Valves and solenoid valves for irrigation

Automated irrigation systems, such as valves and electro valves for irrigation, represent an important element to help us in gardening.

What are irrigation valves and solenoid valves?

They are devices whose function is to regulate the passage of water through the pipes. An irrigation valve is responsible for regulating the pressure and flow of the water in the sprinklers.

A solenoid valve, for its part, is a valve that has electromechanical characteristics and whose movement is produced by means of a solenoid coil. This solenoid valve, in short, is a stopcock that opens or closes according to what the programmer indicates.

Once we know its characteristics, we can choose the one that best suits our needs and our crops, crops, gardens or crops.

The valve represents up to 10% investment in irrigation systems. However, it is a fundamental element in proper operation, since it controls the water and performs automation.

Valve types

There are a wide variety of designs on the market. However, to choose the type of valve, it must be calculated according to the extension of the area and what type of species will be cultivated.

• Ball or ball valve.
  It consists of a stopcock that opens and closes the water through a small sphere that it has inside. When aligning the axis with the pipe, the valve opens and when it is perpendicular it closes.

• Gate valves.
  It consists of a type of high capacity bi-directional valve. The water outlet is regulated through a wedge or disk that moves vertically. These valves are ideal when isolating or operating specific areas in the irrigation system because little water is lost.

• Butterfly valve.
  It consists of a small circular plate that rotates around an axis, at right angles to the axis of the pipe. When it is perpendicular the water flow closes and when it is parallel it opens.

• retention valves.
  They are also known as non-return valves, check valves or single flow valves. They completely close the passage of water in one direction but leaving it free in the opposite direction.

1. Pressure reducing valves. This type of valve prevents excess pressure from occurring, controlling that it remains constant and thus avoiding damage to the installation. 

Valves can also be:

-Pressure regulating valves

• Foot valves. They have a movable cover that, turning on its own axis, can open or close the water passage. They can be made of PVC, brass and / or tactile cast iron.

• Hydraulic valves. These valves use the same force as the water to regulate the flow. They shut off the water at the end of the irrigation process. They can be made of ductile iron, plastic, and for chemicals.

How the valves are actuated.
There are two types of ways to trigger them:

• Automatic valves:
  They are devices with normal mode, that is, open or closed and have a sensor capable of detecting the presence or absence of pressure by changing open or closed.

• Solenoid valves:
  They act when the electrical circuit is closed. They are used in irrigation automation and work with 9V or 24V.
  

Automatic watering, saving water

When installing an automatic irrigation system we must remember that some parts of this system are underground. And due to this, some risk factors must be evaluated, such as: a scale plan of the water to be irrigated with its respective water intake and the points of which there may be, the water flow, pressure, plantations, etc.

The use of automated irrigation systems and a schedule so that the system opens and closes at the time and on the days indicated is recommended. Thus, each zone will be controlled with different programs according to the regularity with which it must be watered.

Investing in automatic irrigation, programmer and installation of the solenoid valves is an investment that will compensate for the water savings and higher performance in less time. In addition, the irrigation hours can be made more flexible, being able to water at night and even at dawn, when the water pressure is usually higher and the evaporation of the water is avoided.

Types of solenoid valve.

The solenoid valves improve the flow of the water, avoiding waste in the automatic irrigation system. However, there are several types of solenoid valves for irrigation for different types of needs.

It is important to know that there are solenoid valves that have different ways of operating, varying according to the methods in which the solenoid is activated or by some other characteristics that stand out from the others.

• Single or diaphragm solenoid valve.
  They consist of normally closed or normally open type models. They are kept open due to the same lack of power supply.
  In general, these irrigation valves are widely used in homes as well. They are usually installed in washing machines, dishwashers or in some water flow control.

• Assisted solenoid valve.
  They are also known as hydraulic valves. They are a type of valve for irrigation where the solenoid cannot directly control the device, but controls a secondary valve, which is necessary for the activation of the main valve by means of the liquid pressure itself.
  The level of the water pressure in the device depends on this type of solenoid valve, since if there is a lot of pressure the valve will open without control of the air brake. In these cases it is recommended to use this type of valve in irrigation systems where there is a direct outlet to atmospheric pressure.

• Globe solenoid valves.
  In general, they are not usually in specialized stores since they are not very common. The opening and closing system works by means of a manual turn of a handle. These give a response of zero to five seconds.

• Diaphragm solenoid valve.
  This type of solenoid valve for irrigation is the most popular. It consists of a safe and effective irrigation system and works by the pressure exerted by water on a flexible membrane.
  It is usually used in homes, industries, agricultural facilities where drip irrigation systems are available.

• Solenoid valve or motorized valve.
  They are better known as motorized valves. They have a built-in programmer, so you need a motor to open and close, that is, to activate your system. This is why it is better known as a valve, since solenoid valves need a hydraulic mechanism to function.
  On the other hand, this valve has two different parts to solenoid valves: the actuator and the body.
  In the actuator there is the motor (electric or pneumatic) and in the body the shutter that controls the flow of water in charge of operating the irrigation system.

Frequent failures in solenoid valves

Mechanical and / or electrical breakdowns generally occur.

Electrical faults are generally due to not opening properly, as the correct way to work is for the controller to signal and the solenoid to respond. But when either device fails, the valve doesn't work.

Mechanical failures are simply due to the valve not closing, regardless of the cause that prevents it. 

If you have any questions or concerns, get in contact with us and if you want to buy your valve or solenoid, click here, and remember that we are also experts in clamps, sprinkler for irrigation, garden sprinklers and in irrigation material.