In this post, we will discuss the solenoid valve problems & solutions. The major problems of solenoid valve are; Coil burnt out, power supply problem, damaged seal, dirt particles in components & flow, and pressure problems.
Solenoid Valve Problems & Solutions
Problem-Solenoid valve does not open
| Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|
| No power supply on solenoid valve coil | 1. Check the supply at the solenoid valve terminals. 2. If OK, check whether the valve is in open or closed condition 3. If not open, lift the coil slightly to check its magnetic force. 4. Do not completely remove the coil when supply is available at coil terminals. Otherwise. it could burn out. 5. If the coil does not receive the supply Check a. Relay contacts b. wire connections c. fuses |
| Voltage/ frequency not as per the coil’s rated electrical parameters | 1. Coil accepts the voltage within the range of +/-10 % supply voltage variation from it rated supply voltage. 2. The combined supply & voltage variation in the range of +/- 5 %. 3. Measure the voltage & Frequency with a multimeter. 4. If there is variation in supply voltage or frequency, check the supply system & increase the voltage. |
| Differential pressure too high | 1. Check whether the pressure is within the limit as specified in the control valve manual. 2. Check whether the valve needs differential pressure for its operation. 3. Reduce the differential pressure by reducing the inlet pressure. |
| Differential pressure too low | 1. Check the valve specifications in its manual. 2. Increase the inlet pressure or 3. Replace the coil with the correct one. |
| Bent tube | Replace the valve. |
| Impurities on the diaphragm | 1. Thoroughly clean the diaphragm 2. If required, replace the defective components. |
| Dirt in the armature or in the tube | 1. Dirt in the armature cause restriction in the plunger movement. 2. Clean the valve. 3. If required, replace the defective components. |
| Corrosion | 1. Clean the corrode parts 2. Or, replace the defective components |
| Missing components after valve removal | Fit the new components in the valve. |
The solenoid valve only partially opens
| Possible cause | Solution |
| Differential pressure too low | 1. Check the specifications of the coil for the valve 2. Replace the coil |
| Bent tube | Replace the valve. |
| Impurities on the diaphragm | 1. Clean the diaphragm. 2. If required, replace defective components. |
| Dirt in the armature | 1. Clean the valve. 2. If necessary, replace the defective parts. |
| Dirt in the tube | 1. Clean the tube. 2. If necessary, replace the defective parts. |
| Corrosion | 1. Clean the valve 2. Replace the defective parts. |
The solenoid valve is too noisy
| Possible cause | Solution |
| Humming | 1. Problem in supply voltage 2. Replace the coil. |
| Hydraulic shocks during opening/ closing the valve | 1. Pressure reduction by installing a pressure reducing valve in front of the solenoid valve. 2. If possible, increase the tube diameter. 3. Reduction of hydraulic shock by installing a flexible hose pipe. |
| Differential pressure is too high / pulsation in the pressure line | 1. Check valve info, especially differential pressure. 2. Check fluid pressure and flow data. 3. Replace the valve with a more suitable type of valve. 4. Check other installation components as well. |
Problem: Solenoid Valve does not close or closes partially
| Possible cause | Solution |
| Voltage remains on the coil | 1. First, lift the coil slightly to see if it resists. 2. check the wire connection 3. Check relay contacts |
| Dirt in the orifice/leveling nozzle | 1. Clean it with a needle with a maximum diameter of 0.5 mm. 2. Use compressed air to Blow out the hole. 3. If required, replace defective components. |
| The manual opening unit is not screwed back after use | Check the position and adjust it as required. |
| Pulsation in the pressure pipe. | 1. Check valve data. 2. Check fluid pressure and flow. 3. Replace the valve with a more suitable type of valve. 4. Check other installation parts. |
| Bent armature tube | Replace the valve. |
| Defective – 1. Valve spring, 2. Diaphragm 3. Valve plunger. | 1. Check the components and replace these. 2. Check fluid pressure and flow. |
| The diaphragm is in an inverted position | 1. Check the Valve for its mounting 2. If incorrect, correct the valve position. |
| Dirt in the armature or in the tube | 1. Clean the valve. 2. If necessary, replace defective parts. |
| Corrosion in the orifice | Replace defective components. |
| Valve incorrectly mounted | 1. Check the direction of fluid flow 2. And, make sure the arrow is pointing in the same direction. |
Solenoid Valve Problems & Solutions
Burned-out coil- No voltage at coil terminals
| Possible cause | Solution |
| Incorrect voltage / frequency | 1. Check the coil data. 2. If necessary, replace the coil with the correct type. 3. Check the wiring according to the wiring diagram. 4. Check the maximum voltage deviations.Voltage tolerances: +/- 10% for dual frequency, DC applications, +10% or -15% for AC, single frequency voltage |
| Coil shorted (there may be moisture in the coil) | 1. Check other components for possible short circuits. 2. Check the connection of the wires to the coil. 3. When the coil is faulty, replace the coil. 4. Consider mounting a snap-on coil with an additional O-ring body seal |
| Prolonged flow through the valve1) Damaged or bent tube2) Damaged armature3) Dirt in the armature tube | 1. Clean dirt. 2. Replace defective components. |
| Medium temperature too high | 1. Check that the valve and coil data match with the installation parameters. 2. Replace with a suitable type of coil or valve. |
| Temperature too high around the valve | 1. If possible, move the valve to a cooler place. 2. Check that the valve and coil data match for installation parameters. 3. Increase ventilation around the valve and coil. |