1. Core functions and application scenarios
The solenoid valve controls the on-off of the electromagnetic coil through electromagnetic control, driving the internal valve core to move, thereby opening or closing the fluid passage. Specific applications include:
Intake valve control: Adjusting the intake volume to switch between compressor loading (supplying air) and unloading (shutting down without supplying air).
Automatic drainage: Controlling the condensate discharge valve (such as the oil separator or the bottom drain valve of the storage tank), regularly discharging water to prevent moisture from mixing into the compressed air.
Safety protection: In abnormal conditions such as overpressure and overtemperature, quickly cutting off the oil or gas path to protect equipment safety.
Auxiliary system control: Such as controlling the fan start-stop and adjusting the pressure maintenance valve, ensuring the stable operation of the system.
2. Main types and specifications
According to function and installation location, the commonly used solenoid valves for Atlas Copco air compressors can be classified as:
Voltage specifications: Mainly DC 24V (compatible with the low-voltage control system of the equipment, with high safety), some models may use AC 220V or AC 110V, and must strictly match the original factory parameters.
Structural types:
Normally closed type: Closing the channel when the power is off, opening when the power is on (such as the intake valve control solenoid valve).
Normally open type: Keeping the channel open when the power is off, closing when the power is on (mostly used in safety protection circuits).
Interface size: Commonly G1/4, G3/8, G1/2 and other threaded specifications, suitable for different pipe diameters of control pipelines.
Media compatibility: Selecting different materials based on the flowing medium (compressed air, lubricating oil, condensate) to ensure corrosion resistance.
3. Materials and performance characteristics
Valve body material: Mostly brass or stainless steel (304/316), with high pressure resistance (usually can withstand 0-1.6MPa), corrosion resistance, suitable for the oil mist and water vapor environment inside the air compressor.
Sealing components: Using nitrile rubber (NBR) or fluororubber (FKM), with high temperature resistance (80-120℃), aging resistance, ensuring long-term sealing reliability.
Response speed: Millisecond-level action response, meeting the requirements of high-frequency start-stop, ensuring control accuracy.
4. Common faults and maintenance
Typical faults:
Coil burnout: Caused by unstable voltage, damp short circuit or long-term overload, manifested as no action of the solenoid valve, using a multimeter to detect the coil resistance (normal is several tens to several hundred ohms, burned out is infinity).
Valve core jamming: Caused by oil deposits, impurities accumulation or aging of the sealing component, manifested as the valve not closing tightly (leaking air/oil) or unable to open, which may cause abnormal loading of the air compressor and unstable pressure.
Leakage: Sealing component wear or valve body crack, resulting in medium leakage, affecting system efficiency.
Maintenance and replacement points:
Regular cleaning: During maintenance, check the interface of the solenoid valve, remove impurities, and if necessary, disassemble the valve core (power off operation).
Original factory compatibility: When replacing, must use Atlas Copco original factory parts to ensure voltage, interface size, pressure grade and model compatibility (such as GA series and GX series solenoid valves may not be compatible).
Installation specifications: Operate after power off and depressurization, pay attention to the flow direction indication (some models have directionality), avoid installation in reverse; apply moderate force when tightening the interface to prevent thread damage.
