What Are Solenoid Valves and How Do They Serve Aviation Operations?

Valves are common devices found in various applications involving the movement of fluids or materials, capable of managing flow and direction. Depending on the needs of a particular application, there are a variety of valve subtypes that one may take advantage of, each featuring different elements and capabilities. In the realm of aviation, solenoid valves are a common feature of aircraft, and they are electromechanically operated devices. With a solenoid valve, one can shut off, dose, distribute, or mix fluids through electromechanical operation, making them highly reliable, safe, and optimal for more remote operations. In this blog, we will discuss how solenoid valves work and how they are used in aircraft.

Solenoid valves get their name from the fact that they contain a solenoid valve within their assembly, that of which is an electric coil with an adjustable ferromagnetic core. If the solenoid is a normally closed (NC) type, the ferromagnetic core, or plunger, will block off an orifice while in the resting position. This ensures that fluids are blocked from flowing as the orifice is a small hole that fluids must move through to continue through the system. If an electric current is sent through the coil, it will energize the assembly and cause a magnetic field to be produced. This field then generates an upward force on the plunger, moving it away from the orifice to open it up. While a simple version of operations, this is how solenoid valves open and close during standard use.

It is important to note that solenoids should only be used for the transportation of clean liquids and gasses, and they are indirectly operated valves that require a pressure differential to function. Nevertheless, the fact that they operate through the use of electric currents that are induced in the coil, they can be remotely used. Other benefits of the solenoid valve include fast acting functions, the ability to manage fluids with two or more inlets and outlets, and more. Aside from being present in aircraft, solenoid valves may also be present in heating systems, vacuums, irrigation assemblies, car washes, and more.

Within aircraft, there are a variety of places where solenoids find use. For instance, they may be placed within assemblies related to engine starting, engine running, and deicing control. Additionally, they are also present in the firewall to assist with shutoff operations, as well as fuel manifold purging. As aviation applications involve a large amount of vibration and extreme temperature levels, the solenoid valves present in aircraft are specifically designed to be dependable and reliable. Depending on whether the application involves fuel, hydraulic, or pneumatic systems, different solenoid valve subtypes may be used.

If you are looking for a solenoid valve for a fixed-wing aircraft, rotorcraft applications, or other such projects, look no further than ASAP Parts Services. On our website, we can help you procure direct acting, pilot operated, and other such solenoid valves that have been sourced from top global manufacturers that we trust. To peruse our inventory, simply explore our various part type and manufacturer catalogs or use our provided search engine and filters to quickly narrow down results with ease. Once you find items of interest, we encourage you to fill out and submit an RFQ form with as much detail as you can for the means of requesting a quote on items of interest. Once we have received and reviewed your request, a member of our staff will reach out to provide a customized solution that caters to your needs within 15 minutes. See what we can do for you today when you get in touch with a team member of ours!