How to Choose the Metering Valve Solenoid?
Choosing the right metering valve solenoid means paying attention to some technical aspects for assuring reliable operation.
1. Calculate Required Force
It is necessary to calculate the required electromagnetic force first. The solenoid should be capable to exert the force which overcomes valve resistance, spring force and operating pressure.
2. Check Stroke Length
Valve movement depends on the stroke. Longer stroke requires designing a larger solenoid, while shorter stroke applications can be satisfied by compact solenoids.
3. Choose Voltage
DC 12V, DC 24V and customized voltages are available. It is important to select voltage which corresponds to the control system.
4. Look at Duty Cycle
The solenoid should be designed for 100% duty cycle operation. Some applications might require intermittent operations allowing to design the solenoid with high force output and low duty rating.
5. Consider Operating Environment
Factors such as temperature, humidity, vibration and contamination are the factors which should be taken into account. Protection against corrosion should be considered in industrial environments.
6. Check Response Speed
Fast response applications require optimized magnetic circuitry and lightweight moving parts.
7. Compatibility of Check Valves
The valve assembly should be compatible with the solenoid mechanical interface, mounting, plunger and connections.
8. Consider Lifetime Requirements
Industrial equipment experiences thousands or millions of cycles of operation. It is necessary to select the product with high durability and reliable materials.
Experienced solenoid manufacturer will help to optimize performance, decrease development cost and find the best solution for your application.
Common Mistakes in Metering Valve Solenoid Designing
Faulty Force Calculation
The mistake made by many designers consists in choosing a solenoid only by size without taking into consideration the resistance, force of pressure and spring loading of the valve.
Overlook of Heat Generation
In case the power rating of the coil and duty cycle are not calculated correctly, there is a risk of overheating of the coil during the constant operation.
Incorrect Choice of Stroke
In case the stroke is chosen incorrectly, the valve won’t be able to fully open or fully close.
Inadequate Magnetic Circuit Design
A poor magnetic efficiency results in low force and large energy consumption.
Improper Material Choosing
Industrial conditions require appropriate materials to resist corrosion, high temperatures and wear.
No Prototype Testing
It is important to test prototypes before producing solenoids in mass production.
Overlook of the Maintenance
The solenoid should be easy to clean, change and maintain.














