Proportional Control Solenoid Valves
What is a Proportional Control Solenoid Valve?
A proportional solenoid valve delivers variable output flow from a corresponding input current applied to its solenoid. It regulates media flow in proportion to the electrical current applied to actuate the valve. Humphrey’s ProControl™ Valve Series allows for precision flow control and electronic adjustments of pressurized gas, air and liquids. In a closed-loop system, a proportional control solenoid valve can precisely respond and maintain downstream pressure or flow.
How do Proportional Control Solenoid Valves Work?
How do Proportional Control Solenoid Valves Work?
An electrical signal is sent to the solenoid coil, which generates an electromagnetic field that attracts the valve’s plunger. That magnetic field moves the plunger once it overcomes the force of the return spring holding it in the closed position.
The plunger moves in response to the electrical stimulation, allowing it to gradually or partially open or close the valve. Proportional solenoid valves can be used with pressure and flow sensors that send feedback to the coil to make necessary and precise adjustments. That closed loop creates repeatable performances for millions of cycles.
Common Applications for Proportional Control Solenoid Valves
With selectable, incremental or dynamic media flow control. The provided video above details these valve functions.
ProControl™ Proportional Valves can be applied to market segments such as:
- Medical and lab equipment
- Analytical instruments
- Chemical testing and processing
- Industrial controls
- Factory and process automation
- Pressure regulation
Proportional Valve Assistance
Specifying and troubleshooting proportional solenoid valves can be tricky, particularly in critical and precise applications.
Humphrey offers personalized proportional valve assistance. Our experts can get you answers quickly regardless of the valve manufacturer. For applications where a standard valve falls short, they can determine if a custom-calibrated valve can be prepared. Our capabilities include prototyping, troubleshooting and adjusting your designs to ensure you get what you need.
Our PCD proportional valve driver is available to help fast-track your evaluation process for prototypes or interface with your data acquisition.
Need Assistance?
For personalized assistance, call 1-844-447-9009 to speak with a Humphrey ProControl™ proportional valve expert or send us an email.
Types of Proportional Control Solenoid Valves
Miniature 2-Port Proportional Solenoid Valves
Our miniature ProControl™ PV3 and higher flow PV10 proportional solenoid valve models are available in 10-32 UNF inline-direct piping and subbase-manifold piping types.
View Valve Specs
Function: Single solenoid, normally closed
Media: Air and inert gas
Nominal Size: 0.9 dia x 1.7 inch
Flow Coefficient: 0.015 and 0.038 Cv
Maximum Flow: 30 and 75 LPM
Control Voltages: 12VDC or 24VDC
Factory Pressure Set: 25, 50, 75 or 100 PSI
Small 2-Port Proportional Solenoid Valves
The compact PC30 ProControl™ proportional control valve delivers precise flow control up to 225 SLPM. Models are available in 1/4 NPSF inline-direct piping and subbase-manifold mount construction. Each proportional control solenoid valve provides excellent repeatability, low hysteresis, fast responses and tight sealing. Their compact design makes them ideal for applications with limited space and unique configurations.
View Valve Specs
Function: Single solenoid, normally closed
Media: Air and inert gas
Nominal Size: 1.8 dia x 3.3 inch
Flow Coefficient: 0.11 to 0.34 Cv
Maximum Flow: 225 LPM
Control Voltages: 12VDC or 24VDC
Factory Pressure Set: 25, 50, 75 or 100 PSI
Specialty Proportional Valves
Humphrey offers pressure-balanced proportional solenoid valves that provide high-flow and high-performance precision. Originally developed for patient ventilation equipment, this customizable design maintains plunger position regardless of pressure fluctuations.
Our MiDP Proportional Valve is operated by a stepper motor and features a diaphragm-separated design that isolates inert and aggressive gas and liquid media from the valve operator. This variable flow controller can handle difficult media and is customizable for specific applications.
Proportional Solenoid Valve Driver
The ProControl™ PCD is designed to drive proportional solenoid valves directly, via PWM or with constant current signals. It’s perfect for bench-top testing solenoid valves or simple fixtures that require variable output flow control. The hardware is encased in a compact handheld control box and can interface with various data acquisition systems or be controlled manually.
Custom Proportional Control Solenoid Valves
In addition to standard models, Humphrey Products offers custom proportional valve solutions. Our services include engineering consultations to assess your unique application specifications and tailor the valve’s settings to your exact pressure, flow, gain and shut-off requirements.
Need Assistance?
Call us at 800-477-8709 to receive valve selection assistance and speak with a specialist today or click the button to share details on your project.
Browse Our Selection of Proportional Control Solenoid Valves
Explore our extensive catalog of proportional control solenoid valves to find the right solution to suit your application. You can request a quote directly through the catalog or email us to buy now!
Questions?
Call us at 1-844-447-9009.
FAQs
Proportional control valves can last up to 20 million full cycles of continuous service. They can last almost indefinitely in dynamic applications.
A 2-way on/off solenoid valve opens or closes completely to its full flow capacity upon actuation. A proportional solenoid valve can open or close completely, partially or gradually. It can also make fine adjustments in flow with minor changes to the electrical current while open.
While both valves offer proportional media flow control, servo valves are equipped with feedback sensors and closed loop control onboard and designed for applications that require extreme precision and responsiveness. They also come at a much higher price point than proportional control solenoid valves. For greater precision and responsiveness, proportional control solenoid valves work with external closed-loop feedback.