2-Way Solenoid Actuator Suppliers

What are the main components of a 2-way solenoid actuator?

A high-quality 2-way solenoid actuator is not a simple assembly of parts; it is a precision-integrated system of multiple core components with distinct functions that work together. These components collectively determine the actuator's performance, durability, and reliability, ensuring stable operation in a variety of harsh environments.
1. Solenoid Coil
The solenoid coil is the core driving component of the solenoid actuator, and its quality directly determines the actuator's response speed and power consumption. The coil is typically constructed of enameled copper wire precisely wound around a bobbin and encapsulated with epoxy resin or other insulating materials. When current passes through the coil, it generates a strong magnetic field that attracts or repels the internal armature, thereby actuating the valve to open or close.
Material and Craftsmanship: IrriRich's coils utilize high-quality copper wire and advanced winding technology, ensuring stable electrical performance and resistance to overheating and short-circuiting, even under long-term power-on or frequent switching conditions.
Voltage and Type: We offer coils in a variety of voltages, including DC (12V, 24V) and AC (24V, 220V), to meet diverse customer power requirements. Particularly noteworthy is the use of a latching solenoid coil in our metering solenoid valve heads and some smart solenoid valves. This type of coil requires only a short pulse of power to activate and maintain its position, significantly reducing energy consumption and making it ideal for battery-powered systems. This demonstrates IrriRich's leadership in innovative water-saving technologies.
2. Valve Body
The valve body is the outer framework of the solenoid actuator and serves as the fluid passageway. Its material, structural design, and machining accuracy directly impact the actuator's pressure resistance, corrosion resistance, and flow characteristics.
Material Selection: IrriRich's solenoid actuator valve bodies utilize a variety of high-quality materials to suit diverse applications. Our plastic water meters and solenoid valve bodies primarily utilize reinforced engineering plastics (such as nylon with glass fiber). These materials offer excellent corrosion resistance, pressure resistance, and lightweight properties, making them particularly suitable for outdoor and irrigation applications. For applications requiring higher pressures or specialized media, we offer valve bodies made of brass or stainless steel to ensure reliability under extreme conditions. Structural Design: The valve body's internal passages are rationally designed to minimize fluid resistance and maximize flow efficiency. The valve body is typically marked with inlet and outlet markings to ensure correct installation orientation.
3. Seals/Diaphragms
Seals are critical components that ensure the solenoid actuator is completely watertight and leak-proof when closed. The seal material must be compatible with the fluid and maintain excellent elasticity within the operating temperature range.
Diaphragm: In pilot-operated solenoid actuators, the diaphragm is the core sealing component. It is typically made of wear- and corrosion-resistant rubber or synthetic materials. It controls the opening and closing of the valve by controlling the pressure above the diaphragm. IrriRich uses high-quality EPDM, Viton, or NBR rubber materials to ensure the diaphragm's excellent aging and chemical resistance, extending the product's service life.
O-Rings: Used in internal connections of the valve body, they provide additional sealing protection. We carefully select high-quality O-ring materials to ensure a strong seal even under high pressure and temperature fluctuations.
4. Plunger & Plunger Core
The plunger and armature are the moving parts within the solenoid actuator, driven by the magnetic force of the coil.
The armature: Typically made of stainless steel with high magnetic permeability, it contains a spring. When the coil is energized, generating a magnetic field, the armature is attracted by the magnetic force or pushed open by the spring, thereby actuating the valve.
The core: The plunger is connected to the armature and directly controls the flow of fluid. In direct-acting solenoid valves, the plunger is directly driven by magnetic force to open or close the fluid passage. In pilot-operated solenoid valves, the plunger controls a small orifice, thereby changing the pressure above the diaphragm and indirectly actuating the valve.
5. Manual Override
Many solenoid actuators, particularly those used in irrigation systems, are equipped with a manual override feature. This allows users to manually open or close valves even when power is off, facilitating system commissioning, maintenance, or emergency operations.
Design: Some IrriRich solenoid valves and valve controllers feature ergonomically designed manual control knobs for easy operation and a comfortable feel.

What are the key technical parameters to consider when selecting a 2-way solenoid actuator?

Rated Voltage and Power Consumption
The rated voltage of a solenoid actuator determines the type of power supply it requires. When selecting, ensure that the actuator's voltage matches your system's supply voltage.
Direct Current (DC) vs. Alternating Current (AC): DC solenoid actuators are typically used in low-voltage systems, such as smart irrigation systems powered by batteries or solar panels. AC solenoid actuators, on the other hand, are often used in large projects with utility power. IrriRich's smart water meters and valve controllers are compatible with actuators of various voltages, providing flexible system integration options.
Latching vs. Continuous Duty: This is a key consideration regarding power consumption. Latching actuators, such as those used in our metering solenoid valve heads, require only a brief electrical pulse to initiate and maintain actuation, resulting in extremely low energy consumption and making them the preferred choice for battery-powered systems. Continuously energized actuators, on the other hand, require continuous power during operation, consuming more power but offering faster response times. They are often used in applications where response time is critical.
Working Pressure and Maximum Differential Pressure
These two parameters directly determine whether a solenoid actuator will function properly in your piping system.
Working Pressure: This refers to the range of fluid pressures within the pipe that the actuator can withstand. When selecting, ensure that your system's maximum operating pressure is lower than the actuator's rated operating pressure.
Maximum Differential Pressure: This is a more critical parameter, specifically the minimum inlet and outlet pressure difference required for a pilot-operated solenoid actuator to open properly. If the pressure differential is insufficient, the actuator may not open. As an IrriRich customer, you can trust our irrigation solenoid valves, meticulously designed by the YAOFENG team. These valves are designed with the typical pressure range of irrigation systems in mind, ensuring reliable operation even in low-pressure environments.
Fluid Medium and Temperature
The material of the solenoid actuator must be compatible with the fluid flowing through it and the operating temperature. Failure to do so may result in corrosion, seal failure, or even malfunction. Media Compatibility: Water in irrigation systems may contain silt, chemical fertilizers, and trace amounts of acid and alkali. Our plastic water meters, filters, and solenoid valves are made of high-quality engineering plastics and seals, such as EPDM and Viton, offering excellent corrosion resistance and the ability to handle complex media environments.
Temperature Range: Both fluid and ambient temperatures are important considerations when selecting. IrriRich products undergo rigorous testing to withstand temperature fluctuations in diverse climates, ensuring stable performance in extreme cold and heat.
Flow Rate and Orifice Size
Flow rate is a key indicator of an actuator's ability to pass fluid, and orifice size is its physical basis.
Flow Coefficient (Cv): This is a specialized parameter that measures a valve's flow characteristics. A higher Cv value indicates a higher flow rate at the same pressure differential. When selecting an appropriate Cv value, consider your irrigation zoning requirements and design flow rate.
Orifice Size: Select an orifice size that matches your pipe size to avoid unnecessary flow loss and pressure drop. IrriRich offers irrigation solenoid valves in a variety of sizes, ensuring suitable solutions for everything from small home systems to large agricultural irrigation projects.
Ingress Protection (IP Rating)
The IP rating is an international standard that measures a product's resistance to dust and water.
IP65/IP67: A high IP rating is crucial for irrigation systems used outdoors or in humid environments. For example, IP65 indicates protection against dust and can withstand low-pressure water jets, while IP67 means it can withstand short-term immersion in water under certain conditions. IrriRich products, such as our gateways and some solenoid valves, meet high IP rating standards, ensuring their durability in harsh outdoor environments.

How to properly install a 2-way solenoid actuator to ensure long-term stable operation and leak-tightness

Preparation: Inspections Must Be Performed Before Installation
Before installing any equipment, thorough preparation is half the battle.
Inspecting Product Integrity: Upon receipt of our product, please first inspect the IrriRich solenoid actuator and its packaging to ensure they are intact. Verify that parameters such as model, voltage, and diameter match your order. As a factory with comprehensive manufacturing capabilities, we ensure that every product leaves our factory undergoes rigorous quality inspection, but any shipping incidents still require inspection.
Cleaning the Piping System: This is the most critical step. Impurities such as mud, rust, and welding slag in the pipes are the number one cause of solenoid actuator failure. Before installation, be sure to thoroughly flush the pipes until the water flowing out is clear and free of impurities. IrriRich filters can effectively prevent these impurities from entering the valve and are essential components for long-term stable system operation.
Confirming the Installation Environment: Verify that the installation location meets the requirements. Ensure adequate space for operation and subsequent maintenance. For outdoor installations, consider the high protection ratings (e.g., IP67) of IrriRich products. However, it is still recommended to avoid installing the solenoid actuator directly in low-lying areas prone to water accumulation.
Installation Position and Orientation: Follow the Flow Direction
The installation position and orientation of the solenoid actuator are crucial and directly affect the proper opening and closing of the valve.
Flow Direction Arrow: All IrriRich 2-way solenoid actuators feature a clear flow direction arrow (usually a triangle or an arrow symbol) on the valve body, indicating the direction of fluid inflow and outflow. During installation, ensure that the arrow on the valve body aligns with the actual flow direction of the fluid in the pipe. Installing in the wrong orientation may cause the actuator to malfunction or even damage it.
Vertical Installation: To ensure proper magnetic engagement and gravity return of the internal armature, most solenoid actuators should be installed vertically, with the coil facing upward. Installing the coil horizontally or downward may affect performance and shorten its service life.
Connections and Sealing: Ensure Leak-Proof
Connecting the pipes is the most meticulous step during installation, and sealing is paramount. Threaded Connections: When making threaded connections, use an appropriate amount of PTFE tape or sealant, but be careful to control the amount. Excessive PTFE tape may enter the valve body and affect the movement of the valve core or diaphragm.
Torque Control: When using a wrench, apply moderate torque. Overtightening may cause cracks in the valve body or fittings, especially with IrriRich plastic solenoid valves. Although our products use high-strength engineering plastics, excessive torque should still be avoided. Loosening can cause leaks.
Manual Testing: After installation, you can manually test the valve before supplying water. Many IrriRich solenoid valves are equipped with a manual control knob, which you can manually operate to confirm that the valve opens and closes smoothly.
Electrical Connections: Safety and Correctness Matter
Proper electrical connections are the last line of defense for ensuring the proper operation of the solenoid actuator.
Voltage Matching: Double-check that the actuator voltage matches the power supply voltage. Incorrect voltages can burn out the coil.
Wiring: Connect the power cord correctly according to the product manual. AC electromagnetic actuators typically don't distinguish between positive and negative poles. However, for DC pulse actuators, the connection direction is crucial, as it affects the opening and closing of the valve.
Waterproofing: Especially for outdoor or humid environments, ensure that wire connections are professionally waterproofed, such as using a waterproof junction box or heat shrink tubing, to prevent short circuits or electrical leakage. IrriRich's gateways and valve controllers both feature excellent protection, ensuring the electrical safety of the entire system.