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Solenoid control valves can operate without manual control which can sometimes mean that problems aren't noticed until the valves aren't working. If a solenoid valve or valves are giving you trouble, what could be the reason?

Installation Mistakes

If brand new valves are experiencing problems, you might be surprised. However, the problem could have occurred during valve installation. Because valves will only work in a single direction, they're sometimes installed in the wrong flow direction. Take a look and see whether the valve body's arrow is pointed the right way.

Buildup Has Become a Problem

Your solenoid valves are likely to have manufacturer recommendations about how often you should be cleaning and servicing the valves. Valve failure could be related to the fact that a certain valve just needs to be cleaned. New additives, debris, and other substances can start clogging the valve over time. If you aren't using filters, you should start; a mesh strainer is typically helpful.

Should you find that a filter and regular cleanings aren't helping, it's possible that you need custom solenoid valves to better handle the substances in your facility.

Power Supply Is Inadequate

The valves' coils need enough power to spur the valves into action. If your valves aren't running properly, there's a chance that the power supply isn't energizing the coil. The nameplates on your valves should dictate what an adequate supply is. You might need to get a custom valve to adjust to your facility's power availability.

However, understand at times you may suspect that inadequate power supply is the culprit when it is really that the valve coil causing trouble. Monitor coil leads for both resistance and continuity; you could be dealing with a burned-out coil that needs to be replaced.

Pressure Trouble

When the pressure pushing through a valve is too much, that can make the valve seem like it's not working well. Whenever you're using solenoid valves, you should be monitoring the pressure before it becomes too high. If you notice that the pressure is overly high and the flow rate is increasing, you may need a larger, custom solenoid valve that can handle more pressure. Low pressure is less common; in such cases, you may need to examine other parts of your system before determining that a valve itself is problematic.

To learn more about solenoid control valves, consult valve manufacturers to troubleshoot your existing problems and discuss whether custom valves are better for you.