The Versatility of 3-Way Solenoid Valves: Function, Features and Benefits
A 3-way solenoid valve provides two-position directional control with three piping ports: in, out and exhaust (and typically coded as ports 1, 2 or 3). The out port (2) is considered “common,” meaning it has an open path to the exhaust port (3) in one position and an open path to the in port (1) in the second position.
Solenoid valve manufacturers can prepare them for normally closed, preventing pressurized media from flowing in the unenergized state; or normally open, allowing pressurized media to pass in the unenergized state.
Also known as a universal solenoid valve, the multi-purpose 3-way solenoid valve offers versatility and can be used for a variety of pneumatic functions. These direct-acting solenoid valves have many advantages for the customer, including compatibility with a variety of pressurized media and a reduced number of stock-keeping units on hand.
How 3-Way Multi-Purpose Solenoid Valves Are Used
You can use any multi-purpose 3-way solenoid valve in the following ways:
Normally closed: Media is blocked at Port 1 in the unenergized position. Any remaining downstream media is open to Port 3 through Port 2. Once the coil is energized, Port 3 becomes blocked and Port 1 is opened to Port 2.
Normally open: Media is blocked at Port 3 in the unenergized position. Upstream media is open to Port 2 through its path from Port 1. Once the coil is energized, Port 1 becomes blocked, and Port 2 is opened to Port 3.
It’s common for pipe plugs to be used at Port 1 or Port 3 for a 2-way function, either passing or not passing, and omitting Port 3 and an exhaust path.
Selector: As a selector function, two different media or two pressures are connected to Port 1 and Port 3. Switching the valve between energized and unenergized states determines which of the two options is open to Port 2.
Diverter: When used as a diverter, you can connect the supply media to Port 2. The unenergized position has media open to Port 3. The energized position routes the media to Port 1.
4-way function: Use two multi-purpose 3-way solenoid valves to perform a two-position, 5-ported, 4-way valve function by piping one as normally open, the other normally closed, and energize them simultaneously.
Two multi-purpose 3-way solenoid valves can perform a three-position, 5-ported, 4-way valve function, by piping both as normally open or both as normally closed. At rest, the normally open configuration creates a pressure center three-position 4-way function. At rest, the normally closed configuration creates an exhaust center three-position 4-way function.
Multi-Purpose 3-Way Solenoid Valve Features
Humphrey Products offers a variety of miniature, small and large multi-purpose 3-way solenoid valves.
Miniature solenoid valve features:
- Pipe as 2- or 3-way valve
- Function: Single solenoid, multi-purpose
- Flow coefficient: 0.035, 0.047 and 0.059 Cv
- Voltage: 12 and 24 VDC
- Pressure range: Vacuum to 100 psi
Small solenoid valve features:
- Pipe as 2- or 3 -way valve
- Function: Single solenoid, multi-purpose
- Flow coefficient: 0.25 or 0.65 Cv
- Voltage: 12 or 24 VDC, 120VAC
- Pressure range: -25″Hg- 125 psi
Large solenoid valve features:
- Pipe as 2- or 3 -way valve
- Function: Single solenoid, multi-purpose
- Flow coefficient: 1.00 and 1.20 Cv
- Voltage: 12 or 24 VDC, 120VAC
- Pressure range: -25″Hg-125 psi
Benefits of Using Humphrey Multi-Purpose 3-Way Solenoid Valves
- Operates over a full pressure range, vacuum to 125 psi
- Use with compressed air or a variety of inert gases
- Unaffected by pressure fluctuations
- Fast response and quick switching
- Low power consumption relative to flow capacity
- One stock keeping unit for multiple valve functions
- Application versatility
Standard and Custom 3-Way Valves from Humphrey Products
Humphrey Products produces a variety of direct-acting, pressure-balanced, multi-purpose solenoid valves that meet most applications requiring 2- or 3-way, normally closed, normally open, diverter or selector functions. All can be modified to perform precisely to your application. Contact our expert team to learn more about the perks of using a multi-purpose 3-way valve to optimize your system.