Process control throughout a vast array of industries relies heavily on the humble solenoid valve and its ability to perform both reliably and efficiently
Michael Hannig, Global Product Manager for Solenoid Valves at Bürkert Fluid Control Systems, looks at the improvements in design that have allowed an increasing number of processes to rely on this essential device.
Solenoid design now and into the future
Over 90 percent of all solenoid valves are equipped with single coils, the simplest of all coil types, which uses an enamelled copper wire wound on a coil bobbin.
Bürkert coils are designed for continuous operation and are always coated with an insulating mass to ensure high electrical and mechanical protection. For applications involving ambient temperatures up to 250 °C, anodised enamelled aluminium wires are used to ensure reliable operation.
Development of the basic design principles has led to reduced energy consumption with the introduction of the double coil design. This uses two independent windings with high and low power. The high power coil opens the valve and then integrated electronics switch over to the low power coil to provide the holding force.
As many industries look to reduce the footprint of a variety of control processes, so there is a need to develop smaller control devices that still provide the necessary power and energy savings.
Bürkert has addressed this requirement with the introduction of the TwinPower solenoid which uses two parallel windings on the coil yoke. The integrated electronics switch the coils from parallel to series connection, which reduces the holding power to 25 percent of that required for opening the valve.
The design of the coil and its operation has a direct effect on the performance of the valve. The latest energy saving designs allow the coil to be overexcited to open the valve and within half a second, the current is reduced by 95 percent, which is still sufficient to hold the valve in the open position.
The cumulative effect of this type of feature can have a significant impact on the energy required for process control. Increased reaction speed, energy saving and reduced size are all themes that are expected to continue to influence valve design into the future, as are more specialised applications…
Specialised applications
If the production process involves liquid food products, the plastics and elastomers used should also conform to the local food and hygiene regulations.
In addition, some processes require a cleaning cycle to be performed in between production processes and so the data is also required for this procedure as well to ensure there is no undue material degradation caused by steam or cleansing chemicals.
Some applications involve potentially explosive atmospheres and therefore any equipment operating in this environment must have been certified to the appropriate ATEX directives.
Similarly, components for other specialised applications such as cryogenic systems, must be designed to not only withstand the extreme temperature but continue to operate reliably.
Complete control over production delivers quality and peace of mind
Manufacturers such as Bürkert not only design a comprehensive range of solenoid valves to cover both standard and specialist applications, but also manufacture every component which includes the machining of the valve body, the winding of the coil and the injection moulding of the coil encapsulation. In this way, Bürkert has control over every aspect of the valve and can therefore guarantee performance.
The testing of individual components and complete valves is a continuous process, partly to ensure continued compliance with a wide range of certification, but also to ensure that the high quality standards are being maintained. In this way the customer can be sure of reliable operation, even in harsh operating conditions.
On the face of it, selecting a solenoid valve appears to be a simple enough decision, however, making the right choice requires an in-depth knowledge of the process under control as well as expertise in the materials and designs available.
By combining the knowledge of the process engineer with the fluid control experience of a manufacturer, customers can be assured of a high quality product that will deliver long-term reliability while also complying with the appropriate industry standards.
With over 60 years” experience in the design of solenoid valves, Bürkert continues to improve the technology and the materials used in their construction. The expertise in designing and specifying components for fluid control systems is available to every customer, ensuring that both the component and the application will perform as designed.
Kirsty Anderon
Bürkert Fluid Control Systems
Fluid Control Centre, 1 Bridge End, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 1QY, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1285 648720 Fax: +44 (0)1285 648721
Web: www.burkert.co.uk
Email: kirsty.andeson@burkert.com
Burkert Fluid Control Systems
- 01285648720
- sales.uk@burkert.com
- http://www.burkert.com/
- Fluid Control Centre 1 Bridge End Gloucestershire Cirencester GL7 1QY GB
About us
Bürkert is present in thirtyfive countries around the world. We also work with a large network of distributors and partners, which means we are as close as possible to our customers. This global presence ensures full service and support to all of our customers in every country around the world. Research is the lifeblood of our company.
At Bürkert, we are never satisfied with the status quo and are continually seeking new technologies and solutions for our customers. Every year, our people develop new and highly advanced products and solutions, ranging from integrated process measurement and control units to the most sophisticated systems used in pharmaceutical research. To be a market leader, we are also an R&D leader.
Therefore, our investment in research & development is one of the highest in our industry. In our research centres in Germany and France, 150 people are committed to working for a common future for our company and our customers. We are committed to offering our expertise wherever it is needed, anywhere in the world. This global presence ensures that our advances in fluid control technology are also global.
What we do in a nutshell
Manufacture of process equipment. One of the few manufacturers to provide solutions for the complete control loop.
Where we supply to
UK Ireland, Europe
Industries we supply to
Food and Beverage, Pharmaceutical Cosmetics Toiletries, Water and Wastewater
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