6 Unique Applications of a Solenoid Valve

Solenoid valves are an incredible piece of equipment. They are commonly used in several major end-user industries such as oil and gas, automotive, food and beverages, and the utility sector. They are available in different specifications and are carefully chosen when required. The four key considerations for selecting these valves are — the pressure going into the valve, type and state of the fluid, the size of the pipe connections to the valve, and the voltage. Once you figure out these factors, you can select the optimal valve for your specific needs.

However, it’s not only these industries where these valves find an application. They are used in many more products that we often see around us. Have a look at 6 such unique applications of solenoid valves:

Air Horns

Air horns have become a standard in cars around the world. You won’t find a day passing without hearing their noise around you. Be it as a means of saying hello or to warn pedestrians or other traffic. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and sounds. These air horns require compressed air to work and something to regulate this air. This is where solenoid valves come in. This small piece of equipment controls the air and allows the horn to sound loud and proud.

Confetti Cannons

You can’t say you have been to an actual party if there wasn’t a confetti cannon there. These cannons operate on a short burst of compressed air that shoots out the contents of its tube. Solenoid valves are used here as well. However, whether they will shoot out in a cloud that goes only a few inches or rocket out all across the room depends on the size of the PVC tubing used, the pressure of the air, and the amount of confetti.

Water Droplets Photography

Remember those gorgeous photos of water drops striking on top of the surface of the water? These incredible photos require some high-powered photography equipment, a lot of patience, and an incredible piece of the solenoid valve. As you may have rightly guessed, these valves control the water droplets. Such stunning photography becomes possible only when the drops flow out in a contained manner.

Fog/Smoke Guns

Have you seen that scary decoration during Halloween? It might involve a graveyard appearance, a lot of fog, and spooky music. For those who truly wish to trick the kids, they use the fog or smoke effect. Solenoid valves are used in these guns. They are also used to give ghoulish breath to hanging mannequins. So, next time you take your kid out during Halloween, remember that solenoid valves may be at work out there.

Plant Aquariums

Those underwater plants do look mesmerizing, right? How they move around in the water in a particular flow. Well, just as we humans need oxygen, plants require carbon dioxide to survive. Although some amount of carbon dioxide is present in the aquarium depending on the lighting and quantity of plants, it is still less than required.

That is why carbon dioxide injectors are used in most plant aquariums. They pump carbon dioxide into the water and help the plants thrive. Solenoid valves are the pieces of equipment that are commonly used in these injectors. They control the flow of the gas into the water and help maintain your plant aquarium.

Auxiliary Fuel Tanks

If you are an avid traveler who frequently takes your car out on a drive, you may already know what an auxiliary fuel tank is. These tanks keep extra fuel for your car and allow you to travel without stopping to refuel every 300 or 400 miles. Solenoid valves are the equipment here used so that energized fuel runs smoothly from the auxiliary tank to the manufacturer tank.

The market of solenoid valves has been constantly growing over the years. It is because they offer several advantages such as affordability, compact size, reliability, and a safe (also, fast) switching option, unlike some other valves. So, now you know why these valves are so commonly used. If you also wish to use them for some purpose, remember to first fully understand your project and then choose the valve it requires.