What is a Single Solenoid valve?

The definition of a solenoid valve is an electro-mechanical valve that is commonly employed to control the flow of liquid or gas. There are various solenoid valve types, but the main variants are either pilot operated or direct acting. Pilot operated valves, the most widely used, utilise system line pressure to open and close the main orifice in the valve body. While Direct operated solenoid valves directly open or close the main valve orifice, which is the only flow path in the valve. They are used in systems requiring low flow capacities or applications with low pressure differential across the valve orifice.

Single Solenoid valve or Directional Control Valve – How They Work

Directional control valves are used in pneumatic systems to direct or stop the flow of compressed air or oil to their appliances. They are probably the most used elements in pneumatic systems and can be used for example to actuate a cylinder, a larger industrial valve, or air tools. The valves can have two or more ports and fulfill various circuit functions. The function and behavior of the valve can be indicated by a symbol. The symbol however doesnt explain the construction of the valve. Directional control valves can be actuated by different means, such as manual actuation or solenoid actuation.

5/2-way valve

A 5/2-way valve has five ports and two states. These valves are used for instance to control double acting cylinders. A double acting cylinder requires two outlet ports of the valve. 5/2-way valves can be mono-stable or bi-stable.

5/3-way valve

The before mentioned valves all have two states. It is also possible to have a third state, for example, a 5/3-way solenoid valve. The third state is used to stop a double acting cylinder in an intermediate position. These valves are mono stable and return to the center position when the solenoids are not energized. Two solenoids are used to switch the valve to the other two states. 5/3 valves are available in three variants; with closed center position, with venting center position and with the pressurized center position. Link to more direction control valves Watch how single solenoid valve works.