Magnetic Valves
Magnetic Valve is an electromechanically operated valve. The valve is controlled by an electric current through a solenoid: in the case of a two-port valve the flow is switched on or off; in the case of a three-port valve, the outflow is switched between the two outlet ports. Multiple magnetic valves can be placed together on a manifold.
Magnetic valves are the most frequently used control elements in fluidics. Their tasks are to shut off, release, dose, distribute or mix fluids. They are found in many application areas. Solenoids offer fast and safe switching, high reliability, long service life, good medium compatibility of the materials used, low control power and compact design. Besides the plunger-type actuator which is used most frequently, pivoted-armature actuators and rocker actuators are also used.
Common uses
Magnetic valves are used in fluid power pneumatic and hydraulic systems, to control cylinders, fluid power motors or larger industrial valves. Automatic irrigation sprinkler systems also use magnetic valves with an automatic controller. Domestic washing machines and dishwashers use magnetic valves to control water entry into the machine. Magnetic valves are used in dentist chairs to control air and water flow. In the paintball industry, magnetic valves are usually referred to simply as solenoids.They are commonly used to control a larger valve used to control the propellant . In addition to this, these valves are now been used in household water purifiers . Besides controlling the flow of air and fluids, solenoids are used in pharmacology experiments, especially for patch-clamp, which can control the application of agonist or antagonist.