A solenoid control valve is an electronically controlled valve sometimes found in fuel dosing systems, fuel cell technology, and compact flow controllers. While solenoid valves are popular within the fuel control industries due to their ease of installation, they do have limitations depending on the application. And DynaQuip has an efficient and durable replacement solution, when a solenoid valve is not the best fit for the job. 

Some limitations of solenoid control valves. 

Solenoid control valves have highly restricted media flow compared to other valves and a tendency to clog, causing inconsistent operation. The most common solenoid valves use a diaphragm to obtain a shut-off. The seating area for the diaphragm inside the solenoid valve is restricted and causes low flows. Additionally, the diaphragm generally has within it a very small pilot hole to allow pressure to equalize on both sides of the diaphragm. Small and high-pressure solenoid valves use an internal spool arrangement that has a number of small openings to control flow. These valves can suffer both reduced flow due to the spool obstructing the fluid’s flow path and erratic operation when the openings clog.

Replacing a solenoid valve with a DynaMatic electric ball valve.

Electrically actuated ball valves have replaced solenoid valves in many applications to provide vastly improved flow characteristics and consistent performance. Electric actuators consist of a motor, a gear train, cams and limit switches. Most, but not all, electric actuators require two electrical input signals; one to open and another to close the valve. DynaQuip actuators are available in multiple voltages and options and are sized to provide the correct amount of torque required for the ball valve and application.

Making the switch. 

To convert from a solenoid valve (single input signal) to an electrically actuated ball valve (two input signals) requires the addition of a simple control relay switch. The single signal output from the control device is wired to the control relay coil, along with a constant neutral connection to the other side of the coil. A constant hot is wired into the common terminal for the control relay. A normally closed contact in the control relay is wired to a terminal in the electric actuator and a normally open contact in the control relay is wired to the opposing terminal in the electric actuator. The selection of which actuator terminal is used with the normally closed or normally open contacts of the control relay will depend upon the required action of the electric actuator. 

The choice of actuator terminals used will determine if the valve is to open or close. DynaQuip has several styles of ball valves with direct mount electric actuators to fit a wide range of applications.

DynaQuip works where you do.

If you are ready to make the switch from a solenoid control valve to an electrically actuated ball valve, DynaQuip can make it happen. If you would like to learn more about the complete line of DynaQuip flow control and fluid connector solutions, how they can benefit your operation, and everything we have to offer, we invite you to explore the details within our website or feel free to contact us at 800-545-3636.