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The biggest difference between electric and pneumatic actuators is the driving force of their operation. Pneumatic actuators require an air supply of 60 to 125 PSI. The solenoid (pilot) valve is controlled by either an AC or DC voltage. When no air supply is available, electric actuators are used. Component Size Double-acting pneumatic actuators are up to 70% smaller in size compared to electric actuators. To open or close the valve, pneumatic actuators take 1⁄2 a second to 1 full second, depending on the model. Gemini’s electric actuators take approximately 6 seconds, while other manufacturers can take upwards of 25 seconds or more. Temperature Pneumatic actuators are suitable for a wide variety of ambient temperatures, and are rated to operate in temperatures between -20°F and 350°F. Electric actuators can be at risk of overheating in high temperature applications and are often rated between 40°F and 150°F. However, the temperature restrictions will vary depending on the product and the company’s guidelines for rating their products. Durability & Longevity High quality rack & pinion style pneumatic actuators can cycle on or off up to 1,000,000 +/- times when used within specifications. Electric actuators have cycles of 250,000 +/- but are application dependent. NEMA Ratings The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) sets guidelines for the use of actuators in specific environments, like hazardous areas or locations affected by water and debris. Pneumatic actuators are explosion proof, though care must be taken when paired with a flush mounted solenoid valve. Electric actuators are designed to the following most-common NEMA ratings: NEMA 4: Water-tight and intended for indoor or outdoor use. This rating sets a level of protection against dirt, water and ice. NEMA 4X: Similar to NEMA 4, with an additional level of protection against corrosion. NEMA 6: Submersible, with design dependent on the specified conditions and time. NEMA 7: Designed for indoor applications and certain hazardous environments. Capable of withstanding pressure from internal explosions. Spring-Return A safety feature for valve actuators is a spring-return or failsafe option. In the event of a power or signal failure, the spring-return sets the valve to the “safe” position determined by the operator. Spring-return failsafe options are widely available for pneumatic actuators. However, this feature is not as easily implemented with electric actuators. Cost Pneumatic ball valves generally have a lower purchase price than electric ball valves. When used within specifications, they have a longer lifespan and may deliver the best overall value depending on your application. Air Supply of 60 to 125 PSI Solenoid Valve Controlled By AC or DC Voltage Voltage of 120AC / 24DC / 12DC 2.66” x 3.41” x 3.63” (Double Acting) 2.86” x 8.11” x 3.63” (Spring Return) 7.70” x 6.45” x 4.75” Xingyu are exported all over the world and different industries with quality first. Our belief is to provide our customers with more and better high value-added products. Let's create a better future together. 1⁄2 a Second to 1 Second 6 Seconds -20° to 350° F -40° to 150° F 1,000,000 +/- When Used Within Specifications 250,000 +/- Application Dependent Widely Available Not Widely Available Oil & Gas Automotive Pharmaceutical Food & Beverage Power Processing Chemical Admixtures & Treatment Food Service Equipment Irrigation Vehicle Wash Systems Water Treatment Equipment Manufacturing Facilities
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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).
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.
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