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How to check air solenoid valve?

Jul 28, 2025

The inspection of solenoid valves plays a very important role, directly related to the stability, safety, and efficiency of equipment operation. In the previous article, the inspection of mixed medium solenoid valves was mainly introduced. In this article, the inspection of pneumatic solenoid valves is mainly introduced. It is not only necessary to check the electromagnetic signal, but also the status of the gas source pressure, pilot gas circuit, and pneumatic components.



Purpose of inspection


Compared to general solenoid valves, pneumatic solenoid valves have more complex and comprehensive inspection items. In addition to the common electrical signal response, pneumatic solenoid valves also require checks related to the air circuit and other associated aspects.


1. Is it operating normally?


• Is the solenoid coil functioning?
• Is the air circuit switching properly?
• Is the air supply pressure normal?
• Is the power on/off state switching correctly?


2. Are there any abnormal conditions?


• Is there any air leakage?
• Is there any blockage?
• Is the operation delayed or stuck?
• Is the exhaust flow smooth?



Electrical Inspection


Power Supply Voltage

  • Check whether the power supply meets the solenoid valve’s nameplate requirements.


Coil Operating Condition

  • Listen for a “click” sound when powered on;

  • Check if the coil is overheating or burnt out;

  • Use a multimeter to measure if the coil resistance is normal.


Wiring and Terminals

  • Check that wiring is secure, well-protected, and free from looseness or short circuits.


Electrical inspection ensures the solenoid coil can be properly energized and de-energized, preventing valve malfunction or abnormal operation caused by electrical faults, thereby guaranteeing the accuracy and stability of system control.



Pneumatic Inspection


Air Supply Pressure

  • Check whether the inlet air pressure is within the allowable range;

  • Use a pressure gauge to confirm pressure stability.


Air Quality

  • Ensure there is no water, oil, or impurities in the air;

  • Check that the air treatment units are functioning properly.


Pipeline Connections

  • Verify that all fittings are secure;

  • Use soapy water to check for air leaks.


Pneumatic inspection ensures that the air supply pressure and quality meet requirements, preventing issues such as insufficient pressure, blockage from impurities, or leaks that can cause sluggish or faulty operation, thereby ensuring smooth operation of the pneumatic system.



Mechanical Inspection


Valve Core Movement

  • Check whether the valve switches smoothly after energizing;

  • Check for any sticking or delayed movement of the valve core.


Internal Contaminants/Blockages

  • During disassembly, inspect for carbon deposits, rust, dust, or other blockages inside the passages.


Sealing Performance

  • Check for aging or damage of seals, valve body, and other components;

  • Inspect for any internal or external leakage.


Mechanical inspection helps prevent sluggish valve operation, air leakage, or failure to close caused by mechanical sticking, internal contamination, or seal damage, ensuring the mechanical reliability and airtightness of the valve.



Control Response Inspection


Operating Frequency

  • Check whether the valve can respond quickly to control signals;

  • Verify if the response is delayed or if there is no action.


Reset Function

  • Confirm whether the valve can properly reset after power on and power off.


Control response inspection ensures that the solenoid valve can quickly and accurately respond to control commands and reset timely, meeting the speed and precision requirements of industrial automation and preventing delays that could affect production flow.



Environment and Installation Conditions


Correct Installation Orientation

  • Some models require specific installation directions.


Environmental Compatibility

  • Check for the presence of corrosive gases, high temperature, high humidity, vibration, or other adverse factors in the surrounding environment.


Maintenance Space

  • Ensure that the installation location allows for easy maintenance and replacement in the future.


Ensuring installation complies with design specifications helps prevent premature equipment failure or maintenance difficulties caused by improper installation or harsh environments, thereby extending equipment lifespan and reducing maintenance costs.



Comparison of Inspection Differences: Pneumatic Solenoid Valves vs. General Solenoid Valves


Inspection Aspect
Solenoid ValvePneumatic Solenoid Valve
Control MethodElectromagnetic drive onlyElectromagnetic + pneumatic pilot control
Power Supply Voltage CheckMust be checkedEqually important
Coil Condition CheckRoutine itemSame, but fault impact may be less critical
Main Valve Operation CheckMainly relies on electromagnetic forceMust check if air supply can drive main valve operation
Pilot Air Circuit CheckNo pilot air circuit or internal pilotMust check if external air pilot interface is unobstructed, no blockage or leakage
Air Supply Pressure CheckUsually not involvedKey inspection point; insufficient pressure causes main valve not to operate
Air Quality CheckUsually ignoredMust be emphasized
Exhaust Flow CheckUsually fewer issuesMust check if exhaust port is blocked, affecting switching
Control Signal ResponseWhether electrical signal can drive valve core actionMust check if electrical signal can drive pilot valve, then control air-operated main valve


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