Solenoid valves are important parts of industrial fluid flow control systems. The way they perform influences the efficiency, safety and cost of the entire system. The success of your project depends on selecting the proper electric solenoid valves and a reputable manufacturer. This guide explains everything you need to know, from the basics of electric solenoid valves to choosing the best suppliers, to help you decide in a difficult market.
What Is a Solenoid Valve?
You can think of industrial pipelines as the body’s vascular system and a solenoid valve is like a small heart that manages blood flow. When energized, the coil produces a magnetic force. Thanks to this force, the valve spool moves which helps control the flow, direction or switching of fluid (liquid or gas). Because it responds quickly and controls accurately, this type of valve is vital in automation systems.
Solenoid Valve Types and Applications
Solenoid valves come in a variety of electric solenoid valves, designed for numerous applications to meet diverse and demanding needs.
By operating principles
Direct-acting solenoid valves are opened or closed by an electromagnetic force. They are easy to build, react fast and are designed for use in small flows, low pressures or vacuum conditions. A pilot-operated solenoid valve controls the pressure in the main valve by using a smaller pilot valve and then activates the main valve with the medium’s own pressure. With this design, it is possible to handle greater volumes and stronger pressures. Proportional solenoid valves can change the amount of fluid flowing or the pressure smoothly, thanks to analog or digital signals.
By valve body structure and function
2-way solenoid valves are used to turn a fluid on or off, 3-way valves switch the direction of the fluid or select a channel and 4-way valves are often used to control the movement of double-acting cylinders. These different configurations allow for precise control in various setups.
Solenoid valves are found in nearly every industry that needs accurate control of fluids such as controlling cylinders, clamps or hydraulic systems in production lines, managing water flow in water treatment and environmental protection, ensuring safety in food and beverage processing and medical equipment and handling oil, natural gas, steam and corrosive media in energy and chemical industries.
How to Choose The Right Solenoid Valve?
Choosing the right solenoid valve is like tailoring clothes; it requires careful consideration:
First, the characteristics of the medium are most important. The medium (water, air, oil, steam, corrosive liquids), temperature, pressure, viscosity and the presence of particles are all included. They help decide what the valve body is made of, like stainless steel for corrosive environments, what kind of seal to use and the structure of the valve. After that, check the maximum and minimum temperatures and pressures allowed in the system, as well as the required fluid flow range. After that, how you control the system is very important. Should your switch operate when open or when closed? Is the control just on or off or does it need to be adjusted in proportion? What is the power voltage and what type of signal is used, considering low power consumption needs? Before connecting and installing, check the type of pipeline connection (threaded, flanged, clamped), the size of the ports and the available space for installation. These various configurations need to be matched correctly. If the environment is special, make sure the valve is certified for safety and meets standards such as explosion-proof, food-grade, SIL, and NEMA ratings for enclosures. Lastly, depending on how fast the application needs to respond and how long it has to last, choose the right type of valve and the right manufacturer based on its technical specifications. You should also think about how much it will cost to buy and maintain the equipment over its life.
Global Leaders in Valve Solutions
There are several companies in the global valve manufacturing industry that are recognized for their advanced technology, large product range and strong influence in the industry. They help steer the industry toward its goals.
VINCER
VINCER, founded in 2010, is a major automation valve company that offers complete intelligent valve solutions. VINCER is notable for providing top-quality, mid-to-high-end products at a great value. Many clients discover that VINCER’s products, which perform the same, are often 30% or more cheaper than European and American brands, helping them to save money. The team at VINCER carefully studies what clients require from eight different aspects: medium analysis, medium pressure analysis, temperature analysis, control methods, material requirements, connection standard, medium opening/closing time and installation position and space, to give highly tailored valve solutions and suggest alternatives for special cases. The company is known for its quick response and fast delivery, providing quotes within 24-48 hours and getting standard products to customers in 7-10 days, while custom orders take 15-30 days. Many international brands can’t match the speed of these local brands. VINCER maintains product reliability by conducting strict quality control, including double inspections and has several international certifications such as ISO9001, CE, RoHS, SIL and FDA, with ATEX explosion-proof certification on the way. With the help of a skilled engineering group and ongoing innovation, VINCER is a leader in automation valve technology.
EMERSON
Emerson is a leading company in industrial automation around the world. The ASCO brand is respected in the solenoid valve industry. Emerson stands out because it offers a wide range of products and can create strong integrated solutions, just like an “industrial Swiss Army knife.” It supports all stages, from individual parts to complete system integration and from standard service valves to those that are highly specialized. The company’s valve portfolio features Anderson Greenwood™, Bettis™, Crosby™ and Fisher™. Their products are recognized for being very durable and dependable in tough industrial conditions, mainly in oil and gas, chemical and power generation industries. Because of Emerson’s continuous focus on technology and its international service network, its products can handle any tough situation.
BURKERT
Source: https://www.burkert.com/en/company-career/company/about-buerkert
Burkert is a German company that specializes in fluid control systems. It is recognized for its ability to accurately measure, control and regulate both liquids and gases. Burkert’s products are known for their accuracy, long service life, innovative features and the ability to easily integrate into systems, including solenoid valves, flow meters, sensors and control systems. They are experts in designing custom fluid control systems for industries that need high accuracy and cleanliness (such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, food and beverage and water treatment). The modular approach Burkert uses gives customers a lot of flexibility and the ability to grow.
ROTEX AUTOMATION
Rotex Automation is a top Indian company that produces and exports fluid control systems, positioners and electro-hydraulic actuators. It is dedicated to offering top-quality products for industrial automation. Rotex is well established in its own country and in the neighboring areas. Because of its extensive selection of solenoid valves and automation systems, it can address different industry needs. Rotex, with its experience, aims to provide solutions that are both dependable and affordable. Many core industries such as oil and gas, power, steel and cement, rely on its products. The company’s success is due to its strong presence in certain markets and its fast reaction to the needs of industrial automation.
BRAY
Bray International is a well-known company worldwide for its wide selection of valves, actuators and control accessories. Established in 1986, Bray has become a leading producer of quarter-turn butterfly valves, ball valves, knife gate valves and check valves. They work in several industries, including water & wastewater, chemical & petrochemical, oil & gas, mining, power, food & beverage and pharmaceuticals. Bray is known for developing engineered products that can handle tough applications and are built to last. They provide a wide range of valves and automation systems, usually made from stainless steel, to ensure accurate control and separation in different industrial activities.
How to Find Reliable Solenoid Valve Manufacturers?
Selecting a good solenoid valve manufacturer is much like picking a business partner for the long run; you need to do your research carefully.
First, make sure you know what you need. Make a list of the technical needs, where the application will be used, the budget, any required certifications and the services you want after the sale. It allows you to quickly remove unsuitable suppliers from your list.
After that, carry out research across various marketing channels. Attend industry trade shows, join professional forums, read industry reports and use Alibaba International or Globalsources to find possible manufacturers. Choose brands that publish detailed technical articles and case studies that have been successful.
Besides, carefully examine the qualifications of all candidates. Confirm that the manufacturer has ISO 9001 quality management system certifications and that their products are certified by CE, RoHS, FDA, SIL and ATEX. You should also check what others say about the company and read customer reviews.
Also, check how strong the technology is and how much it can be customized. A reliable manufacturer should have a skilled R&D team and plenty of engineering experience, helping customers choose the right products and even design custom ones. Ask the company if they can supply technical drawings and detailed answers to your questions. When looking at production and quality control, make sure to ask about the factory’s size, the equipment used, the number of workers and how quality is checked from start to finish. A clear and firm quality control process guarantees that products are of good quality.
In addition, pay attention to how quickly products are delivered and how the supply chain is managed. Learn how the manufacturer usually produces items, how they manage urgent orders and what they do when there are disruptions in the supply chain. Engineering projects depend on reliable delivery.
Don’t forget to ensure the manufacturer provides full after-sales support such as advice, fixing problems, supplying spare parts and long-term maintenance. Strong after-sales service can prevent many future problems.
Partnering With Top Solenoid Valve Manufacturers: Key Distinctions And Benefits
Top-tier solenoid valve manufacturers do more than just sell products. They offer comprehensive solutions and provide significant benefits to their partners.
First, these manufacturers make continuous investments in innovation. They not only meet current needs but also anticipate future trends, constantly developing new materials, processes, and functions to advance the industry. This means partners gain access to cutting-edge technology. Second, they adhere to strict quality standards. From raw material procurement to final factory delivery, every step follows quality control standards that exceed the industry average. This ensures product reliability and long life in various conditions, truly striving for “excellence.” Partners benefit from excellent product quality and reliability, which reduces the risk of downtime and repair costs from valve failures, safeguarding continuous production.
Moreover, leading manufacturers possess deep application expertise. Their experienced engineering teams understand the pain points of different industries and provide professional, customized solutions, rather than just selling standard products. This translates to professional technical support and customized services for partners, with engineers offering in-depth selection guidance, complex solution design, and exclusive customized products that address specific needs standard parts cannot meet. They also have a global service network, ensuring products and technical support can reach customers worldwide. This helps optimize supply chain efficiency and reduce procurement risks, as efficient production management and stable supply chains lead to on-time delivery, especially for urgent or bulk orders, mitigating project delays.
In addition, leading manufacturers are able to balance high performance, dependability and cost, giving customers the best value over time. As a result, partners enjoy lower costs over time since high-quality valves last longer, fail less and require less maintenance. Using the manufacturer’s advanced technology and strong brand name makes your project more competitive. In addition, leading manufacturers usually show social responsibility by caring for the environment and sustainability during their production. If you face any problems with the product, they give you quick and professional help such as remote advice, free replacement parts or on-site assistance. This approach helps solve problems fast, so there are fewer losses which is risk management and a quick response for the partner.
Innovations in Solenoid Valve Technology
Solenoid valve technology is following the trends of Industry 4.0, always finding new ways to be smarter, more efficient and better for the environment.
The use of smart and digital technology is becoming more important. New-generation solenoid valves are equipped with sensors and communication modules. They can send live operating information, making it possible to monitor, diagnose problems and plan maintenance from a distance. They are now essential parts of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and smart factories, providing fluid control systems with a “smart brain.” Another important aspect is making buildings very energy efficient and environmentally friendly. Solenoid valves are being improved by manufacturers using pulse drive or magnetic latching technology which greatly reduces their energy use. At the same time, more companies are using eco-friendly materials. Thanks to progress in material science, solenoid valves now use alloys that resist corrosion, strong polymers and advanced ceramics. As a result, they can be used in extreme temperatures, high pressures or in media that is very corrosive, making them useful in many different applications. In addition, making devices smaller and more integrated is important to satisfy the rising need for space and precision in electronics and precision machinery which opens up more opportunities for compact systems.
Conclusion
Although solenoid valves are compact and tiny, they are important in industrial automation. Selecting a solenoid valve manufacturer is not only about purchasing a product; it’s about finding someone who will help your project succeed. VINCER is appreciated by many leading manufacturers and clients for being affordable, flexible, quick and maintaining high quality. It is perfect for anyone looking for dependable, efficient and economical automation valves. With VINCER, you can manage problems better, ensure your fluid control systems function properly and help your project and business succeed.