Proportional valves: everything you need to know

Nowadays, proportional valves are becoming smarter and smaller, revolutionizing fluid control technology. Despite their compact appearance and silent operation, these systems are extremely accurate in monitoring flow and pressure rate, offering reliability and technical precision.

On this page, we will delve into: 

• The proportional valve mechanism
• A comparison between proportional valves VS solenoid valves
  • Directional valve: what is, and how does it work?
• The multiple applications of a proportional valve
• Dolphin Fluidics proportional valve models
• Why should you opt for Dolphin Fluidics valves

The proportional valve mechanism 

The in-depth understanding of the internal mechanics that rule how a proportional valve interacts with electrical stimulation, fluids, and pressure is instrumental to be able to address the most common issues.

A proportional valve is a technological device that responds to an electronic input signal which is sent out once pre-set parameters reach the required operational benchmark for activation. 

The mechanism starts moving as the electrical impulse is converted into mechanical force by an actuator.

The opening and closing of the valve is a movement, which is directly proportional to the input signal, and is regulated through single or dual channels. This may vary depending on specific applications and sectors. 

Real-time reporting and immediate feedback are feasible thanks to sensors that collect information, transforming it into a constant data stream into the system. This helps avoid excessive fluctuations, contributing to the overall valve steadiness.

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A comparison between proportional valves VS solenoid valves 

Proportional valves are often compared to solenoid models as they are two sides of the same coin in the realm of aerodynamics and fluid control systems. Let’s discover their differences.

Solenoid models feature a simple design and a robust structure. They are usually employed in on/off control tasks, as to say activities where fast and decisive actions are prioritized, instead of precision. They perform using the principle of electromagnetic actuation, responding to an electrical signal to open and close the valve.

Conversely, proportional valves control flow rate and pressure following the input signal. This enables more control over fluid dynamics, transforming this device in a perfect system when exact modulation is needed.

We could summarize the main difference between these two devices in their operational performance. In fact, proportional valves are more suitable for variable control, adjusting based on changing conditions, while solenoid valves are more focused on immediate action. For this reason, it is crucial to choose the valve that better matches your operational needs, enhancing overall efficiency. 

Directional valve: what is, and how does it work?

A directional valve is a device which controls water and gas moving through hydraulic or pneumatic circuits. This mechanism allows the valve to shift the spool, blocking passages and opening others in order to lead the fluid to the right part of the device, enabling the valve to activate, direct, or block the stream in several parts of the system.

Unlike proportional valves, directional valves are more focused on controlling the path of the fluid. On the other hand, proportional valves are more concerned with regulating flow or pressure, allowing precise control and immediate resolution of troubleshooting problems related to fluid aerodynamics.

The multiple applications of a proportional valve

One of the main features of proportional valves is their versatility that makes them suitable for applications across several sectors. 

Health Tech

For the medical field, Dolphin Fluidics has engineered:

• 3-way proportional valve: this is the perfect solution for exerting control over blood flow and other fluids. It could be used in cardiac surgeries. 
• direct flow proportional valve: a product that allows direct and unobstructed flow of fluids. It can be used in drug infusion systems and for intravenous therapy.
• proportional gas valve: perfect for the delivery of gasses in oxygen dispensers, anesthesia machines, and respiratory equipment. This product is equipped with a safety system to prevent gas leaks. 

Food & Beverage 

For the Food & Beverage sector, Dolphin Fluidics has developed a broad range of proportional valves. These devices allow easy cleaning and sanitation operations as well as effective carbonation control. Furthermore, thanks to their sensors, they deal with beverages based on the drinks they need to handle. 

Agriculture 

Dolphin Fluidics smart proportional valves can be used for dosing water, fertilizers, nutrients and chemicals for irrigation and agricultural practices. 

Accurate dispensing is performed by using sensors that allow precise liquid management both in traditional agriculture and modern hydroponics techniques. 

Industrial

In industrial applications, closed-loop proportional valves not only regulate, but also mix fluids, both liquids and gasses. They are perfect for temperature control, cooling, and power generation systems. Furthermore, being wireless, they can gather data for reporting, and remote management, in order to plan predictive maintenance operations and swiftly intervene in case of troubleshooting.

Dolphin Fluidics proportional valve models 

Dolphin Fluidics offers a broad range of proportional single or dual-channel valve models to cater to the needs of the market. Our devices provide silent operation and swift functioning yet seamlessly integrating with IoT sophisticated platforms. 

Here you can find a comprehensive list of our proportional systems. 

• Single-channel valves: these are digital systems that can change the fluid path to two different directions. They are perfect for high-precision dosing of gas and liquids. 
• Dual-channel valves: this is the ideal solution for dosing, dispensing, or mixing gasses or liquids. They act as fluid modules into a single device. As a result, these systems are compact, minimizing the space needed and operational costs. 
• Hydraulic proportional valves: this solution controls flow or pressure controlling the plunger position through an electrical actuator. They are particularly useful in electromedical machines and in the Food & Beverage industry.
• Proportional water valves: characterized by low power consumption and silent operation, this is the perfect system to control liquids, perfectly targeting fluid dynamic function. 
• Proportional gas valves: these devices can be customized to better meet specific applications requirements. Depending on the industry, this system can be single-channel or two-channel for dispensing gas accurately. 

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Why should you opt for Dolphin Fluidics valves

Dolphin Fluidics provides proportional valves capable of delivering unparalleled aerodynamics performance and perfect fluid control in dosing operations. 

Our models present unique features that make them stand out, such as: 

• high-quality, corrosion-resistant materials which guarantee the durability of the system over time;
• our shape memory actuators, digital elements that allow these valves to reach new levels of IoT platform integration, remote control and reporting;
• compact and customizable design helps achieve the best results under the most diverse circumstances, adapting to many environmental and space conditions.

The Dolphin Fluidics team will be by your side at every step of your proportional valve journey,from your first interview with our experts to post-sales assistance, trusting a skilled partner that will help you reach new fluid control technology heights.

Would you like to know more about Dolphin Fluidics proportional valves?