Air Solenoid Valve

What's the Air Solenoid Valve?

An air solenoid valve is an electromechanical device used to control the flow of compressed air in a pneumatic system. It operates using an electric current to energize a solenoid coil, which then moves a plunger or spool inside the valve to open or close the air passage. This is the basic mechanism that a solenoid valve working.

1. Key Components:

  1. Solenoid Coil – Generates a magnetic field when energized.
  2. Plunger or Spool – Moves to open or close the valve.
  3. Valve Body – Contains ports for air to enter and exit.
  4. Spring (in some designs) – Returns the valve to its default position when de-energized.

2. Types of Air Solenoid Valve:

2-Way Valves – Control airflow in a simple on/off manner.

3-Way Valves – Direct airflow between three ports (e.g., one inlet, one outlet, and one exhaust).

4-Way or 5-Way Valves – Used in more complex pneumatic circuits, such as double-acting cylinders.

3. Common Coil Voltages:

  1. DC Voltages:

    • 12V DC
    • 24V DC
    • 48V DC
    • 110V DC (less common)
  2. AC Voltages:

    • 24V AC
    • 110V AC
    • 220V AC
    • 240V AC

The choice between DC and AC voltages depends on factors like:

  • Control system compatibility: DC valves are often used in low-voltage, precise control applications (e.g., automation systems). AC valves might be preferred in industrial systems with existing AC power infrastructure.
  • Power consumption: DC coils usually have lower power consumption and faster response times, while AC coils can be more robust for high-voltage applications.
  • Duty Cycle: DC solenoids can typically handle higher duty cycles (continuous operation) compared to AC coils, which are better suited for intermittent use.

4. Pilot vs. Direct-Acting Solenoid Valves

4.1 Direct-Acting Solenoid Valves:

The solenoid coil directly activates the valve. When the solenoid is energized, it moves the internal components (plunger or spool) to control airflow.

Advantages: Simple, compact, and fast. No need for external pressure sources to actuate.

Disadvantages: May require more power and can be more prone to wear due to the constant movement of the solenoid. 

4.2 Pilot-Operated Solenoid Valves:

These valves use pilot pressure (usually from the system’s air supply) to assist in actuating the valve. The solenoid only operates a small pilot valve, which then uses the system’s air pressure to shift the main valve.

Advantages: More energy-efficient because the solenoid only operates a small valve. They can handle larger flow rates or higher pressures because the pilot pressure does the bulk of the work.

Disadvantages: Slower response time and the need for a consistent air supply for the pilot.

Our Air Solenoid Valve Product Line

3V Direct-Acting Compact Model 3/2ways Air Solenoid Valve

Normally the valves were installed in the system to control a single-acting cylinder, or an air actuated valve which must be installed in flameless environment for the safety consideration..The advantage is the faster response compared with the piloted valve.

3V1 Tandem solenoid valve

3V1 Valve: Several valves could be assembled concertedly without manifold, so save installation space and cost.

3V2 Tandem solenoid valve

3V2 Valve: Can work in the vacuum system, with larger flow rate, normally was single installed to control the cylinder.

3V2M Sub-base model

3V2M Valve: Must be work concertedly with the sub-base, typically designed for integrating multiple line controlling.

3V3 Large-flow rate

3V3 Valve: With the stronger valve body, larger flow rate, suit for the tough working environment. And normally be single installed. 

3V Pilot Air Solenoid Valve

They are commonly used to control single-acting cylinders, drive pneumatic actuators, enable blow-off, release pressure, and support vacuum applications. 

Single solenoid control and double solenoid control.

In the application, the double solenoid supplies the more dependable stability. In the single solenoid valve, the column is motivated by pilot mechanism, and reset by the spring. But in double solenoid control 3/2ways valve, the column reset by another pilot mechanism. The 3/2-way valves can also be normally closed or normally open.

3V100 Small 3-2 way air solenoid valve

3V100 Valve: 3/2-way (three-way, two-position) configuration, pilot-operated, with a manual override. Available in 1/8″ port sizes (PT, NPT, or G). Ideal for single-acting cylinders with a bore size smaller than 40mm and a stroke length of less than 200mm.

3V200 Medium 3-2 way air solenoid valve

3V200 Valve: 3/2-way (Three-way, Two-position) configuration. Pilot operated. Typically 1/4″ (PT, NPT, or G). Manual Override. Suitable for the single acting cylinders which the bore size small than 80mm, stroke length less than 400mm.

3V300 Large 3-2 way air solenoid valve

3V300 Valve: 3/2-way (three-way, two-position) configuration, pilot-operated, with a manual override. Available in 3/8″ port sizes (PT, NPT, or G). Suitable for single-acting cylinders with a bore size smaller than 125mm and a stroke length of less than 400mm.

4V Series 2/5ways 3/5ways Air Solenoid Valve

2/5 Ways Solenoid Valve

The 5/2ways solenoid valve is a valve has five ports and two column states. They are used for instance to control double acting cylinders. The valve mainly consists of five ports valve body, one or two solenoid coils, and a sliding column. The valve can be one solenoid controlling (1 solenoid, spring return) or double solenoid controlling. The column is actuated by pilot mechanism to shut off or open the air route between the air ports.

3/5 Ways Solenoid Valve

The 5/3-way solenoid valve consists of a five-port valve body, two solenoid coils, and a three-position moving column. It is typically used to control two double-acting cylinders operating alternately.

In its default state, when neither solenoid is energized, the column returns to the center position. Depending on the design, this center position can either block all ports or allow pressure from the inlet to be distributed to both outlet ports.

M5 or 1/8" solenoid valve 4V100

4v100 Valve: M5, 1/8″ (PT, NPT, G) thread connections. Small size, making it suitable for space-limited applications. Suitable for the cylinders which the bore size small than 32mm, stroke length less than 200mm.

1/4" inch solenoid valve 4V200

4V200 Valve: port size 1/4″. Manual Override – Allows for manual operation during maintenance or power failure. Suitable for the cylinders which the bore size small than 80mm, stroke length less than 400mm.

3/8" inch solenoid valve 4V300

4V300 Valve: Port size 3/8″. With the stronger valve body, larger flow rate. Manual Override. Suitable for the cylinders which the bore size small than 125mm, stroke length less than 400mm.

1/'2" inch solenoid valve 4V400

4V400 Valve: Port size 1/2″. With the stronger valve body, larger flow rate. Manual Override. Suitable for the cylinders which the bore size small than 200mm, stroke length less than 400mm.

Namur Type Solenoid Valve

What’s the NAMUR soldnoid valve?

A NAMUR air solenoid valve is a specialized valve with a unique air port orientation, designed for direct mounting onto a pneumatic actuator body without the need for additional fittings or tubing. This integration enhances efficiency, simplifies installation, and minimizes potential leakage points.

3V-4V Valve manifold

What’s the solenoid valve manifold?

A manifold is a device that integrate one or more isolate valves together in the pneumatic system and hydraulic system. Pneumatic valves use various manifold mounted systems, which can be ISO standards or manufacturer specific.

Spare Parts: Solenoid valve coil

Voltage Options – Available in AC (e.g., 24V, 110V, 220V) and DC (e.g., 12V, 24V, 48V) versions.

Mindman Standard Solenoid Valve

Mindman is a reputable manufacturer of pneumatic components, offering a diverse range of air solenoid valves designed to control the flow of air in various industrial applications. These valves are known for their reliability, efficiency, and long service life.

MVSD180-460 Mindman solenoid valve

MVSC Series solenoid valve

MVSC series air solenoid valve include 3/2way, 5/2way and 5/3way models.

The 5/2ways solenoid valve has five ports and two column states. They are used for instance to control double acting cylinders. 

The 5/3ways solenoid valve consist of a five ports valve body, two solenoid coils and three positions moved column. They are used for instance to control two pieces double acting cylinders.

SMC Solenoid valve

SMC solenoid valves are the well-known due to the high quality and long durability. They are widely used in the automatic system where need high stability and energy-saving characters. SMC had developed dozen types of solenoid valve for various applications. We supply the original SMC solenoid valves, the meaning time we had developed the same standard valve for instead some of the SMC valve. They have the same installation dimensions, voltage and almost same performance.

SY3000-9000 SMC Solenoid valve

The SY3000-9000 series from SMC is a range of solenoid valves designed for high-performance pneumatic control.

VF3000 SMC Solenoid valve

pilot-operated, 5-port solenoid valve designed for high-flow pneumatic applications.

VF5000 SMC Solenoid valve

SMC VF5000 series is a pilot-operated, 5-port solenoid valve designed for high-flow pneumatic control applications.

Miniature solenoid valves

Miniature solenoid valves are also named as mini solenoid valve, they are a kind of minimized valve with the professional space saving and energy-saving design. Due to the special application needs and mini dimension, the valves only have 3/2way and 2ways models. And all of them are directing action type valve.

Applicaion

With the manifold adopted, the dozen mini valve could be integrated together, and to control the mini single acting cylinders on the spinning machinery. Another ability is to meet the high frequency usage. The Max operating frequency could achieve 30 circles per second.

HB10 Miniature solenoid valve

The HB10 is a miniature solenoid valve designed for compact and precise fluid control applications.

Compact & Lightweight: Ideal for space-constrained applications.

Configuration: Typically 2-way or 3-way operation.

Low Power Consumption: Energy-efficient design for continuous operation.

Fast Response Time: Ensures precise and reliable actuation.

Port Sizes: Small-diameter ports for microfluidic or pneumatic systems.

Mounting Options: Can be panel-mounted or used in a manifold system.

Applications: Suitable for medical devices, analytical instruments, and automation requiring precise flow control.

How to select a solenoid valve?

1. Determine the Valve Function & Type

  • 2-Way Valve → Controls airflow in one direction (ON/OFF).
  • 3-Way Valve → Used for diverting air between two outputs, often for single-acting cylinders.
  • 5-Way Valve → Controls double-acting cylinders, with two exhaust ports.

2. Identify the Required Port Size & Flow Rate

  • Port Size (e.g., 1/8″, 1/4″, 3/8″, etc.) should match your system’s piping.
  • Flow Rate (Cv or L/min) depends on the volume of air required. Ensure the valve can handle your pneumatic system’s airflow demands.

3. Choose the Right Pressure Range

  • Check the operating pressure range (MPa or PSI).
  • Ensure it meets the minimum and maximum working pressures of your system.

4. Select the Coil Voltage & Power Consumption

  • Common Voltages:
    • AC (110V, 220V) – Usually used in industrial applications.
    • DC (12V, 24V) – Energy-efficient, often used in automation.
  • Consider low-power coils (e.g., 0.95W or 1.2W) for energy savings.

5. Mounting & Connection Type

  • NAMUR → Directly mounts onto a pneumatic actuator without additional tubing.
  • Inline or Manifold Mounting → For centralized control in complex pneumatic systems.

6. Environmental Conditions

  • Temperature Resistance – Choose materials like HNBR, NBR, or Viton seals for high temperatures.
  • Corrosive Environments – Use stainless steel or aluminum body for durability.
  • Explosion-Proof or IP-Rated – Required for hazardous locations (e.g., IP67 for dust and water resistance).

7. Response Time & Duty Cycle

  • Fast Response (milliseconds level) – Required for high-speed automation.
  • Continuous Operation – Ensure the coil can handle extended use without overheating.

8. Brand & Quality Considerations

Some trusted brands for air solenoid valves include:

  • SMC
  • Festo
  • Mindman
  • Airtac
  • Parker
  • Dg-Pnetic

Would you like a specific brand recommendation or help with sizing calculations for your system?