A solenoid valve is an electrically controlled industrial device. As a basic automated component for fluid control, it belongs to actuators and is applicable not only to hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Simply put, a motorized valve is driven by an electric actuator to realize valve opening and closing; it is also known as an air conditioning valve. What are the differences between solenoid valves and motorized valves?
1. Different Working Principles
The solenoid valve takes electric power as energy. The electromagnetic coil generates magnetic force when energized, which overcomes spring pressure and drives the spool for switching. It features simple structure and low cost, yet only supports full open / full close operation.
The motorized valve also uses electricity as power source, but it is driven by an electric motor. It can achieve three statuses: fully open, fully closed and partially open.
2. Differences in Application
Solenoid valve: Used for on-off control of liquid and gas pipelines. It adopts two-position DO control and is generally applied to small pipeline control.
Motorized valve: Used for analog quantity (AI) regulation of medium flow in liquid, gas and air system pipelines. It can also serve two-position on-off control for large valves and air systems.
3. Differences in Process Requirements
Solenoid valves have special manufacturing process requirements. They can realize various functions such as flow diversion and regulation, which impose strict requirements on medium tightness and pressure resistance, resulting in relatively higher prices.
Motorized valves have relatively single functions, mainly serving flow regulation in systems, so they are more cost-effective.