The Ultimate Buyer's Guide for Purchasing Electro hydraulic control valve

When choosing a solenoid valve, you will need to know what type of media it will be used for. As a general rule solenoid valves are designed to operate with media without solid particles such as water, oil, petroleum products, steam, compressed air or heat transfer fluids. This important information allows you to define the materials your solenoid valve will be made of. Most solenoid valves are made of brass (ideal for water, fuel, air or inert gas), stainless steel (for corrosive liquids or gases, food product liquids) or plastic (mainly in the food and chemical sectors).

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To avoid any risk of malfunction due to the presence of solid particles, also called impurities, we recommend that you use an upstream filter before the solenoid valve.

Solenoid valves can be two-way or have multiple ports. They are generally defined by two digits, one determining the number of ports and the other the number of positions. For example, a 3/2 solenoid valve is one with 3 ports and 2 positions.

Most solenoid valves operate on an on or off basis (open or closed), while some are designed to be proportional to the current or supply voltage.

Depending on your application and in order to optimize the supply time of your solenoid valve, you have the choice between normally closed (NC) solenoid valves and normally open (NO) solenoid valves:

• A normally closed solenoid valve opens when it is powered by electricity.
• A normally open solenoid valve closes when it is powered by electricity.

If necessary, you can also choose a bistable solenoid valve whose flap remains in position even in the event of a power failure. The main advantage of these solenoid valves is that they use very little energy.

Solenoid valves are generally sensitive to moisture. You must check the external conditions in order to choose a solenoid valve with a sufficient protection class (IP) for the intended environment. You can also choose a lower protection rating and remotely install the solenoid valve in a less humid area.

Solenoid valves are also defined by a nominal diameter (DN) because they are integrated directly into a circuit. The connection and pipe diameters are specified by standards according to the country or geographical area they are to be used in and according to the media they will be used for.

Solenoid valves may also be subject to other standards, such as those governing equipment installed in ATEX (Explosive Atmosphere) zones, particularly for the energy industries.

A pilot-operated solenoid valve uses the pressure difference between the upstream and downstream media to open and close. As a result it can only be used in one direction. The coil is in this case used to give the opening or closing signal, it does not require a lot of electrical power. On the other hand, this type of solenoid valve is used for high flow applications to ensure that the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet of the solenoid valve is sufficient for it to operate.

A direct-operated solenoid valve does not require a pressure difference to operate because the coil acts directly on the diaphragm or valve, but it can require a large amount of electrical power. This type of solenoid valve is used for low flow rates, with a pressure that can vary from 0 bar to the maximum pressure of the circuit.

A solenoid valve is required if you need to control the flow of a liquid or gas, whether it is in automatic control or on/off. In other words, you can use a solenoid valve for example to open or close a circuit, to dose products, to mix gases or liquids, etc.

The applications are varied, ranging from the control of standard process valves to the control of specific valves such as overpressure protection systems and emergency stop valves, as well as fluid control in applications such as fire system valves. One of the advantages of solenoid valves compared to traditional valves is that they allow for a very fast response time. As such, they can be found in the following applications:
' In compressors: during the starting phase, the solenoid valve is used to discharge the compressor in order to reduce the torque on the engine.
' In agriculture: in irrigation systems, the low response time of solenoid valves saves a significant amount of water.
' In certain specific cases, for example for industrial presses where the failure of the solenoid valve could present an accident risk for the operator, it is possible to use double body valves. These are generally 3/2-way solenoid valves equipped with a double valve system making it possible to compensate for the possible failure of one of them.

Benefits Of Bear-Loc® Actuators

You likely already know the benefits of hydraulic power: A hydraulic system can be controlled with significantly greater ease and accuracy than other systems and can generate much greater amounts of power. Hydraulic systems generally use fewer moving parts than other systems, thereby reducing maintenance concerns. Hydraulic systems provide constant force and torque. In fact, only fluid power systems are capable of providing constant force or torque despite speed changes.

When considering any hydraulic locking solution, be sure to do your homework. To guide you, here's a checklist of ten critical factors:

1. Full actuator or Lock only (retrofit)?

Do you need a full locking actuator, or a lock to work in parallel with your existing actuator(s)?
The Bear-Loc is available as both. And both can be custom designed and built to suit your specific application needs.

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2. Positive locking capability?

A positive locking capability means that the device will not move or shake loose when locked. Our Bear-Loc® has a unique patented design based on the principle of elastic expansion of metal under pressure. Simply put, the unit locks when hydraulic pressure is removed or accidently lost. The Bear-Loc is recognized as the most reliable, positive FAIL-SAFE locking device available.

3. Failsafe?

In many industries and applications, human safety and process success depends on a locking solution that never fails. Just one failure not only represents the loss of countless dollars. It could mean the priceless, tragic loss of human life. Can you afford to use a system that does not offer failsafe reliability? When used according to manufacturing specifications, the Bear-Loc has never failed.

4. Customizable--from very small to very large--yet easy to use?

Power systems can be fairly complex: pneumatic systems, for example, require designed layout of pipeline, valves and cylinders for air flow.  The Bear-Loc® does not depend on moving parts, valves or other components to obtain its positive mechanical lock. Its innovative design also means it is easy to use.

Yet the Bear-Loc is highly customizable. Our in-house engineering team can design a Bear-Loc to meet your specific requirements, with rod diameters from one inch to 25 inches, and sleeve lengths from one inch to seven feet. The required minimum operating pressure is PSI.

5. Locking power?

As mentioned earlier, hydraulic systems have significantly more holding and locking power. The Bear-Loc's capacity ranges up to 4 million pounds.

6. Limited or infinite position?

'Infinite position' means that the rod can be engaged by the lock in any position along its stroke and when locked, motion is impossible in any direction. Only the Bear-Loc offers all of these features: positive failsafe locking, infinite position, and an elegantly easy locking system to use and maintain.

7. Design Versatility

Chances are, your processes require versatility in power holding and locking design. The Bear-Loc is available in a wide range of configurations, such as:

• linear Bear-Loc Actuators
• Linear Bear-Loc Units
• Rotary Bear-Loc Units.

All are available in both Tie Rod and Mill Type constructions.

8. Backlash a problem? High system stiffness required?

Backlash is clearance or motion in a mechanism caused by gaps between the parts. It's sometimes called 'lash' or 'play.' If your processes require locking with zero backlash, make sure the system can deliver. The Bear-Loc features zero backlash.

As mentioned earlier, the Bear-Loc delivers no-motion reliability in any direction when engaged and operated within its rated capacity. That includes high system installations, in many industries and applications, from oil rigs to crash test walls, to inspection vehicles.

9. Operating longevity and repair considerations?

Wear in systems is caused by a variety of factors, both internal to the system (e.g. design, number of moving parts) and external (e.g. frequency of use, application). Be sure to check the manufacturer's track record regarding leaks because locking systems can potentially leak fluids. Be certain to communicate the type of fluid your system uses. That knowledge informs seal type and lock capacity, and the Bear-Loc can be designed to assure smooth function without leaking.

Ask for specifics about longevity because locking systems have widely varying lifespans. Many Bear-Locs have been in active service for two, three or even four decades or more.

Of course, all things eventually wear to the point of requiring repair or replacement. Be certain that the manufacturer can effectively repair or replace your locking hydraulic system. You can entrust to York Precision's expert team the repair or replacement of Bear-Locs, maintaining the consistently high standards you require, and have come to expect.

10. Budget?

If you plan to spend just a few hundred dollars and are looking for an off-the-shelf product with a short lifespan, the Bear-Loc is not for you. We recommend doing a clear-eyed cost-benefit analysis: calculate both the return on investment over several decades (not merely years), and the cost to process and/or human life in the event of a system failure. We can attest to the fact that, in terms of system purchases, Bear-Loc customers consider it to be one of the best values of their careers.

How does the Bear-Loc do it all?

The Bear-Loc's unique patented design is comprised of a rod and liners enclosed in a sleeve which forms an interference fit with the outside diameter of the rod. This interference provides a positive mechanical connection to lock the rod in any phase of the stroke. As soon as hydraulic pressure is applied, the sleeve expands radially, removing the interference and creating enough clearance for the rod to be stroked with minimal resistance. Simply remove hydraulic pressure and the Bear-Loc locks automatically.

For more information, contact our expert engineering and design team today.

The company is the world’s best Manual Directional Valve supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.