Understanding How a Diaphragm Operated Solenoid Valve Works
Diaphragm operated solenoid valve has become staple component in industrial environment from water treatment plants to chemical processing facilities, providing precision solenoid control with reliable diaphragm actuation the result being powerful fluid control systems.
Understanding how a diaphragm operated solenoid valve operates can assist engineers, technicians and facility managers make educated decisions regarding fluid control systems. This guide explores its operational mechanics, key components and practical applications – helping engineers, technicians and facility managers make more informed decisions for fluid management applications.
Key Components and Their Roles in Production Processes
An air type Diaphragm Operated Solenoid Valve features several crucial parts that work together to regulate fluid flow:
- Main Valve Body: Whilst housing the primary flow control mechanism, this sturdy construction generally features inlet and outlet ports sized according to system needs with internal passageways designed to minimize pressure loss.
- Flexible Diaphragm: At the core of any system lies a flexible rubber or elastomeric diaphragm as its primary sealing component, serving to isolate control chamber from main flow path while responding to differential pressure differentials to open or close valves accordingly.
- Solenoid Pilot Valve: A small solenoid-operated pilot valve used to regulate pressure in the chamber above a diaphragm is controlled using this compact device, when activated it opens or closes an orifice allowing pressure differential needed for operation to develop.
- Control Chamber: Situated above the main diaphragm, the control chamber fills up when system pressure builds when closing its pilot valve. Connected via small bleed hole on diaphragm or valve seat for connection of inlet port of main inlet system.
- Spring Assembly: Some designs of diaphragm solenoid valves incorporate springs as part of their mechanism to assist with closing or opening depending on whether the valve is normally open or normally closed.
Step-by-Step Operational Breakdown
Valve Closed Position (De-energized State)
When not activated by solenoid coil, pilot valve remains closed and system pressure enters through its bleed hole to balance pressure on both sides of main diaphragm diaphragm, keeping valve securely closed. Diaphragm exposed to chamber pressure slightly outweighs that exposed to inlet pressure, keeping its effective area larger while still meeting chamber requirements firmly closed.
Opening Sequence for Energy State (Opener Sequence)
Electrical current flowing through a solenoid coil creates a magnetic field, lifting the pilot valve plunger upward and opening its orifice for airflow out of control chamber. As pressure differential across diaphragm shifts upward due to inlet pressure pushing diaphragm away, main diaphragm recedes back down thus opening main valve passageway.
Flow Control
With the main valve open, fluid flows freely between inlet and outlet. As long as solenoid remains active and there is sufficient pressure differential across the system, diaphragm valve remains open as long as solenoid remains active; diaphragm remains closed based on solenoid-actuated solenoids and sufficient differential exists across system.
Closing Sequence (De-Energized State)
Once power has been cut from a solenoid coil, its pilot valve closes under spring pressure, filling its control chamber rapidly with system pressure via its bleed hole before returning to a closed state thereby stopping fluid flow.
Advantages and Applications
Diaphragm operated solenoid valve present several unique advantages over direct acting solenoid valves:
High Flow Capacity
These valves have the capability to accommodate significantly greater flow rates since their main valve opening isn’t limited by lifting force of solenoid solenoids – only controlling small orifices is needed through pilot valve controls.
Lower Power Consumption
Since solenoids only control small pilot valves, power requirements for solenoid valves with equivalent flow capacities are significantly reduced in comparison with direct-acting ones.
Reliable Operation
Diaphragm-style valves boast superior sealing characteristics and can effectively manage dirty or slightly contaminated liquids better than any other types.
Flexible Applications
Notable examples are:
- Water treatment and distribution systems.
- Industrial Process Control Systems.
- Irrigation and Landscape Systems
- Steam and compressed air applications.
Maintenance Tips For Longevity
Preventative maintenance ensures optimal performance and extends the service life of diaphragm operated solenoid valve:
- Regular Inspection Schedule: Reassess valves on an ongoing basis for external leaks, corrosion or electrical connections damage as well as secure mounting hardware which remains properly aligned and secure.
- Solenoid Valve Diaphragm Kit Replacement: Replace diaphragms according to manufacturer recommendations or when signs of wear appear. Keep spare diaphragm kits on hand in critical applications in order to minimize downtime and ensure seamless performance.
- Electrical System Inspect: Verify the voltage supply meets valve specifications, electrical connections are clean and tight, and adequate environmental protection measures are being employed when performing outdoor installations.
- Pressure System Monitoring: Verify system pressure remains within the operating range of each valve to avoid damaging diaphragms or impeding proper operation. Uncontrolled pressure could harm diaphragms while inadequate levels may prevent proper functionality.
- Filtration Maintenance: Install and maintain suitable filtration upstream of the valve to stop debris from interfering with operation of pilot valve or damaging diaphragm diaphragms.
Understanding Reliable Flow Control Engineering
Diaphragm operated solenoid valve provide an elegant engineering solution, taking advantage of hydraulic amplification principles to use system pressure as their power source and thus achieve excellent performance characteristics while remaining simple and dependable.
Pilot-operated valves are ideal for applications requiring large flow capacities with precise electrical control. Understanding their operational principles helps ensure optimal valve selection and system performance when designing new systems or upgrading existing equipment.
diaphragm-operated solenoid valves from Concorde Valves & Automations deliver reliable fluid control that meets industrial applications’ high standards of reliability and longevity.
