Product Category
Industrial Solenoid Valves
Electrically operated solenoid valves for water, steam, air, gas, oil, and aggressive media. Direct-acting and pilot-operated designs. 2-way, 3-way, 4-way configurations. All voltages. ATEX/explosion-proof available.
What is a Solenoid Valve?
A solenoid valve is an electromechanically operated valve. When electrical current passes through a solenoid coil, it generates a magnetic field that moves a plunger or pilot to open or close the valve orifice. Solenoid valves are the most common type of valve used in industrial automation — fast, reliable, and controllable from any PLC, relay, or DCS.
Solenoid Valve Types
By Operating Principle
- Direct-acting: The solenoid directly lifts the main orifice seal. Works with zero minimum differential pressure. Used for small flows (typically up to DN25). Reliable across all pressures including vacuum service.
- Pilot-operated (servo-operated): The solenoid operates a pilot orifice, which uses line pressure to open/close a larger main orifice. Requires a minimum differential pressure (typically 0.5 bar). Allows large orifices with a small solenoid.
- Semi-direct acting (assisted lift): Combines both principles — works from zero differential pressure and allows larger orifices than purely direct-acting designs.
By Way Configuration
- 2/2-way (two-way): One inlet, one outlet — open or closed. Most common type for simple shut-off.
- 3/2-way (three-way): Three ports, two positions — used to direct flow between two paths, or to exhaust a cylinder/actuator.
- 4/2-way and 5/2-way: For double-acting cylinders — see pneumatic valves section.
By Normal Position
- Normally Closed (NC): Valve is closed when de-energised — opens on power. Most common for safety shut-off.
- Normally Open (NO): Valve is open when de-energised — closes on power. Used where fail-open is required.
- Universal (bistable/latching): Retains position on power loss — reduced power consumption, used in battery-operated systems.
Body Materials & Media Compatibility
- Brass: Standard for water, air, oil, neutral gases — most economical.
- Stainless steel (316L): Corrosive media, food & pharma, seawater, aggressive chemicals.
- PVDF / plastic: Highly corrosive media (acids, alkalis) — GF Piping Systems and Bürkert plastic solenoids.
Seal materials: NBR (nitrile), EPDM (steam/hot water), FKM/Viton (oils, solvents), PTFE (aggressive media), silicone (food grade).
Voltages Available
AC: 24V, 110V, 120V, 220V/230V, 240V at 50/60 Hz. DC: 12V, 24V, 48V DC. Low-power coils for battery/solar systems also available. ATEX/IECEx certified solenoid valves for Zone 1 and Zone 2 hazardous areas.
Solenoid Valve Brands
| Brand | Parent | Key Products | Notable Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASCO | Emerson | Series 8210, 8262, 327, Red-Hat II | Process, water, steam, HVAC, gas |
| Bürkert | Bürkert GmbH | Type 5282, 5470, 6011, 2000 series | Pharma, food, water, process, analytical |
| Parker Lucifer | Parker Hannifin | Series 7 (gas), Series 31 (water) | Gas, analytical, HVAC, industrial |
| ODE | ODE (Italy) | 21H, 23H, 31H series | Water, steam, food & beverage, HVAC |
| Sirai | Sirai (Italy) | Z900, L121, P150 series | Water, gas, oil, steam |
| Danfoss | Danfoss | EV210B, EV220B, EVR series | HVAC, refrigeration, water |
| GSR Ventiltechnik | GSR (Germany) | Gas solenoid valves, safety shutoff | Burner management, natural gas |
| Takasago Electric | Takasago (Japan) | MJ, MV series | Analytical, laboratory, semiconductor |
What is the minimum pressure for a pilot-operated solenoid valve?
Pilot-operated solenoid valves typically require a minimum differential pressure of 0.3–0.5 bar (depending on model) to operate reliably. If your application has zero or low differential pressure — for example, a tank drain, gravity-fed system, or reverse-flow application — a direct-acting or semi-direct-acting solenoid valve is required. ASCO, Bürkert, and ODE all offer direct-acting models for low/zero differential pressure service.
Can you supply ATEX-certified solenoid valves?
Yes. We supply ATEX Zone 1 and Zone 2 (gas) and Zone 21/22 (dust) certified solenoid valves from ASCO, Bürkert, Parker, and other manufacturers. ATEX certification requires the coil to be approved for the applicable zone — we can source valves with ATEX-approved enclosures rated EEx d, EEx e, or EEx m as required by your area classification.