Selection of Solenoid Valve in Harsh Outdoor Environment

Whether water, chemical mixtures, oil, and gas are transported through pipelines, solenoid valves help to remotely or automatically control the flow and transmission of fluids. However, when fluid control operation equipment needs to be installed in harsh outdoor environments, the correct selection of components is essential to ensure the safety, reliability, and long life of the entire system.

Outdoor Work Risk

When solenoid valves are used for outdoor installation, they are exposed to harsh environments such as direct sunlight, extreme heat, sub-zero temperature, humidity, chemicals, dirt, and dust. This is difficult for electrical components and valve materials, increasing the risk of corrosion and oxidation. Electric copper coils in solenoid valves are also very fragile; if damaged, it will generate heat or sparks, and if the valve is used to control the flow of flammable gas or liquid, these coils may explode.

People's needs are evolving, requiring the use of safer and more durable materials, prompting an increase in the demand for stainless steel products, which is the most cost-effective material with durability and corrosion resistance.

In certain applications, safety is also an important consideration, because exposed valves may be tampered with or otherwise damaged.

Choose the Right Valve

In these harsh outdoor environments, what special features should be considered when selecting solenoid valves? For the most demanding applications, the prerequisite is that the valve body should be made of corrosion-resistant materials, and the electrical coil and plug system should not only be waterproof and dustproof but also preferably approved in the ATEX zone to minimize the risk of explosion.

Another solution to invest in better grade materials is to install the valve in an outdoor cabinet. However, such cabinets that need to be waterproof, heat-insulated, fire-resistant, and safe are often more expensive, take up a lot of space, and are difficult to purchase and install.

Be sure to check the seal. Sealing is a potential weakness in any fluid handling application. The use of fluoro rubber seals is another important feature of solenoid valves used outdoors. Some other elastomers may swell or degrade when exposed to chemicals, so correct sealing material specifications are critical.

The above information is provided by the pulse valve supplier.