Chapter 13, Problem 1RQ

What is meant by the statement that solenoid valves are digital devices?

To determine

The meaning of the statement “the statement that solenoid valves are digital devices”.

Explanation of Solution

The solenoid valve is the device that contains two separate parts namely electrical part and valve part (mechanical part). The electrical part consists of coil of wire and produces magnetic field when the coil is supplied electrical power supply. The magnetic field operates the plunger or iron core that is associated with valve part. The opening and closing of solenoid valve is accomplished by the magnetic field. The valve opens or closes with respect to the energization or de-energization of coil. The solenoid valves are used to control the flow of fluids.

The two-way solenoid valve is often called as digital valve or device. The digital devices have two states only, either complete ON or complete OFF, no intermediate state. Similarly, the two-way solenoid valves have two states, either complete OPEN or complete CLOSE. The solenoid valve controls only the flow of fluid not the flow rate. Thus, the solenoid valves are often referred as digital devices.