Industrial Applications of Piston-Pilot Operated Solenoid Valves
How Piston-Pilot Operated Solenoid Valves Work
Piston-pilot operated solenoid valves offer a reliable way to control fluid, steam, and gas flow across various industrial systems. These valves operate using a two-step actuation process that allows for fast, efficient performance in both AC and DC voltage environments.
In a normally closed configuration, the valve remains shut until energized. When voltage is applied to the solenoid coil, it generates a magnetic field, lifting the pilot from the piston and exposing a central orifice. This initial lift allows fluid to escape from the area above the piston, which in turn reduces the pressure holding the piston closed. In step two, the inlet pressure combined with the piston ring forces the valve open, a transition that occurs in milliseconds. For normally open solenoid valves, the process is reversed.
Remote Control and Industrial Integration
Solenoid valves are widely used in industrial systems for their ability to enable remote, automatic control. Whether triggered by a level switch in a fill tank or managed from a plant-wide control room, these valves are integral to modern automation. Systems can include visual indicators, such as red and green lights, to display valve status in real time.
Solenoid valves serve both simple and highly complex systems, performing dependable On/Off control based on electrical commands. Their compact design and rapid response time make them ideal for use across manufacturing, processing, and energy infrastructure.
Installation and Specification Considerations
One reason solenoid valves are preferred in industrial environments is their ease of installation. Like any dual-spec component, however, care must be taken to match both the electrical and pressure requirements. Professional installation by qualified technicians, with attention to nameplate specs and enclosed instructions, ensures safe, optimal performance. Gould experts are always available for application support.
Voltage Options and Coil Specifications
Gould Solenoid Valves are available in a wide range of voltages:
- DC: 6V, 12V, 24V, 48V, 115V, 230V
- AC: 12V, 24V, 120V, 240V, 480V (50Hz/60Hz)
- Dual Voltage: 120-240V/60Hz for flexible wiring
Coils are also rated by insulation class:
- Class A: up to 220°F
- Class B: up to 300°F
- Class F: up to 356°F
- Class H: up to 365°F
- Class N: up to 392°F
Special coil windings can be ordered for less common voltage requirements, including battery-powered applications.
NEMA Enclosures for Harsh Environments
Choosing the right enclosure is critical in environments with moisture, dust, or hazardous gases. Gould offers:
- NEMA 1: Standard indoor use
- NEMA 4/4X: Watertight, corrosion-resistant
- NEMA 5: Dust-tight
- NEMA 6/6P: Temporary or prolonged submersion
- NEMA 7: Explosion-proof for volatile atmospheres
For hazardous locations, NEMA 7 enclosures contain any ignition risk within the coil housing, offering safe operation even in explosive gas environments. Alternatively, intrinsically safe valves keep coil output below ignition thresholds, offering protection without containment.
Solenoid Valve Speed and Water Hammer Prevention
Solenoid valves operate quickly, typically in 50 to 800 milliseconds, but this speed can be a double-edged sword. While fast actuation is ideal for many applications, rapid closure in larger valves can cause water hammer, a pressure surge that damages piping systems. Gould addresses this with Velvetrol®, a proprietary feature that softens the closing action. Slow-close options are also available and recommended for high-flow systems.
Packless Design for Durability
Gould solenoid valves are packless by design. With only three primary openings, inlet, outlet, and bonnet, they reduce the risk of leakage common in designs with O-rings or flared tubing. Welded or soldered joints enhance integrity, making them well-suited for rugged environments.
Proven Performance in Demanding Applications
From simple On/Off controls to remote actuation via satellite, solenoid valves are trusted across industries for their reliability, responsiveness, and ease of use. Whether you’re managing a local fill tank or controlling a system across hundreds of acres, Gould's piston-pilot operated solenoid valves offer performance you can depend on. Ready to get started? Contact our team for a quote today.
