When selecting a solenoid valve for industrial, commercial, or process automation applications, engineers and procurement managers are often faced with a wide range of options. Choosing the wrong solenoid valve can lead to system inefficiency, leakage, premature failure, or even safety risks. On the other hand, a properly selected solenoid valve ensures reliable operation, energy efficiency, and long service life.
This guide provides a practical, experience-based overview of how to choose the right solenoid valve for your application. We will focus on three of the most common and critical questions users ask during selection:
- How to choose the right solenoid valve for my application?
- What does normally open vs normally closed mean for a solenoid valve?
- What size solenoid valve should I use based on flow rate and pressure?
The insights in this article are based on real-world industrial use cases across petroleum, chemical processing, water treatment, food & beverage, pharmaceutical, and power industries.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Solenoid Valve and Why Proper Selection Matters
- How to Choose the Right Solenoid Valve for My Application
- Normally Open vs Normally Closed Solenoid Valves
- What Size Solenoid Valve Should I Use?
- Common Mistakes to Avoid When Selecting a Solenoid Valve
- Why Industrial Buyers Choose Certified Solenoid Valve Manufacturers
- About Zhejiang KGSY Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd.
- Contact Us for Professional Solenoid Valve Selection Support
What Is a Solenoid Valve and Why Proper Selection Matters
A solenoid valve is an electromechanical device that controls the flow of liquids or gases by using an electromagnetic coil to actuate an internal valve mechanism. Solenoid valves are widely used because they allow fast, remote, and automated control of flow without manual intervention.
However, solenoid valves are not “one-size-fits-all” components. Differences in media type, pressure, temperature, electrical control, safety requirements, and installation environment all directly affect valve performance and lifespan.
Selecting the correct solenoid valve is not just a technical decision—it is a risk management decision for system reliability and operational safety.
How to Choose the Right Solenoid Valve for My Application
Understand the Working Medium (Fluid or Gas)
The first and most critical factor is the type of medium flowing through the valve.
- Compressed air
- Water (clean, industrial, or treated)
- Steam
- Oil or hydraulic fluid
- Chemical liquids (acidic, alkaline, corrosive)
- Natural gas or fuel gas
Each medium has different chemical and physical properties that affect material compatibility, such as corrosiveness, viscosity, temperature range, and particle content.
Direct-Acting vs Pilot-Operated Solenoid Valves
Direct-acting solenoid valves open or close directly by electromagnetic force, operate at zero pressure differential, and are suitable for low flow rates.
Pilot-operated solenoid valves use system pressure to assist valve operation, are suitable for larger flow rates, and require a minimum pressure differential.
Environmental and Installation Conditions
Installation environment significantly affects valve durability. Factors such as ambient temperature, humidity, dust exposure, water ingress, and explosive atmospheres must be considered.
Electrical Parameters and Control Compatibility
Solenoid valves must match the electrical system, including coil voltage (AC or DC), power consumption, duty cycle, and response time.
What Does Normally Open vs Normally Closed Mean for a Solenoid Valve?
Normally Closed (NC) Solenoid Valves
A normally closed solenoid valve remains closed when no electrical power is applied and opens when energized.
- Fail-safe in case of power loss
- Prevents unintended flow
- Widely used in safety-critical systems
Normally Open (NO) Solenoid Valves
A normally open solenoid valve remains open when unpowered and closes when energized.
- Allows continuous flow without power
- Reduces energy consumption
- Useful for cooling and drain systems
How to Choose Between NO and NC
If flow must stop during power failure, choose normally closed. If flow must continue, choose normally open.
What Size Solenoid Valve Should I Use Based on Flow Rate and Pressure?
Why Proper Sizing Is Essential
Undersized valves cause pressure loss and inefficiency, while oversized valves lead to unstable control and unnecessary cost.
Flow Rate Requirements
Flow is expressed as L/min, m³/h, SCFM, or Nm³/h. Always consider maximum, normal, and peak flow conditions.
Pressure and Differential Considerations
Pilot-operated valves require minimum pressure differential, while direct-acting valves work at zero pressure.
Pipe Size vs Orifice Size
Pipe size does not equal flow capacity. Always check Cv or Kv values.
Temperature Impact
High-temperature media require special sealing materials and adjusted sizing calculations.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Selecting a Solenoid Valve
- Ignoring minimum pressure requirements
- Selecting the wrong default valve state
- Underestimating environmental exposure
- Using incompatible sealing materials
- Oversizing without flow calculation
Why Industrial Buyers Choose Certified Solenoid Valve Manufacturers
Reputable manufacturers comply with ISO9001, CE, ATEX, SIL, and other certifications, ensuring safety, reliability, and long-term performance.
About Zhejiang KGSY Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd.
Zhejiang KGSY Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. is a professional and high-tech manufacturer specializing in valve intelligent control accessories, including solenoid valves, valve limit switch boxes, pneumatic actuators, valve positioners, air filters, and pneumatic ball valves.
KGSY products are widely used in petroleum, chemical industry, natural gas, power, metallurgy, paper-making, food, pharmaceutical, and water treatment industries. With ISO9001 management and certifications such as CE, ATEX, SIL3, and IP67, KGSY products are exported to more than 20 countries worldwide.
Contact Us for Professional Solenoid Valve Selection Support
Choosing the right solenoid valve is a critical engineering decision. Professional guidance can help reduce risk, cost, and downtime.
Contact Zhejiang KGSY Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. today to discuss your application requirements and receive expert solenoid valve selection support.
Post time: Dec-22-2025
