Generally, this question arises in our mind when we have to select a solenoid valve for a custom application. We all know that there are many types of solenoid valves available for various media types, temperature, flow type, working-class, and many other things. So in this article, we discuss all the parameters to keep in mind before selecting the best solenoid valve.
Solenoid valves are not suitable for viscous or particle-laden materials. Typically, solenoid valves are used to control low viscosity and non-particle media such as water, gas, fuel oil, etc. According to the properties of each type of media, solenoid valve manufacturers design their valves. They use many types of materials in the making of the valve body and valve seal to get the perfect solenoid valve for our process.
There are seven following parameters to follow for selecting a Solenoid valve.
Sealing Material
For non-aggressive flows, water, and air applications valve manufacturers use NBR sealing materials. The PTFE or EPDM sealing is used for steam applications, the VITON sealing material used for fuel oil. The Solenoid Valve is also available with Stainless Steel sealing material and ATEX explosion-proof valves. 
Pressure Requirements
The Direct acting solenoid valve does not require any minimum pressure But in the pilot-operated Solenoid valve, the flow requires a minimum pressure of 0.5 BAR. So leave the pilot-operated valve if the flow does not have the minimum pressure otherwise you have to pressurize the flow for it.
Temperature
The application’s temperature plays a key role in the selection of the Solenoid valve. All types of sealing materials and body materials have a limit of working temperature capacity. So if you have high-temperature media then you have to select wisely an appropriate sealing and body material solenoid valve. Sometimes coils burn because of high temperatures.
Voltage
Solenoid Coil available in 2 types of power supply 1st Alternating current (AC) 2nd Direct current (DC). AC coils can be operated with a DC power supply and the same oppositely. When the AC coils operate with DC current, the voltage should be limited otherwise high voltage burns the solenoid coil. 
For the low-temperature or limited temperature applications, we can use a low voltage solenoid coil, like a PWM as it is lower power consumption.
Protection Class
The most important factor is the Solenoid Coil Protection against explosions in the working area. The manufacturers have added this feature under the ATEX. Whenever you have the water type of media then you have to go for it.
Connection Size
The connection size is also a very effective factor in the solenoid valve. The solenoid valves are available from ¼” inch in size. When you choose the large-size solenoid valve it will directly affect the fluid flow and it also requires the minimum pressure amount.
Normally Open & Normally Closed
When the solenoid coil is energized, either it will close the valve or open the valve. So the most important thing is which type of valve we have to install in the working line. When the valve requires it to stay in open condition most of the time then you can choose a normally open solenoid valve.
Conclusion
So, just keep in mind these seven key points and you will get the maximum beneficial solenoid valve in your working line. The solenoid valve manufacturers seek new user-friendly designs and welcome customer’s drawings, suggestions and they also modify their products on customer’s requests.

Items