Solenoid Valve Basics Part 2.3

Standard Solenoid Valve Types

Pilot Operated Solenoid Valve with Assisted Lift

Pilot operated solenoid valves with assisted lift are very similar to pilot operated valves except that the diaphragm is mechanically connected to the armature.
This allows the valve to operate with minimal inlet pressure in the same way as a direct acting valve while still being able to achieve the higher flow rates associated with pilot operated valves.

You can view the full range of M&M International UK Solenoid Valves here

Due to the way assisted lift solenoid valves operate they are only available as normally closed and 2/2 way.

Figure 4 shows a cross-section of a pilot operated solenoid valve with assisted lift. As with pilot operated valves, when the coil is de-energised the diaphragm is held down onto the main orifice preventing the flow of the media through the valve. Energising the coil lifts the armature and, because the diaphragm is mechanically linked to the armature, the main orifice is revealed allowing the media to flow to the outlet connection. At lower pressures the valve does not fully open so full flow rate is only achievable with higher inlet pressures.

Solenoid Valve Basics Part 2.3: Pilot Operated With Assisted Lift

The average response time of pilot operated with assisted lift valves is 50 – 500ms. They are also available with a diaphragm speed control to prevent the effects of waterhammer.

Direct acting, pilot operated and pilot operated with assisted lift are the most common solenoid valve types and would be suitable for most applications but other types are available which meet the specific requirements of certain applications.

These include:

ATEX solenoid valves which are explosion proof and for use in hazardous environments.
Latching solenoid valves which can maintain the energised position of the armature without the electric current being permanently applied.
Solenoid valves for use with vacuum.
Dry armature solenoid valves which prevent the media from coming into contact with the internal components of the valve.

You can purchase solenoid valves online through the V-Flow Solutions web shop