Differences and Advantages of Motorized Valves Compared to Solenoid Valves

Recently, many customers have been struggling with the decision between motorized valves and solenoid valves.As valves for fluid control, which one is the best choice?Today, let me explain motorized valves—also known as motor-operated valves—and how they differ from solenoid valves！

 

 

 

 

 

1.Control Method

This is the fundamental difference between motor valve and solenoid valve.

Motorized Valve：Motorized valves enable precise angular adjustment, allowing accurate regulation of valve opening via 4-20mA current output or 0-10V voltage output.It enables precise control over the flow rate of fluids.

Solenoid valve：It can only be fully open or fully closed; the switch angle cannot be controlled.

 

2.Nominal diameter range and working pressure range

Motorized Valve：Motorized actuators drive valves with greater power, enabling them to withstand higher working pressures and be applied to large-diameter industrial pipelines. Jinfeng Valve Co., Ltd. offers motorized ball valves in sizes ranging from DN8 to DN200, and motorized butterfly valves from DN50 to DN600.

Solenoid valve：Electrification induces electromagnetic force in the coil, but the magnetic force is insufficient to actuate large-diameter valves. Typically, valve diameters are limited to 50mm or less.

 

3. Switching Speed

Motorized Valve：The switching speed is slower compared to solenoid valves, with the fastest switching time being 3 seconds. Large-diameter industrial-grade valves require even longer times. This makes them unsuitable for applications demanding rapid switching.

Solenoid valve：The switch operates at extremely high speed. Upon energization, the electromagnetic coil generates magnetic force, enabling valve activation within tens of milliseconds. It is suitable for work environments requiring rapid operation.

 

 

4.Working Medium Requirements

Motorized Valve：Motor-operated valves feature various valve body types, such as ball valves, butterfly valves, and globe valves, each designed to accommodate different working media. Even when the medium contains significant impurities, particles, or even slurries, motor-operated valves can still function normally.

Solenoid valve：Due to the internal structure of the valve body, it requires a high degree of purity in the medium. Otherwise, impurities can easily clog the internal passages, preventing the valve from closing tightly. Typically, the medium must be pure water.

 

5.Service life

Motorized Valve：Motorized valve actuators operate relatively smoothly with minimal impact and offer extended service life. Jinfeng Valve Co., Ltd.'s motor control valves achieve a switching lifespan of up to 100,000 cycles.

Solenoid valve：Fast switching speed and high impact force, but with a shorter service life compared to motorized ball valves.

 

6. Operational State Maintenance and Fail-Safe

Motorized Valve：

When the valve reaches the fully open or fully closed position, power automatically shuts off to prevent overheating, enhancing energy efficiency.

It can be equipped with a backup battery module that automatically returns the valve to a safe position (open or closed) during an emergency power outage. Alternatively, a backup handwheel can be installed for manual valve operation during power failures, providing enhanced safety.

Solenoid valve：

When the valve is open, continuous power supply is required to maintain the electromagnetic force and keep it in the open position.

In the event of an emergency power failure, it will automatically return to the safe position.

 

When should motor-operated valves be selected?               

1. Requires precise valve angle adjustment to control flow rate

2. When operating at high pressure

3. When working with large-diameter pipelines

4. When the working medium is impure and contains contaminants

5. When instantaneous opening/closing of motorized valves is not required 

When should Solenoid valves be selected?

1. Small bore size

2. Extremely pure working medium

3. High requirements for switching time

4. No additional functions required beyond switching capability

 

If you've read through my article, I believe you should now know how to choose the right valve.