Solenoid valve manifolds group electrically operated valves into centralized assemblies. Common supply, process, exhaust, return, or distribution passages can serve several valve stations while individual solenoids control specific fluid paths.
This arrangement is useful when an electrical controller needs to operate several valves as part of an automated machine or process.
Electromagnetic Operation
How Solenoid Valves Work
A solenoid uses an electromagnetic coil to create mechanical movement when electrical power is applied.
That motion changes the position of an internal valve element and therefore opens, closes, or redirects a fluid passage.
Industrial solenoid valves can control liquids, gases, compressed air, and other compatible media depending on the valve construction.
Electrical Interface
Connecting Valve Manifolds to Machine Controls
Solenoid valves can be commanded by switches, relays, programmable controllers, machine electronics, sensors, or other control systems.
Voltage and electrical configuration must match the control system. For example, 12-volt solenoid valves represent one available electrical configuration for systems designed around that supply voltage.
Wiring organization becomes increasingly important as more valve stations are added to the manifold.
Hydraulic Systems
Hydraulic Solenoid Valve Manifolds
Hydraulic systems use electrically actuated valves to control pressurized oil and other hydraulic fluids.
Specialized hydraulic solenoid valves can be integrated into manifold blocks containing pressure, return, pilot, drain, and actuator passages.
This allows machine electronics to control hydraulic cylinders, motors, clamps, presses, tooling, and other powered movements.
Hydraulic Solenoid Manifolds →Pneumatic Systems
Pneumatic Solenoid Valve Manifolds
Pneumatic systems commonly group solenoid-operated directional valves together so several air cylinders or other actuators can share common supply and exhaust passages.
Each valve station can correspond to a separate automated machine function.
Pneumatic Solenoid Valve Manifolds →Media
Solenoid Valves for Liquids and Gases
Solenoid valve construction must correspond with the medium being controlled. Liquids and gases can differ in pressure, viscosity, leakage behavior, sealing requirements, and compatibility.
Certain gas solenoid valves are designed specifically around gas-service requirements.
Valve body, seal, seat, and internal component materials should all be considered when selecting a manifold for a particular medium.
Engineering
Solenoid Valve Manifold Design Factors
Troubleshooting
Diagnosing Solenoid Valve Problems
A valve that fails to operate can have an electrical, mechanical, or fluid-system problem.
Electrical diagnosis can include checking voltage, wiring, connectors, control signals, and coil condition.
If electrical operation is correct, the valve should also be checked for contamination, sticking, pressure problems, blocked passages, damaged seals, or incorrect installation.
Applications
Solenoid Valve Manifold Applications
Solenoid valve manifolds can be used in factory automation, fluid power, process equipment, packaging machinery, material handling, test systems, pneumatic tooling, hydraulic machinery, and remotely controlled fluid systems.