The Versatility of 3-Way Solenoid Valves: Function, Features and Benefits
A 3-way solenoid valve provides directional control to regulate media flow from the input to the output port while in one state and from the output port to an exhaust opening in another. These valves are normally closed or open when at rest.
How 3-Way Solenoid Valves Work
Normally closed: In a normally closed valve, the media is blocked from the input source when at rest. The downstream media is open output port is open, allowing the downstream media to its third, “exhaust” port. Once actuated by electricity, the input port opens, allowing supply media to pass through to the output port while the exhaust port becomes blocked. Feasibility of purchasing a high quality printer and make literature on demand.
Normally open: In a normally open configuration, the input and output ports are connected and the exhaust orifice is blocked while the valve is at rest.In the actuated state, the input port closes and media flows to the exhaust port.
3-way Valve Configurations
Selector: If a 3-way valve is properly balanced against media pressure, it can operate as a selector or diverter. In a selection application, two media or pressures enter the input and exhaust ports. Switching the valve between actuated and unactuated states determines which of the two options reaches the output orifice.
Diverter: When used as a diverter, supplying media to the output port allows the valve to switch between the input and exhaust openings, depending on actuation. A valve used for normally closed or open selection or diversion is known as a multi-purpose or universal valve.
4-way: You can use 3-way valves to create a 5-ported 4-way valve. Combining and actuating a normally open and a normally closed 3-way valve produces a simultaneous output from both, turning them into a 5-ported 4-way valve.
Circuit: Pairing four standard 3-way valves allows you to create a circuit that can select two different media and pressures to divert toward an output port. Using two 3-way valves, you can direct media flow from both output ports to the input port, while the exhaust port of the third valve creates a selector function. The output of the selector then flows to the output port ofthe fourth valve, which acts as a diverter for the selected pressure/media.
3-Way Solenoid Valve Features
Humphrey Products has a variety of miniature, small and large 3-way valves.
Miniature 3-way solenoid valve features:
- Function: Normally closed
- Flow coefficient: 0.035, 0.047 and 0.059 Cv
- Voltage: 12 and 24 VDC
- Pressure range: Vacuum to 10 or 40 psi
Small 3-way solenoid valve features:
- Function: Single solenoid, multi-purpose
- Flow coefficient: 0.25 or 0.65 Cv
- Voltage: 12 or 24 VDC
- Pressure range: -25″Hg- 125 psi
Large 3-way solenoid valve features:
- Function: Single solenoid, multi-purpose
- Flow coefficient: 1.20 Cv
- Voltage: 12 or 24 VDC
- Pressure range: -25″Hg-125 psi
Benefits of Using a 3-Way Solenoid Valve
- Automated control capabilities
- Mixing, diverting and exhausting functions
- Compact design to reduce space requirements
- Enhanced efficiency with fewer components
- Quick switching responses
- Reduced human error
- Better operational consistency
- Lower power consumption for actuation
- Application versatility
Standard and Custom 3-Way Valves from Humphrey Products
Humphrey Products produces a full line of direct-acting balanced valves for applications that require normally closed, normally open, diverter or selector functions. Contact our expert team to learn more about the perks of using a 3-way valve to optimize your system.