure measured at valve outlet [bar]
ρ......specific mass of fluid [kg/dm3] (equals 1 for tap water)
Kv value is approximately the same for tap water and other fluids (e.g. oil) of viscosity not exceeding 21mm2/s. At higher viscosity a correction of Kv value is required.
6. Pressure rating
Maximum operating pressure differential is the maximum difference between valve inlet and outlet pressures at which the valve will still reliably operate. Values in tables (with tolerance ± 10%) are given at ambient and coil temperature 22°C.Minimum operating pressure differential is the minimum difference between valve inlet and outlet pressures at which the valve will still reliably OPEN. If required pressure difference is not achieved the valve will not open when activated.
Maximum static pressure is the highest fluid pressure endured by valve body and internal parts without damage.
7. Installation and recommendations
JAKSA solenoid valves can be installed horizontally or vertically. Upright coil position is recommended to avoid accumulation of impurities in pilot which may result in faulty operation.Before installation it is highly recommended to clean the pipeline to minimize the amount of impurities in fluid. It is also necessary to install a strainer (40 µm mesh recommended) in front of the valve.
AC coils should not be connected to the electrical circuit unless fitted properly on the stem as this will result in coil burning. In very damp ambients the use of special coil sealing sets or TM35k type coil is necessary (available from your supplier).
Instructions for use PDF
8. Troubleshooting
1. Pilot operated diaphragm and piston valves
| Problem | Probable cause | How to correct |
|---|---|---|
| Valve does not open when coil is energised. | No voltage supply. Voltage may be too low or incorrect. | Check voltage; voltage must be within declared limits (AC ± 10%; DC ± 5%). |
| Pilot orifice is blocked. | Disassemble valve and clean pilot orifice. | |
| Diaphragm or piston ring is ruptured. | Replace damaged part. | |
| Dirt or calcium deposits within solenoid base is blocking solenoid core. | Disassemble valve and clean thoroughly; install strainer on the inlet side of valve. | |
| Inlet pressure is too high. | Reduce pressure if possible; consult our staff over proper valve choice. | |
| Pressure difference is insufficient. | Valve may be oversized for your application; increase inlet pressure if valve permits or replace valve with smaller one. | |
| Solenoid base is damaged. | Replace damaged part. | |
| Coil is burned. | Replace coil. Refer to section 3 for probable causes of coil burning. | |
| Valve does not close when coil is de-energised. | Coil is still energised. | Check electrical circuit. |
| Flow direction is incorrect. | Check valve orientation; arrow mark on valve body indicates flow direction. | |
| Pilot orifice is blocked. | Disassemble valve and clean pilot orifice. | |
| Dirt or calcium deposits within solenoid base is blocking solenoid core. | Disassemble valve and clean thoroughly; install strainer on the inlet side of valve. | |
| Solenoid base is damaged. | Replace damaged part. | |
| Valve does not shut tightly or it leaks. | Damaged sealing disc / diaphragm / valve seat / solenoid core spring. Foreign matter on valve seat / diaphragm. | Replace damaged part; never stretch or shorten core spring! |
| Pressure difference is insufficient. | Valve may be oversized for your application; increase inlet pressure if valve permits or replace valve with smaller one. |
JAKSA pilot operated solenoid valve spare part replacement tutorial
2. Direct acting valves
| Problem | Probable cause | How to correct |
|---|---|---|
| Valve does not open when coil is energised. | No voltage supply. Voltage may be too low or incorrect. | Check voltage; voltage must be within declared limits (AC ± 10%; DC ± 5%). |
| Inlet pressure is too high. | Reduce pressure if possible; consult our staff over proper valve choice. | |
| Dirt or calcium deposits within solenoid base is blocking solenoid core; solenoid base may be damaged. | Disassemble valve and clean thoroughly; replace damaged parts; install strainer on the inlet side of valve. | |
| Coil is burned. | Replace coil. Refer to section 3 for probable causes of coil burning. | |
| Valve does not close when coil is de-energised. | Coil is still energised. | Check electrical circuit. |
| Flow direction is incorrect. | Check valve orientation; arrow mark on valve body indicates flow direction. | |
| Dirt or calcium deposits within solenoid base is blocking solenoid core. | Disassemble valve and clean thoroughly; install strainer on the inlet side of valve. | |
| Solenoid base is damaged. | Replace damaged part. | |
| Valve does not shut tightly or it leaks. | ||
| Damaged sealing disc / valve seat / solenoid core spring. | Replace damaged part; never stretch or shorten core spring! |
3. Coils
| Problem | Probable cause | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Coil is burned. | Dirt or calcium deposits within solenoid base blocking solenoid core. | Disassemble valve and clean thoroughly; install strainer on the inlet side of valve. |
| Moisture is present inside coil. | Seal and tighten cable gland; make sure that plug seals are in place; use sealing set or special coil in humid environmet. | |
| Solenoid core does not move due to excessive fluid pressure. | Reduce pressure or install suitable valve; consult our staff over proper valve choice. | |
| Solenoid core is blocked due to damaged solenoid base or core spring. | Disassemble valve and clean thoroughly; replace damaged parts. | |
| Valve is missing parts or is not properly assembled. | Check valve assembly; replace missing parts if necessary. | |
| Supply voltage is too high or incorrect. | Check voltage; voltage must be within declared limits (AC ± 10%; DC ± 5%). | |
| Fluid and/or ambient temperature is too high. | Consult our staff over suitability of chosen valve / coil. |
