Solenoid Valve : Light Oil

Solenoid Valves for Light Oil

Light Oil under 40 CST (Centistokes) can be used on most standard general-purpose brass solenoid valves, but attention needs to be given to the seal material compatibility. NBR or Nitrile Buna Rubber is typically a less expensive more readily available seal material that may well be suitable, but we would normally recommend FKM, however it is good practise to check with the oil supplier.

Contaminated Oil

Solenoid valves generally do not work well with contamination in the media such as rust, pipe swarf and other debris over about 0.25 mm in diameter, as this will either block or inhibit valve sealing and reduce the solenoid valve work life. It is generally good practise to clean all upstream pipework before installing any solenoid valve, and very wise to install an upstream Y pattern strainer or filter to protect the solenoid valve from foreign particles. Otherwise, we suggest coaxial valves that work well with contaminated and viscous oils.

Oil Temperature and Viscosity.

Consideration needs to be given to working temperatures of the oil, not only the minimum and maximum temperatures, but how this affects the viscosity or thickness of the oil. The cooler oil becomes the thicker the oil becomes which in turn may well take it above the 40 or 50 centistokes viscosity limit of the solenoid valve. For hot oil applications, a more specialised high temperature solenoid valve will be required that can withstand these high temperatures. See high temperature valves here.

Solenoid Valve Oil Flow.

When choosing a solenoid valve for light oil, you will need to know the flow required. Most solenoid valves will offer various flow coefficients i.e. the expected flow of a given media (usually based on water) through the solenoid valve based on a given pressure differential (difference between inlet and outlet pressure), which allows users to calculate which solenoid valve is best suited to their application, especially useful when using miniature solenoid valves as these come with various orifice sizes and flow coefficients. When calculating for oil flow, the viscosity will be required for accurate results. See our FAQ section for more information.

Solenoid Valve Pressure Rating.

All solenoid valves have a maximum and sometimes a minimum pressure rating, both of which have to be adhered too however the maximum pressure rating is critical and must never be exceeded. If a minimum pressure rating is given this suggests that the solenoid valve offered relies on a pressure differential (pressure difference between inlet and outlet ports) to operate. See our article on pressure assisted solenoid valves for more information.

Buy solenoid valves for light oil here