Difference Between the Three Valve Types of 5/3 Solenoid Valves
When ordering 5/3 solenoid valves, apart from single and double electrical control, there are three configurations: C (double-solenoid 5/3 way closed center), E (double-solenoid 5/3 way exhaust center), and P ( double-solenoid5/3 way pressure center).
| 5/3 way solenoid valve symbol | Ordering code |
|
|
 |
4V130C-M5/06 4V230C-06/08 4V330C-08/10 4V430C-15 |
Double-solenoid 5/3 way closed center |
Válvula 5/3 en posición normalmente cerrada. |
 |
4V130E-M5/06 4V230E-06/08 4V330E-08/10 4V430E-15 |
Double-solenoid 5/3 way exhaust center |
Válvula 5/3 en posición normalmente abierta. |
 |
4V130P-M5/06 4V230P-06/08 4V330P-08/10 4V430P-15 |
Double-solenoid5/3 way pressure center |
Válvula 5/3 en posición de escape. |
Pressure at Port P (Supply Pressure):
This refers to the pressure at the solenoid valve’s input port (usually labeled as P). This pressure is the driving force for controlling the flow of fluid when the valve opens or closes.
In the pressure center configuration, the pressure at the inlet port (P) is higher than at other ports (such as A or B), and the control system directs this pressure to the appropriate channel.
Mid-position Exhaust:
This describes the state of the solenoid valve when in the middle position. For three-position solenoid valves, when the spool is in the middle position, all ports (such as P, A, and B) may be interconnected, or specific ports might form a leakage path.
In a typical mid-position exhaust configuration, pressure from ports A or B can return to the exhaust port (usually labeled R or T), releasing pressure. This design is used in some applications to prevent excessive pressure buildup in the system when no control signal is present.
Closed Center:
In the closed center configuration, all ports of the solenoid valve are sealed when in the middle position, meaning no fluid can flow through any ports.
This design is typically used in situations where it's necessary to maintain pressure or prevent unwanted fluid flow when the system is in the middle position.
Summary:
Pressure Center: Refers to the pressure applied at the solenoid valve’s inlet.
Exhaust Center: Describes a state where fluid can be exhausted from one or more ports in the middle position.
Closed Center: Describes a state where all ports are sealed, preventing fluid flow in the middle position.
Advantages of a 5/3 Solenoid Valve Compared to a 5/2 Solenoid Valve:
Multiple Middle Position Options:
A 5/3 solenoid valve has three working positions, with the middle position configurable to different states (such as pressure, exhaust, or closed).
This flexibility allows for maintaining pressure, exhausting pressure, or completely sealing the system when the valve is deactivated or in an emergency situation, offering more control options for various applications.
Enhanced Safety and Control:
The 5/3 solenoid valve can choose to maintain pressure or exhaust pressure in the middle position, providing protection in safety-critical applications against unintended actions. For example, in the event of a power failure or loss of control signal, selecting an appropriate middle position can protect equipment and personnel.
A 5/2 solenoid valve, when losing signal, can only return to its original position and cannot offer similar protection.
Prevention of Cylinder Impact:
The middle position of a 5/3 solenoid valve can be used to mitigate the impact on the cylinder when changing directions. For example, selecting an exhaust-type middle position can allow partial pressure release when switching directions, avoiding impact due to sudden stopping or starting, thereby extending the equipment’s lifespan.
A 5/2 solenoid valve lacks this feature, as it can only quickly switch between two directions, which may cause impact and wear on the equipment in some cases.
Conclusion:
The 5/3 solenoid valve offers significant advantages in flexibility, safety, impact mitigation, and complex control compared to the 5/2 solenoid valve. This makes it highly valuable in applications that require multiple operating modes, enhanced safety, and reduced equipment impact. Meanwhile, the 5/2 solenoid valve, with its simpler structure and lower cost, is usually used in systems where complex control is not required.
-
