Collection:3-Way Brass Solenoid Valves

A 3-way brass solenoid valve has three ports; they are used to control the flow of liquids or gasses in a system and are capable of either mixing two inputs into one output, or diverting one input to one of two outputs. These solenoid valves can be normally closed (NC), normally open (NO), or universal. A universal solenoid valve can be configured to function as either normally closed (NC) or normally open (NO). The valve's housing is made of brass, offering durability and resistance to corrosion, making it suitable for various applications.

Choosing brass for 3/2-way solenoid valves

• Cost efficient: Brass valves are typically more affordable than stainless steel, offering a cost-effective solution for budget-conscious projects without significantly sacrificing quality or performance.
• Moderate corrosion resistance: Brass provides sufficient resistance to corrosion from water and neutral gasses, making it a suitable choice for many general-purpose fluid control applications.
• Thermal conductivity: With better thermal conductivity than stainless steel and plastic, brass valves can efficiently manage temperature changes within a system, which can be beneficial for certain applications.
• Machinability: The ease of machining brass allows for producing precision valves with complex geometries, which might be more costly or difficult to achieve with stainless steel.
• Non-sparking characteristics: In environments where flammable gasses or liquids are present, the non-sparking nature of brass is a critical safety feature that stainless steel and plastic may not offer.

Suitable applications

• Control of water, oil, and gas in various heating, cooling, or piping systems
• Automation of fluid control in irrigation systems for agriculture
• Regulation of fuel lines in burner systems
• Operation of pneumatic or hydraulic systems
• Management of air and inert gasses in various industrial processes
• Use in car washes for controlling water and soap flow
• Air compressor systems for controlled air flow

Selection criteria

• Bore size: The orifice size of the valve should be chosen to align with the desired flow rate; larger orifices facilitate greater flow, whereas smaller orifices limit it.
• Pressure: The valve must be rated for the pressure range of your system to maintain integrity and function without leakage or damage.
• Temperature: Ensure the brass housing and seal materials of the valve can withstand the medium's operational temperature to prevent material degradation.
• Flow Coefficient (Kv): Choose a valve with an appropriate Kv-value, indicative of the flow rate it can handle, to achieve the necessary control within your system.
• Seal materials: To select the right seal material for a 3-way brass solenoid valve:
  • NBR: Best for oil and water applications, with moderate temperature resistance
  • FKM: Choose for high-temperature and chemical resistance, ideal for fuels and acids
  • EPDM: Suitable for hot water and steam, but avoid with oils and hydrocarbons
  • PTFE: Opt for aggressive chemicals and the widest temperature range
• Voltage Requirements: The solenoid coil's voltage should correspond to your available power source to avoid malfunction or damage.
• Valve Positioning: Determine whether your system requires a normally open, normally closed, or universal valve to maintain the correct default state.
• Connection Compatibility and Size: Ensure the valve's threaded or flanged connections match your piping for a secure and leak-free installation. Also, ensure the valve's connection size matches the size of the pipes in the system to give a proper fit and seal.
• Operational Duty Cycle: Opt for a valve with a duty cycle that can sustain the operation frequency and duration without risk of overheating.
• Custom Features: Consider 3-way brass solenoid valves with specialized features such as manual overrides, position feedback, or energy-saving designs to meet specific application needs.
• Environmental Protection: Select a valve with appropriate surface treatments like nickel-plating for harsh environments, or standard coatings for less demanding conditions.
• Regulatory Compliance: Verify that the valve has the necessary approvals (e.g., ATEX, UL, IEC) for safety and regulatory conformity in your application.

Additional points to consider when using a brass solenoid valve

• Highly corrosive media: For applications involving corrosive substances, such as saltwater, certain chemicals, or chlorine, brass may suffer from dezincification or stress corrosion cracking. In such cases, stainless steel or certain plastics would be more durable.
• Extreme temperatures: If the application involves very high or very low temperatures, stainless steel is typically a better choice due to its broader temperature tolerance range.
• Sanitary requirements: Brass is not suitable for applications that require sterile or hygienic conditions, such as those found in the food, beverage, or pharmaceutical industries. Stainless steel, with its non-porous surface and ease of sterilization, is preferred for these applications.
• UV exposure: Plastic valves may outperform brass for outdoor applications with significant UV exposure, as brass can weaken over time when exposed to UV radiation.
• High-pressure applications: While brass can handle moderate pressures, it may not be the best choice for high-pressure systems where the superior strength of stainless steel or specialized plastics is necessary.