The Difference Between Solenoid Valve and Pneumatic Valve

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pnematic valve

The pnematic valve and solenoid valve are both widely used to control medium flowing through or cutoff in the pipelines, and they are widely applied in the various industrial areas. Are there any differences between them? Let’s go on and find some differences.

A pneumatic valve uses compressed air to control the diaphragm, bellows or cylinder, and by controlling the diaphragm, bellows or cylinder, to drive the valve stem to push the valve core to close and open. The diaphragm type pneumatic valve is multi-port air intake. It uses spring to reset and diaphragm to drive the stem move, and the valve stem connects the valve core to open or close. The bellows type pneumatic valve has a single port air intake. The cylinder type pneumatic valve can be single port or double port air intake. The push rod of the cylinder connects the stem, and the stem connects the spool to make it open or close.

The pneumatic valves are divided into two kinds: air-closed and air-opened. In flammable and explosive situations, the safety of pneumatic valves is higher than that of solenoid valves, because it has no problem of accidental ignition. Generally, the pneumatic valves which are used to control higher fluid pressure or have larger diameter also have pilot valves inside, which can amplify the force of the on-off valve.

A solenoid valve is a device that controls the opening and closing of liquid, gas and steam by energizing and de-energizing the coil. After power on, the solenoid valve move. After the power off, the spring or the pressure of fluid inside is used to reset. Generally the solenoid valve is marked with the direction of fluid, and it can not be installed reversely. Solenoid valves are fast to close and open, and are generally used in small diameter pipelines.

The solenoid valves are divided into two types: normally open (the valve close when power on) and normally closed (the valve open when power on). This is mainly considered from a safety point of view. In some production processes, when the power is suddenly cut off, it is necessary to turn off the medium (such as gas), while in other control processes, it may be required to turn on after the power is suddenly cut off. Its power supply voltage is AC and DC. Solenoid valves have many applications in industrial automation control and household appliances (washing machines, air conditioners, water heaters, IC water meters).

How Does a Pneumatic Solenoid Valve Work?

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Defining a Solenoid Valve
The term solenoid usually refers to a coil used to create magnetic fields when wrapped around a magnetic object or core. In engineering terms, the solenoid describes transducer mechanisms used to convert energy into motion. Solenoid valves are controlled by the action of the solenoid and typically control the flow of water or air as a switch. If the solenoid is active (current is applied), it opens the valve. If the solenoid is inactive (current does not exist), the valve stays closed. The action of the pneumatic solenoid is controlled by the use of pneumatics. The opening or closing of a valve is referred to as “changing state.”

Pneumatic Actuated
Pneumatic actuation refers to a valve being tripped through the use of compressed air (gas). At a particular point in an industrial or manufacturing process, compressed air is released, causing a valve to open or close. The combination of solenoids and pneumatics is twofold. Solenoid valves are used in pneumatic processes and solenoid valves and pneumatic valves are used in combination. The combined valve is called a piloted valve. The larger solenoid valve is triggered by the smaller pneumatic valve. The pneumatic valve can act as an air cylinder contained in a main valve. A pneumatic solenoid valve is also referred to as a compressed air pilot valve.

Benefits of Piloted Valves
Pneumatic valves are usually run by air captured during a previous or ongoing process. Since they are being used to trigger larger valves and aren’t requiring more cost, they are a cheaper economical way to power a solenoid valve. Compressed air can result in huge forces available to act on another valve and be recycled after its done its job. Its actual design or footprint is very small, so it doesn’t add very much weight to the mechanism.

Types of Pneumatic Solenoid Valves
Valves can be designated as internally piloted or externally piloted. The valves can further be categorized by the number of connections or paths for flow they contain. Externally piloted valves use an external source of air pressure. Internally piloted use an internal source of air pressure. Two-way piloted valves can be used in dust collector systems. An internally driven pilot valve with four-way connections are generally found in pneumatic operations and are used to move double action cylinders. Pneumatic solenoid valves can be designed as stackable.

3 Most Common Solenoid Valve Problems and Troubleshooting

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3 Most Common Solenoid Valve Problems and Troubleshooting

If you are experiencing problems with solenoid valves or just like to be prepared for unexpected occasions, you are just in the right place! In this blog, we will brake down the three most common solenoid valve problems that can save you a lot of time.

Before we become experts on solenoid valve problems, we must get down to the basics. What exactly is a solenoid valve and what is the purpose of it?

3 Way 2 Position Solenoid Valve

What is a solenoid valve?

A Solenoid valve is used to control liquid or gas flow in system. These valves are used for shutting off, release, mix or dose liquid or gases. Solenoid valves can be different types such as: 2-way, 3-way or other.

Below is a list of 3 most common problems, which can appear during using solenoid valves.

We suggest you make yourself a checklist!

  1. Solenoid valve doesn’t open / close properly

Check power supply and make sure voltage and frequency are correct. Also check the connections.
Check if there is no dirt/corrosion under diaphragm, coil doesn’t burn out or not missing components
Check if flow direction matches with the indicators on the valve body or matches within limits as specified in the valve manual.

  1. Coil burned out, melted or cold with power on

Check if the power supply is correct and the coil can dissipate heat by ventilation. Install a new coil and never power the coil when not mounted on the valve.
Check for moisture within and replace if necessary. Replace any damaged or bent armatures as well, and check media compatibility with your valve. Don’t forget to move solenoid valves into cooler areas or you may increase ventilation around valves and coil.

  1. Solenoid valve leaks

Check if its not damaged or worn seals, o-rings, membranes and if necessary replace it.
Check if there are not inside valve orifices tiny particles of cuttings, sand, and rust. Carefully clean all parts and make sure the pipes are clean.
For more information read here or if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.

More solenoid valves:

http://www.bimacars.com/products/pneumatic-solenoid-valves/

Why Choose ASCO Solenoid Valves?

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Why Choose ASCO Solenoid Valves?

If you’re contemplating choosing an ASCO solenoid valve, you need not to think about it too long; ASCO Valves should always be your number one choice when it comes to solenoid valve applications. Founded in 1888, ASCO has been around for well over a century, and is well known as a world-leader in solenoid valve technology and innovation. Originally known as a manufacturer of elevator, compressor, and generator controls, the company nonetheless kept an open mind regarding new directions, and in 1910, ASCO invented the very first solenoid valve. This electrically controlled device–a revolutionary brain-storm–changed the valve world forever, defining the ASCO corporation as the mark to which the competition should aspire.

ASCO 8210G002 EF8210G002 Solenoid Valve
ASCO 8210G002 EF8210G002 Solenoid Valve

Discovering ASCO Solenoid Valves
ASCO, in its tradition of forward thinking, has put together one of the most comprehensive solenoid valve brands available on the market today–the RedHat series represents the epitome of excellence in solenoid valve design. The solenoid valves described here are examples of why ASCO solenoid valves are the best.

ASCO 8210 Series: This brass, general service 2-way solenoid valve is available in sizes 1/4″ to 3/8″ and features threaded (FNPTxFNPT) connections; NBR or Cast UR seals and discs; direct acting/normally closed action; and a 305 Stainless Steel core. Plugnut and core are 430F Stainless Steel; springs are constructed of rugged 302 Stainless Steel. Nominal Ambient Temperature Range: 32 degrees F to 125 degrees F.

ASCO 8262 Series: Features a brass body. 2-way general service solenoid valve. Seals and discs: NBR or Cast UR; threaded connections (FNPTxFNPT); 430F SS; 302 SS springs; 305 SS core tube. Operating pressure: 0 psi to 180 psi (water); 155 psi (air); 140 psi (oil). Nominal Ambient Temp. Range: -13 to 131 F. Mountable in any position. Sizes 1/4″ to 3/8″.
ASCO 8320 Series: Brass, 3-way general service solenoid valve. Pilot operated. NBR seals and discs. FNPTxFNPT threaded connections. (Same construction as ASCO 8342). Pressure and temp. ranges vary slightly with specs. Available in 1/4″.

ASCO 8342 Series: Brass, 4-way general service solenoid valve. Pilot operated. NBR and PA seals and discs. 305 SS core tube. Threaded FNPTxFNPT connections. 302 SS springs; 430F SS core and plugnut. Mountable in any position; ideal for low flow applications.

ASCO Solenoid Valves: Dependable, Reliable, & Versatile
ASCO solenoid valves are not only built for durability, reliability and longevity, they are highly versatile, as well: mountable in any position, and configured for duel current wiring options (AC or DC), it’s easy to understand why ASCO solenoid valves are the best for any of your solenoid valve applications. Ideal for a wide variety of general service applications.

What are Pneumatic components?

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Pneumatic system is a branch of engineering that makes use of gas or compressed air.

The principles of pneumatic are the same as those for hydraulic, but pneumatic transmits power using a gas instead of a liquid.

With pneumatic, air is usually pumped into a receiver using a compressor. The receiver holds a large volume of compressed air to be used by the pneumatic system as needed. Atmospheric air contains airborne dirt, water vapor, and other contaminants, so filters and air dryers are often used in pneumatic systems to keep compressed air clean and dry, which improve reliability and service life of the components and system. Pneumatic systems also use a variety of valves for controlling direction, pressure, and speed of actuators.

Where Is Pneumatics Used?
Though most of us do not realize it, we are surrounded by systems based on pneumatics. Below are some examples.

Air brakes on buses and trucks are formally known as compressed air brake systems. These systems use a type of friction brake in which compressed air presses on a piston, and then applies the pressure to the brake pad that stops the vehicle.


Exercise machines can be built on pneumatic systems. A pneumatic cylinder creates resistance that can be adjusted with air pressure.
Compressed-air engines, also called pneumatic motors, do mechanical work by expanding compressed air. Usually the compressed air is converted to mechanical action by rotary or linear motion.


Pressure regulators are valves designed to automatically stop the flow of a liquid or gas when it reaches a certain pressure.


Pressure sensors are used to measure the pressure of gases or liquids.
Pipe organs produce sound by pushing pressurized air through pipes that are chosen by pressing keys on a keyboard.


Inflatable structures, such as balloons, bouncy castles, or blow up figures are inflated with a gas – air, helium, nitrogen, or hydrogen. The pressure of the gas keeps the structure inflated.


Cable-jetting is a technique used to put cables into ducts. Compressed air is inserted and flows through the duct and along the cable.
Pneumatic mail systems deliver letters through pressurized air tubes. This was invented by a Scottish engineer in the 1800s.

Gas compressors are devices that increase the pressure of a gas by reducing its volume.


A pneumatic bladder is an inflatable bag technology that can be used to seal drains and ducts to contain chemical gases or spills, to stabilize cargo within a container, or to float an artificial coral reef. They can be used in medical research, and have other applications as well.


Pneumatic cylinders use the power of compressed gas to produce a force.
A vacuum pump removes gas molecules from a sealed container, leaving behind a partial vacuum. This concept was invented in 1650.


Pressure switches close an electrical contact when a certain amount of pressure has been reached. The switch can be set up to make contact either when the pressure rises or when the pressure falls.

Pneumatic air guns use pre-compressed air as an energy source to put a projectile in motion.


Barostat systems maintain constant pressure in a closed chamber. They can be used for medical purposes.


Gas-operated reloading provides energy to run firearms.


Pneumatic tires are created with compressed air to inflate and form the body of a tire on a bike, car, or other vehicle.


A handheld jackhammer is a tool that combines a hammer and a chisel, and is usually powered by compressed air.
Even Legos can use pneumatics! There is a kind of Lego brick that uses air pressure to perform various actions using pneumatics concepts.

The Basics of Pneumatic Valves

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In any system, valves are a necessary component that control a fluid’s pressure, flow rate and direction. Pneumatically controlled valves direct the flow of pressurized air which is crucial to your system’s success. Although the medium flowing through the system is fluid (the same as hydraulic or process water systems), how control is executed differs in many more ways than with a liquid.

Pressure Relief Valves
Pressure relief valves control pressure at the inlet port by releasing pressure into the atmosphere. Typically you can find relief valves in receivers or in air storage devices. Suitably, relief valves can also be called safety valves as they are put in place to prevent excessive pressurization. By adding a pressure regulator in your pneumatic system, you will limit the downstream pressure of the unit. A pressure regulator is especially helpful in a large centralized compressor that feeds to various workstations. You may find a pressure regulator as a stand-alone unit, or with a filter attached. Regardless of your selection, your regulator will most likely feature an inlet port, outlet port, and a port for the pressure gauge.

Flow Control and Directional Control Valves
Valves that control flow are commonly found in pneumatic systems. Flow control valves are available in two configurations and are used in two different ways. The first is a variable restriction with a component that opens or closes the valve. This type of valve could be called a needle or a choke valve. The other type is a check valve which allows flow in one direction, but restricts flow in the opposite direction.

Pneumatic systems can also feature directional valves in many sizes, styles or configurations. These types of valves can vary from a simple check valve to a more complex valve with varying positional envelopes and work ports in the valve. The directional valve features an operator which provides the force to shift the valve between its positions. The operator can be controlled by a variety of mechanisms including a manual lever, electric solenoid, air pilot, cam mechanism or others.

Other Considerations for Pneumatic Valves
While pressure relief, flow control and directional control valves may be the most popular pneumatic valves, these valves can come in all kind of varieties. Another common pneumatic valve is a poppet valve which uses a spring to push a face of the poppet down on its seat. These valves typically flow in one direction, similar to a check valve, but are energized to flow in reverse. Spool valves are another pneumatic valve you may come across in your search. Spool valves have a notched metal cylinder that slides within a precisely machined body that is drilled anywhere from three to seven ports.

When you are choosing your pneumatic valve, you will notice that most directional valves come in both standard and non-standard mounting configurations. The non-standard configuration is constructed at the notion of the manufacturer. Port positioning, operator style and mounting options will be exclusive depending on where the valve is from. Due to the inconsistencies between manufacturers and their mounting preferences, it is best to research the product most suitable for your system.

However, there are also lines of standardized valves that may suit one or more specifications. If your valve is particular to a certain specification it means that one manufacturer’s valve will fit the sub plate or manifold of another manufacturer’s. Additionally, port and electrical connections are standardized with most valves to aid in your decision.