Solenoid Valves

A Normally Closed (NC) valve remains closed and blocks fluid flow until electrical power is applied to the coil to open it. A Normally Open (NO) valve allows fluid to flow freely until electrical power is applied to shut it.

A 2-way solenoid valve has two ports (inlet and outlet) and is used simply to turn flow on or off. A 3-way valve has three ports (inlet, outlet, and exhaust) and is typically used to alternate flow between two circuits, or to fill and then vent a system, such as operating a single-acting pneumatic cylinder.

Direct operated valves rely solely on the magnetic force of the solenoid coil to lift the seal and open the valve; they work from 0 bar pressure. Pilot operated valves use the system’s own line pressure to assist in opening and closing the main diaphragm, requiring a minimum pressure differential (usually around 0.5 bar) to function correctly.

You must choose a coil voltage that matches your control system’s power supply exactly. Common options include 12V DC, 24V DC, 24V AC, and 240V AC. Using the wrong voltage will result in the valve failing to operate or the coil burning out.

Port size dictates the physical thread connection (e.g., 1/2″ BSP) to your pipework. Orifice size is the internal diameter of the hole the fluid passes through. A larger port size doesn’t guarantee high flow if the internal orifice is small. You must check the valve’s Kv value (flow coefficient) to ensure it meets your flow requirements.

• NBR (Buna-N): Standard for air, water, and light oils.
• EPDM: Excellent for hot water, steam, and weather exposure (not for oils).
• FKM/Viton: Ideal for higher temperatures, chemicals, and petroleum-based fuels.
• PTFE (Teflon): Used for harsh, highly corrosive chemicals.
• Silicone: Commonly used in food, beverage, and medical applications.

• Brass: Standard for general water, air, and non-corrosive industrial uses.
• Nylon/Plastic/PVC: Used for irrigation, reverse osmosis, or mildly corrosive fluids where metal could rust.
• Stainless Steel: Essential for food processing, high-purity systems, highly corrosive chemicals, and high-pressure applications.

A manual override is a mechanical switch, screw, or button on the valve body that allows you to open or close the valve by hand, without needing electrical power. This is highly useful for testing, commissioning, or during power outages.

Yes. If the mechanical valve body is intact but the electrical coil has failed (burnt out), you can easily purchase and slide a replacement Baccara coil onto the existing armature tube without removing the valve from the pipework.