Electric valves and solenoid valves are both types of automatic flow control devices that use electric signals to operate. However, they have some differences in their design, function, and application. 

Design

Electric Valves consist of an electric actuator and a valve body. The electric actuator is a motor that rotates or slides a stem to open or close the valve. The valve body can have different shapes and sizes depending on the type of fluid and the flow rate. Electric valves can have two or more ports for fluid flow.

Solenoid Valves consist of a solenoid coil, a plunger, a valve body, and a spring. The solenoid coil is an electromagnet that generates a magnetic field when energized. The plunger is a metal rod that moves inside the coil due to the magnetic force. The valve body contains one or more orifices for fluid flow. The spring is used to return the plunger to its original position when the coil is de-energized. Solenoid valves can have two, three, or four ports for fluid flow.

Function

Electric Valves can control the degree of opening or closing of the valve, which means they can regulate the flow rate and pressure of the fluid. Electric valves can also switch between different flow paths by using multi-port valves. Electric valves are more resistant to voltage shock than solenoid valves.

Solenoid Valves can only switch between fully open or fully closed positions, which means they can only turn on or off the flow of the fluid. Solenoid valves can also distribute or mix fluids by using multi-port valves. Solenoid valves are faster than electric valves in opening and closing, which makes them suitable for frequent switching applications.

Application

Electric Valves are generally used for regulating and switching systems on and off. They are often found in fan coil terminals, heating and cooling systems, water supply systems, and industrial process control systems. Electric valves can handle high flow rates and high pressure differences.

Solenoid Valves are generally used for shutting off, releasing, dosing, distributing, or mixing fluids. They are often found in liquid or gas control systems, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, air conditioning systems, and wastewater treatment systems. Solenoid valves can handle low flow rates and low pressure differences.

Motorzied valves and solenoid valves are both useful devices for automatic flow control. However, they have different designs, functions, and applications that make them suitable for different scenarios. Electric valves are better for regulating flow rate and pressure, while solenoid valves are better for fast switching and special processing requirements.