Valves help in controlling the flow of fluids in domestic, commercial, and industrial systems. Among the many types of valves available, solenoid valves and autonomous mechanical valves stand out for their unique working mechanisms.
Today, water overflow in overhead tanks is a common issue, especially in cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai.
To effectively address this problem, using a suitable solenoid valve with a float valve or autonomous mechanical valves is one of the best solutions for preventing water wastage and ensuring efficient water management.
A solenoid valve is an electrically operated device that uses a magnetic coil to open or close the valve. On the other hand, an autonomous mechanical valve works without electricity, relying on mechanical forces like pressure, temperature, or fluid dynamics to control the flow.
In this article, we’ll be discussing both solenoid valves and autonomous mechanical valves in detail.
Autonomous Mechanical Valve
Autonomous Mechanical Valve is one of the best water overflow prevention valves. It is an automatic valve that operates without electricity and float switches. The working principle is based on the differential-level water valve.
Autonomous Mechanical Valve has the ability to stop water flow automatically when the water level reaches the highest set limit in the tanks. It also opens the water flow when the water level reaches below the set limit in the tank.
It offers a high flow rate of 150-450 L/min and a soft-closing feature to prevent water hammer issues. It is used as a top rainwater harvesting valve with good efficiency and durability. Due to its soft cloning ability, it prevents water hammer issues and also has no need for electricity.
Flotaa is the only brand in India offering this autonomous mechanical brand, providing a more durable and maintenance-free solution for water control.
Applications
- Used in water tanks, it automatically adjusts the water level.
- Used in air cooling to regulate the flow of fluid.
- Used in swimming pools for flow control and adjusting water pressure.
- Used in toilet cisterns to overcome overflow of the water.
- Used in aquariums.
- Used in hydroponic systems.
Advantages And Disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| An autonomous mechanical valve can maintain an exact and specific water level. No need for electricity. Soft closing risk for water hammer These valves are compact, easy to install, and easy to move. It is corrosion-free, and maintenance costs are very low. | It is not compatible with high-pressure applications. (max-15 kg) and standard solenoid valves handle approximately 255 kg pressure. It can hold a maximum of 70 °C and a high-temperature medium of 120 °C. Standard solenoid valves handle temperatures up to 62 °C, but some solenoid valves handle temperatures up to 150 °C. |
Solenoid Valve
Solenoid valves offer faster and more precise control over liquid flow. When integrated with a float switch or sensor, they help prevent overflow conditions in tanks and containers by quickly opening or closing based on an electrical signal.
When the electric supply starts, the coil generates a magnetic field, lifting the plunger and opening the valve to allow fluid to pass through it.
As soon as you turn off the electricity, the magnetic field disappears, and the plunger moves back to its original position, closing the valve again.
These solenoid valves are used to distribute, mix, shut off, or release media. These valves are commonly used in overhead tanks, industrial water purifiers, irrigation systems, HVAC setups, and automated fluid control systems.
Applications
- Water tanks use solenoid valves to control the level of water with the combination of a float switch.
- Used in irrigation systems for automatic control.
- Used in automatic door lock locking systems.
- In medical and dental equipment, it controls the flow, direction, and pressure of liquids.
Advantages And Disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| The solenoid valve has a quick response time. It uses low power consumption. It can be accessed remotely. It can be compatible with low and high pressure. It is able to prevent leakage. It can be installed vertically or horizontally. | Voltage fluctuations can cause faults in the valve. If the magnetic field is weak, the valve may not open and close properly, affecting its operation. The solenoid coils need to change in the lifetime of the valve. Solenoid valves are only suitable for clean water. |
Read More About: Alternatives To Solenoid Valves
Difference Between Autonomous Mechanical Valves And Solenoid Valves
| Autonomous Mechanical Valve | Solenoid valve | |
| Requirement And Application | It involves controlling the water flow in overhead tanks and cisterns in houses, apartments, and commercial and industrial applications. | It is used for quick on/off valve applications such as overhead tanks, irrigation systems, and water treatment plant applications |
| Cost-Efficiency | Cost-efficient due to no electricity requirement. | Low-cost efficiency and electricity are required. |
| Maintenance | Less maintenance needed | It needs to change its coil’s lifetime. |
| Response Time | It is responded to when the water level is below or above the set limit in the tanks or containers. | They have a faster response time. It is important for safety because it allows the system to react instantly to hazards, preventing accidents or damage. |
| Environment Conditions | Less affected by the environment by dust, moisture, or temperature. | It is affected by environmental conditions such as dust, moisture, and temperature. |
Conclusion
Choosing a better valve for your home or other applications is an essential task. There are many factors, such as durability, reliability, maintenance, and cost-effectiveness, that affect the valve properties.
If you want to prevent overflow tanks, you may just use the autonomous mechanical valve product of the Flotaa. It is cost-effective due to no need for electricity. For autonomous mechanical valves, you can connect to the Folaat website or directly connect to the office.
FAQs
What is the difference between a solenoid valve and a mechanical valve?
The solenoid valve is operated by an electromagnetism process, but the mechanical valve is operated as a differential-level water level valve automatically.
What are the disadvantages of solenoid valves?
In solenoid valves, the coils need to be replaced because they are burned out again and again over time and are very sensitive to electricity voltage fluctuation.
Why are mechanical valves better?
Mechanical valves are a better option because they do not need electricity or float to control the level of water in tanks or other containers. They automatically regulate water levels, preventing overflow efficiently. Additionally, Flotaa’s autonomous mechanical valves feature a soft-closing mechanism, which helps prevent water hammering, reducing pipe stress and potential damage.
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