Electric solenoid valve

Let me tell you this right away: most people think that a solenoid valve is just a coil that clicks and everything works. In fact, even the selection of a sealant forelectric solenoid valvecan turn into a multi-week headache, especially when the customer requires resistance to agrochemicals.

Why are Chinese valves being purchased more often?

Previously, only Italian valves were installed in automatic irrigation projects. But in 2019 they began testing samples fromShandong Linyao Intelligent Agriculture Technology Co.,Ltd- first on trial plots in the Rostov region. I was surprised that their coil immediately comes with protection against overheating, which is critical for summer operation at +45°C.

Once we received a batch where three out of ten valves did not hold pressure after 200 cycles. We sorted it out on the spot - it turned out that the problem was in the casting of the body. The guys from Linyao promptly sent a new engineer, who reassembled the entire defect for us within 24 hours. Since then we have always required preliminary wear tests.

Now we install their valves in drip irrigation projects for vineyards - where accuracy up to 0.1 bar is needed. Not ideal, but for the money there are no better alternatives.

Typical installation mistakes

The most common thing is to forget about the check valve in front of the solenoid. There was a story in the Krasnodar region when four valves were torn out due to water hammer. I had to redo the entire harness.

Another point: if you betelectric solenoid valvein the well, be sure to take it with a manual forced opening button. One fall, the power went out while watering; without this, half the unit would have had to be dismantled.

Connectors are a separate issue. Some “masters” twist the cable to the valve, and then wonder why the coil burns after the first rain. Now we always require the use of only standard connectors with IP67.

What to combine with in irrigation systems

For projectsShanyao Linyao Intelligent Agriculture Technology Co.,Ltdwe usually use their own controllers - the communication protocol is the same, no need to mess around with signal converters. But for large fields of more than 50 hectares, I advise you to install intermediate relays - otherwise the controller will not be able to simultaneously control all lines.

We always install filtration before the valves, even if the water is from an artesian well. Once in Tatarstan, sand jammed the plungers in 12 valves at the same time - repairs cost more than the filter system.

An interesting case: last year we did a smart greenhouse project, whereelectric solenoid valveworked in tandem with a soil moisture sensor. So, we had to install additional protection against false alarms - it turned out that watering started every time a combine operator drove by with a phone.

What breaks most often

Coils - 70% of breakdowns. Especially in the southern regions, where the sun bakes them all day long. Now we have switched to models with heat-resistant insulation - so far they have lasted two seasons without replacement.

Springs are the second problem. In water with a high iron content, they rust within six months. Together with Lingyao, we had to separately develop valves with springs made of 316 stainless steel.

Once a year, be sure to clean the plunger guides - even with good filters, small particles still penetrate. If you skip cleaning, the valve begins to leak when closed.

Development prospects

We are currently testing a prototype valve with a Wi-Fi module fromShandong Linyao Intelligent Agriculture Technology Co.,Ltd- an interesting solution, but so far the stability of the connection leaves much to be desired. But they promise built-in wear diagnostics - this will really simplify the maintenance of large systems.

I see a trend towards combined solutions - whenelectric solenoid valvecombined with a flow meter. This could become the standard for precision farming, although the price is still high.

From the latest: they began to use valves with the ability to smoothly regulate the flow - not just open/closed, but with intermediate positions. It’s still expensive, but it’s already worth it for greenhouse farms.