Solenoid valves are small yet powerful electromechanical gatekeepers. Their primary purpose is to control the flow of gases, fluids, or particles needed by a larger system. However, even the most reliable and durable valves may become inoperable and can feel fatigued, thus affecting the performance of any mechanical system.
This article will discuss essential factors that affect the maintenance and purpose of each valve. Assuming you already know what a valve does, this article will offer detailed information about proper maintenance and replacement.
How To Determine A Bad Solenoid Valve?
There are several factors that you’ll want to consider when replacing a solenoid valve. When identifying the most practical time to repair or replace solenoid valves, there are questions you can ask yourself as part of the evaluation procedure:
- If you have to replace or repair a solenoid valve unexpectedly during operations, what will the cost be?
- Can your property or workplace be harmed by a damaged valve?
- Which one is cost-effective: replacement or maintenance?
Knowing when to replace your solenoid valve is as essential as knowing where to get a reliable one. Whether you are looking for an asco replacement, you can purchase asco solenoid valves here as they offer complete valve lists suitable for your needs. They have all types and valve applications for your unique needs.
The rule of the thumb when it comes to replacing solenoid valves is that when it showcases any damage or wear, it’s time for you to replace it. For optimum flow performance of the control system, a proactive outlook is beneficial than factoring in labor fees and maintenance.
It’s vital to know when to replace your solenoid and signs include your vehicle won’t start, intermittent issues when starting the engine, once the engine starts, your starter stays on, or you may hear a clicking noise from your starter.
A bad shift valve includes:
- Delayed gear shift
- Stuck transmission in neutral
- Shifting gears are choppy and rough
- Cannot downshift and engine simultaneously revs when you apply brakes
Next, you’ll need to check signs of bad pressure control valves. If you left this unrepaired, it may ruin, dry, or burn bands and friction clutches which cause transmission failure. The problem is that it gives less to no signs.
While the solenoid valve is a small part, it provides control from a massive current flow from the overall circuit of an engine. This small yet powerful valve is used to distribute, dose, close, or mix liquid or gas flow in the pipe.
How Long Should Your Solenoid Valve Last?
Most of the time, your valve’s issue can be easy to identify or fix by yourself. The nemesis can be the application, media, and environment. If your valve works hard, it can shorten its lifespan from one to three (1-3) years. However, with frequent maintenance, you can extend its lifespan and track operations.
Maintenance focuses on determining areas that have wear or tear and replacing all affected components. Furthermore, a routine check can ensure optimum performance, maintenance, and clear of any element build-up which affects energizing or de-energizing of the entire solenoid’s valve system.
How To Choose The Right Solenoid Valve
Solenoid valves help improve the safety and efficacy of every system operation, especially when you use manual actuators. If you know what you need, consider the following elements as your guide when buying the right solenoid valve for your needs.
- Valve Installation
It’s important to know which installation process works best for your needs. You may want to consider choosing between a manifold-mounted valve or a stand-alone valve.
- Media Type
Choosing the right type of valve is important and based on where you will be using it. For instance, you can choose a valve that is ideal for air, diesel, water, steam, oil, etc. Take note of where you will be using the valve and the purpose of buying one.
Take note of the environment that you’ll be working with: explosive atmospheres, hazardous locations, underwater use, outdoor use, corrosion, or high temperatures.
- Port Size
Choosing the right port is vital as it requires perfect fitting. Review the size of port needed in the manifold or base.
- Operating Pressure
Knowing the amount of voltage needed is essential when choosing the solenoid valve type for any application. For instance, pilot-operated valves are ideal for low power supply and high flow rates.
- Flow Rate
Performing regular maintenance can help you identify the required flow rate. This allows you to determine what you exactly need. Choosing a larger valve can cause a waste of money, effort, and materials. A smaller valve will not fit and won’t work either.
Conclusion
Learning when to replace or repair solenoid valves is important and requires calculated judgment. This goes when choosing a reliable manufacturer. Whether you’re buying from a commercial or operational perspective, the factors mentioned above will help you weigh your options and decide for the best.
You made a good point when you shared that it is important to get the right solenoid valve that can help improve the safety and efficacy of your system operation. It is crucial to consider some elements when buying the right one for your needs. I would like to think if a company needs to acquire a solenoid valve, it should consider getting the right one from a reliable supplier.