Solenoid Valve - How They Work

A solenoid valve is an electrically controlled valve. The valve features a solenoid, which is an electric coil with a
movable ferromagnetic core (plunger) in its center. In the rest position, the plunger closes off a small orifice. An
electric current through the coil creates a magnetic field. The magnetic field exerts an upwards force on the plunger
opening the orifice. This is the basic principle that is used to open and close solenoid valves.

Quick solenoid valve notes:

 Only used for clean liquids and gases.

 Indirect operated valves require a pressure differential to function.
 Are used to close, open, dose, distribute, or mix the media with 2 or more inlets/outlets.
 Fast acting.
 Options for manual overrides, ATEX, gas approval, media separation and more.
 Can get hot as it requires energy to switch and stay in that position (depending on type).
 Common in heating systems, compressed air, vacuum, irrigation, car washes, etc.

How does a solenoid valve work?

A solenoid valve consists of two main components: a solenoid and a valve body (G). Figure 2 shows the components.
A solenoid has an electromagnetically inductive coil (A) around an iron core at the center called the plunger (E). At
rest, it can be normally open (NO) or normally closed (NC). In the de-energized state, a normally open valve is open
and a normally closed valve is closed. When current flows through the solenoid, the coil is energized and creates a
magnetic field. This creates a magnetic attraction with the plunger, moving it and overcoming the spring (D) force. If
the valve is normally closed, the plunger is lifted so that the seal (F) opens the orifice and allows the flow of the
media through the valve. If the valve is normally open, the plunger moves downward so that the seal (F) blocks the
orifice and stops the flow of the media through the valve. The shading ring (C) prevents vibration and humming in AC
coils.

Solenoid valves are used in a wide range of applications, with high or low pressures and small or large flow rates.
These solenoid valves use different operating principles that are optimal for the application. The three most
important ones are explained in this article: direct acting, indirect acting, and semi-direct acting operation.
Circuit functions of solenoid valves
Solenoid valves are used to close, open, dose, distribute or mix the flow of gas or liquid in a pipe. The specific
purpose of a solenoid valve is expressed by its circuit function. An overview of 2-way and 3-way solenoid valves is
below. For an in-depth understanding of symbols and understanding circuit function diagrams, view our valve
symbol page.
2-way solenoid valve
A 2-way solenoid valve has two ports, an inlet and an outlet. Flow direction is critical to ensure proper operation, so
there is typically an arrow indicating the flow direction. A 2-way valve is used to open or close the orifice. Figure 3
shows an example of a 2-way solenoid valve.

Figure 3: 2-way solenoid valve

3-way solenoid valve

A 3-way valve has three connection ports. Typically, it has 2 states (positions) it can be in. So, it switches between
two different circuits. A 3-way valve is used to open, close, distribute, or mix media. Figure 4 shows an example of a
3-way solenoid valve.
 Figure 4: 3-way solenoid valve

Solenoid valve types

Normally closed solenoid valve

For a normally closed solenoid valve, the valve is closed when de-energized and the media cannot flow through it.
When current is sent to the coil, it creates an electromagnetic field that forces the plunger upwards overcoming the
spring force. This unseats the seal and opens the orifice allowing the media the flow through the valve. Figure 5
shows the operating principle of a normally closed solenoid valve in the de-energized and energized states.
Normally open solenoid valve
For a normally open solenoid valve, the valve is open when de-energized and the media can flow through it. When
current is sent to the coil, it creates an electromagnetic field that forces the plunger downwards overcoming the
spring force. The seal is then seating in the orifice and closing it, which prevents media from flowing through the
valve. Figure 6 shows the operating principle of a normally open solenoid valve in the de-energized and energized
states. A normally open solenoid valve is ideal for applications that require the valve to be open for long periods of
time as this is then more energy efficient.
Bi-stable solenoid valve
A bi-stable or latching solenoid valve can be switched by a momentary power supply. It will then stay in that position
with no power. Therefore, it is not normally open or normally closed as it stays in the current position when no
power is applied. They accomplish this by using permanent magnets, rather than a spring.
Solenoid valve working principles

Direct acting
Direct acting (direct operated) solenoid valves have a simple working principle, which can be seen in Figure 7 along
with the components. For a normally closed valve, with no power the plunger (E) blocks the orifice with the valve
seal (F). A spring (D) is forcing this closure. When power is applied to the coil (A), it creates an electromagnetic field,
attracting the plunger up, overcoming the spring force. This opens the orifice and allows the media to flow through.
A normally open valve has the same components, but works in the opposite way.
The maximum operating pressure and flow rate are directly related to the orifice diameter and the magnetic force of
the solenoid valve. Therefore, a direct acting solenoid valve is typically used for relatively small flow rates. Direct
operated solenoid valves require no minimum operating pressure or pressure difference, so they can be used from 0
bar up to the maximum allowable pressure.
Indirect acting (servo or pilot operated)

Indirect acting solenoid valves (also called servo operated or pilot operated) use the pressure differential of the medium over the valve inlet
and outlet ports to open and close the valve. Therefore, they typically require a minimum pressure differential of around 0.5 bar. The working
principle of an indirect acting solenoid valve can be seen in Figure 8.
The inlet and outlet ports are separated by a rubber membrane, also called diaphragm. The membrane has a small hole so that the medium
can flow to the upper compartment from the inlet. For a normally closed indirect acting solenoid valve, the inlet pressure (above the
membrane) and supporting spring above the membrane will ensure that the valve remains closed. The chamber above the membrane is
connected by a small channel to the low-pressure port. This connection is blocked in the closed position by the plunger and valve seal. The
diameter of this "pilot" orifice is larger than the diameter of the hole in the membrane. When the solenoid is energized, the pilot orifice is
opened, which causes the pressure above the membrane to drop. Because of the pressure difference on both sides of the membrane, the
membrane will be lifted and the medium can flow from inlet port to outlet port. A normally open valve has the same components, but works in
the opposite way.
The extra pressure chamber above the membrane acts like an amplifier, so a small solenoid can still control a large flow rate. Indirect solenoid
valves are only used for media flow in one direction. Indirect operated solenoid valves are used in applications with a sufficient pressure
differential and a high desired flow rate.

Semi-direct acting
Semi-direct acting solenoid valves combine the properties of direct and indirect valves. This allows them to work
from zero bar, but they can still handle a high flow rate. They look similar to indirect valves and also feature a
movable membrane with a small orifice and pressure chambers on both sides. The difference is that the solenoid
plunger is directly connected to the membrane. The working principle of a semi-direct acting solenoid valve can be
seen in Figure 9.
When the plunger is lifted, it directly lifts the membrane to open the valve. At the same time, a second orifice is
opened by the plunger that has a slightly larger diameter than the first orifice in the membrane. This causes the
pressure in the chamber above the membrane to drop. As a result, the membrane is lifted not only by the plunger,
but also by the pressure difference.
This combination results in a valve that operates from zero bar and can control relatively large flow rates. Often,
semi-direct operated valves have more powerful coils than indirect operated valves. Semi-direct operated valves are
also called assisted-lift solenoid valves.

3-way direct acting

A 3-way solenoid valve has three ports, so depending if you want a mixing (two inlets and one outlet) or diverting
(one inlet and two outlets) affects operation. Certain valves can also work in both directions, which is called a
universal circuit function. However, only two ports are connected in each state. Figure 10 shows an example of a 3-
way direct acting solenoid valve.
Only two ports are connected at one time. In Figure 10, the plunger has an orifice on the top and bottom of it with
two valve seats. At any given time, one is open and one is closed to route the media in the desired flow direction.
Below are examples of circuit functions for a normally closed valve (opposite for a normally open).
Diverting 3-way solenoid valve: Figure 10 would have one inlet (bottom left) and two outlets (top and bottom right).
No power has the plunger blocking the bottom orifice, meaning the media goes from the inlet to the top outlet.
When power is applied, the plunger is forced up closing the top outlet. This routes the media from the inlet to the
bottom right outlet.
Mixing 3-way solenoid valve: Figure 10 would have two inlets (top and bottom right) and one outlet (bottom left).
No power has the plunger blocking the bottom orifice, meaning the media goes from the top inlet to the outlet.
When power is applied, the plunger is forced up closing the top outlet. This routes the media from the bottom right
inlet to the outlet.
Universal 3-way solenoid valve: These valves act similar to a diverting 3-way solenoid valve. Looking at Figure 10,
media can flow in either direction but still only two ports are connected at any given time.
Solenoid valve applications
Common domestic and industrial solenoid valve applications include:
 Refrigeration systems use solenoid valves to reverse the flow of refrigerants. This helps in cooling during
summer and heating during winter.
 Irrigation systems use solenoid valves with automatic control.
 Dishwashers and washing machines use solenoid valves to control the flow of water.
 Air conditioning systems use solenoid valves to control air pressure.
 Solenoid valves are used in automatic locking systems for door locks.
 Medical and dental equipment use solenoid valve to control the flow, direction and pressure of the fluid.
 Car washes to control the water and soap flow.
What is a solenoid valve used for?
A solenoid valve is used to open, close, mix, or divert media in an application. They are used in a wide variety of
applications from dish washers, cars, and irrigation.
How can you tell if your solenoid is bad?
If the solenoid valve fails to open or close, is partially open, makes a humming noise or has a burned-out coil, you
need to troubleshoot the valve solenoids. For more information, refer to the troubleshooting guide.
How do I choose a solenoid valve?
When choosing a solenoid valve, it is important to know your media. Depending upon the media and flow
requirement, choose the material, orifice size, temperature, pressure, voltage, response time and certification
required for your application. Refer to Solenoid valve selection guide for more information.
What is a solenoid?
A solenoid is an electric coil that is wrapped around a ferromagnetic substance (such as iron) that acts as an
electromagnet when the current is passed through it.
How does a solenoid work?
When the electric current is passed through the coil, an electromagnetic field is created. This electromagnetic field
causes the plunger to move up or down. This mechanism is used by solenoid valves to open or close the valve.