It is crucial before selecting a solenoid valve for fuel, gas and oil shutoff to understand the basics. If you would like to know more information about solenoid valves in general, read article “Solenoid Valves…The basics” before reading on.
The solenoid valves described below are valves ASCO Numatics have identified as being suitable for Fuel, Oil and Gas applications.
Modular Gas Shut Off Solenoid Valves
- The 2/2 normally closed modular valve allows the combination of the 8214(200) solenoid valve with the V710(B) & AH(E) electro-hydraulic motorized valve
- Compact double valve design
- Ideal for the following appliances used in commercial and industrial applications
- Boilers
- Furnaces
- Ovens
- Kilns
- Heating equipment
- Gas generators
- Optional NPT threaded flange adapters are available for ease of installation and serviceability.
- Leading agency approvals
- Available in pipe connections from 3/4’’ to 3’’
Motorised Valves
- Designed for use in combustion systems
- Motorised valves are available in: 2/2 normally closed, 3/2 diversion
Features of motorised valves include:
- Pipe taps
- Visual indication
- Proof of closure
- Leading agency approvals
- Pipe connections from 3/4” to 6”.
Motorised valves are available in:
- Bronze
- Aluminium
- Cast iron
Motorised valves are rated for -40ºF service for outdoor installation in frigid climates.
ASCO Numatics produce a broad line of solenoid valves & motorized shutoff valves. The solenoid valves ASCO Numatic offer in gas and oil applications are designed to control the flow of fuel gas, liquid propane, and all other grades of fuel oil used in combustion applications such as:
- Industrial furnaces
- Ovens
- Kilns
- Incinerators
- Burners
- Boilers
Asco Solenoid Valves and their uses:
- Direct-Acting Solenoid Valves. Direct-acting solenoid valves open the orifice of a normally closed valve or close the orifice of a normally open valve when the solenoid is energised. When de-energised, a spring returns the valve to its original position. Direct-acting solenoid valves will operate at pressures from 0 psi to its rated maximum. These solenoid valves are suitable for pilot and main fuel lines.
- Internal Pilot-Operated Solenoid Valves. Internal pilot-operated solenoid valves normally have a pilot and bleed orifice, which enables them to use line pressure for operation. When the solenoid is de-energised, the pilot orifice is closed and full line pressure is applied to the top of the piston or diaphragm through the bleed orifice, providing the seating force for tight closure. When the solenoid is energised, the core opens the pilot orifice, relieving pressure from the top of the piston or diaphragm via the outlet side of the valve. The line pressure then opens the valve by lifting the diaphragm or piston off the main orifice. Internal pilot-operated valves generally are used as main shutoff valves.
- Electrohydraulic Linear-Actuated Solenoid Valves. These solenoid valves provide users with slow-opening and quick-closing operation. When energised with line voltage, the electrohydraulic actuator pumps oil from one side of a piston to another to drive the actuator stem against the valve stem and sealing member to open the valve. When line voltage is removed from the actuator, return springs in both the actuator and valve body cause the actuator piston or stem to return to its de-energised position and cause the valve stem and sealing member to return to its closed position. These solenoid valves are important for controlling the flow of fuel to the burner upon initial system startup.
Choosing the correct Solenoid Valve for your Fuel, Oil or Gas application:
It is important to clearly define specific parameters of your application for appropriate valve selection. These parameters include:
- Fuel type (gas or oil)
- Fuel viscosity (if oil)
- Ambient and fluid temperature range
- Pipe size
- Flow requirement
- Oerating pressure range
- Voltage (AC or DC)
- Required approvals (UL, FM, CSA, etc.)
- Visual or electrical
- Visual position indication
Importance in considering the media in order to find the appropriate solenoid valve for the application
For fuel gas service, generally a brass, aluminum, cast iron or steel bodied valve with nitrile rubber sealing is an appropriate choice for maximum life and performance
Natural Gas
- Compatible with aluminum, brass, cast iron or steel body materials and nitrile rubber for the valve seal material.
- Can be applied from very low pressure (inches w.c.) through to high pressure (30 psi or greater)
- Gas pressure often is used to reduce the line size of the fuel line and related components
- If your application will see ambient temperature extremes, be sure the valve is rated accordingly
- Low ambient temperatures such as -40oF (-40oC) require special low temperature elastomers for leak-tight sealing.
- High ambient temperatures may require Class H coil insulation to ensure reliable operation
Fuel Oil
- In a fuel oil system, you must consider fluid temperature (as viscosity changes with temperature), pressure and the GPM that you require
- A brass-bodied valve with Viton sealing is generally an appropriate choice for maximum life and performance
- The Viton elastomers provide a balance of material compatibility and long life
Advancements in Technology
Over the years basic solenoid valve application and design has hardly changed. However significant advancements have been made in terms of power management. Electronic technology has been integrated into new solenoid valve designs to decrease power consumption from typically 10 W to 2 W. Additional features derived from use of electronic circuits include lower temperature rise resulting in extended life of electrical components, DC operation at AC pressure, and flow ratings as well as built-in surge suppression for coil protection.
Solenoid valves and electrohydraulic-operated fuel shutoff valves have a substantial history and a bright future for individuals who define their fuel shutoff valve application requirements.