SOLENOID & PNEUMATIC VALVES

Working:
Solenoid Valve: The valve is opened or closed by movement of the
magnetic core which is drawn into a solenoid when the coil is energized.
Pneumatic Valve: The valve is opened or closed by movement of
the piston which is pushed/pulled by application of pilot pressure.

Solenoid: Pneumatic:
Low flow rate, compact & economical High flow rate, bigger & costly

AB/Oct16
 SOLENOID & PNEUMATIC VALVES
Function:
The function of a valve is denoted by two figures: Ports/Positions
●
2/2 : 2 Ports 2 Positions
●
3/2 : 3 Ports 2 Positions
●
5/3 : 5 Ports 3 Positions
The flow conditions also need to be mentioned with the function:
●
NC : Normally Closed (No flow at rest)
●
NO : Normally Open (Full flow at rest)
●
U : Universal (pressure supply to any one of the ports)
Symbol:
The symbol for the solenoid or the pneumatic valve has the same
number of squares as the valve has positions.
The right-hand square shows the valve in its non-actuated (rest)
position, the left-hand square shows the valve in its actuated (work)
position. The pilot control is shown on the left-hand side and the return
control on the right hand side. 5/3 NC multi-pilot multi-return:

2/2 NC Spring return solenoid:

AB/Oct16
 SOLENOID & PNEUMATIC VALVES
2/2 Valve:
2 Port 2 Position Solenoid
NC/NO: 1 way
U: 2 way
NC NO

Pneumatic

3/2 Valve:
3 Port 2 Position

NC NO U
Port 2 exhausted Port 1 pressurized Port 1 and 2
at rest at rest connected at rest

AB/Oct16
 SOLENOID & PNEUMATIC VALVES
4/2 Valve:
4 Port 2 Position
The flow in system ports is reversed when the
valve is energized.

5/2 Valve:
5 Port 2 Position
The flow in system ports is reversed when the valve
is energized, each port is connected to a separate exhaust.

4/2 and 5/2 valves are generally used in actuator systems where position
control is not required (i.e. only end positioning is required)

They are similar in function, but different in construction.

4/2: Slide disc valve construction or Poppet Valve construction
5/2: Spool valve construction

AB/Oct16
 SOLENOID & PNEUMATIC VALVES
5/3 Valve:
5 Port 3 Position
It is similar to a 5/2 valve but
has an added advantage of
position control.

When used in actuators, it provides 3 positions:

1) Advance
2) Retract
3) Stop

AB/Oct16