Why Use Latching Solenoid Valves?

The way a solenoid valve opens and closes affects the way it controls its material flow. It can also affect the efficiency of the valve. In some cases, latching valves are a good option. How do these valves work? What are their benefits?

How Do Latching Solenoid Valves Work?

Latching, or bi-stable, solenoid valves use magnets to help them open and close. When a valve needs to open to allow a through flow, a small pulse of power engages the magnet. The magnet then activates the mechanism that opens the valve.

The valve stays open as long as the magnet is energized and in an activated position. To close the valve again, you release a reversed polarity charge. This charge disengages the magnet and de-energizes it. So, it moves back into its holding position. The valve's mechanism then closes to stop the flow.

What Are The Advantages Of Using Latching Solenoid Valves?

While solenoid valves do a small job, some products use more power than others. If a valve needs power to open, stay open, and close, then its consumption might be relatively high if it is in regular operation or stays in an open position for long periods of time

Plus, some valves heat up if they have to use a constant power supply. This can affect the valves themselves. The heat can speed up the build-up of limescale if you have hard water flowing through your system. It also sometimes transfers into the substances that flow through your system. This might affect their temperature.

Some valves also run into problems if you have a power outage. For example, regular valves won't open if they don't have any power. If you lose power when the valve is open, it will close down until the power comes back on again.

Latching valves don't have these problems. Once the magnet is energized and holds the valve open, the valve doesn't need any more power until it needs to close. Its energy consumption is lower.

Even if a valve stays open for long periods, the only power it uses is when it opens and closes. So, these valves also stay cooler. They are less likely to get damaged by heat.

They also shouldn't suffer from as much limescale build-up, and they won't get warm enough to pass heat on the fluids or gases which flow through them. They are not affected by power outages.

To find out more about how latching valves will improve your operations, contact solenoid valve suppliers.