Automation Direct double solenoid not working?

[Kenny Cheung]

We recently acquired a couple of these solenoids http://www.automationdirect.com/adc/Shopping/Catalog/Pneumatic_Components/Pneumatic_Valves_-a-_Accessories/General_Purpose_Solenoid_Directional_Control_Air_V alves/3-port_(3-way),_2-pos.,_Body_Ported_(AVS-3_Series)/AVS-3221-24D and have been having issues getting them to work. When we try to fire either side, the green indicator LED on the solenoid turns on and we hear a click but no air is let through. Our PCM is outputting 24V when it should and we have verified the rest of the pneumatic system works (everything works when we use a FESTO solenoid).

Does anyone who has used these solenoids before have an idea what we are doing wrong?

[orangemoore]

What pressure are you running them at?

[Kenny Cheung]

We are running them at 60 psi.

[ebarker]

We recently acquired a couple of these solenoids http://www.automationdirect.com/adc/Shopping/Catalog/Pneumatic_Components/Pneumatic_Valves_-a-_Accessories/General_Purpose_Solenoid_Directional_Control_Air_V alves/3-port_(3-way),_2-pos.,_Body_Ported_(AVS-3_Series)/AVS-3221-24D and have been having issues getting them to work. When we try to fire either side, the green indicator LED on the solenoid turns on and we hear a click but no air is let through. Our PCM is outputting 24V when it should and we have verified the rest of the pneumatic system works (everything works when we use a FESTO solenoid).

Does anyone who has used these solenoids before have an idea what we are doing wrong?

I'm not an expert, which is a problem. But yes we bought the same solenoids and have the same problem.

The item you are looking for is the 52 series, not the 32 series. That will solve your problem.

Somewhere around here is an expert that can tell you the difference.

[Christopher149]

I'm not an expert, which is a problem. But yes we bought the same solenoids and have the same problem.

The item you are looking for is the 52 series, not the 32 series. That will solve your problem.

Somewhere around here is an expert that can tell you the difference.

Not an expert, but is the difference 5-port/2 way versus 3-port/2-way?

[AllenGregoryIV]

A 3 way value can only control one side of a cylinder, they work for single acting spring return cylinders. It opens and exhausts a single line.

A 5 port or 4 way value is used for double acting cylinders.

This FAQ (http://www.pneumadyne.com/faq.php?cat=1)can help.

[Nebster]

You might want these (http://www.automationdirect.com/adc/Shopping/Catalog/Pneumatic_Components/Pneumatic_Valves_-a-_Accessories/General_Purpose_Solenoid_Directional_Control_Air_V alves/5-port_%284-way%29,_2-pos.,_Body_Ported_-z-_Manifold_%28AVS-5,AM_Series%29/AVS-5221-24D).

[ebarker]

You might want these (http://www.automationdirect.com/adc/Shopping/Catalog/Pneumatic_Components/Pneumatic_Valves_-a-_Accessories/General_Purpose_Solenoid_Directional_Control_Air_V alves/5-port_%284-way%29,_2-pos.,_Body_Ported_-z-_Manifold_%28AVS-5,AM_Series%29/AVS-5221-24D).

That's what we use, the 52 series
http://www.automationdirect.com/adc/Shopping/Catalog/Pneumatic_Components/Pneumatic_Valves_-a-_Accessories/General_Purpose_Solenoid_Directional_Control_Air_V alves/5-port_(4-way),_2-pos.,_Body_Ported_-z-_Manifold_(AVS-5,AM_Series)

we have both the single and double solenoid versions.,,, we generally use the single solenoid

love 'em

[FrankJ]

I expect they are pilot operated valve. The solenoid is basically a little valve that operates the spool. If you do not have pressure on the pressure port, they will not work.

[rfolea]

Did this get resolved?

I work at AutomationDirect and would be happy to help you get up and running.

[Kenny Cheung]

Thanks for all the help! I think we have a solid theoretical understanding of what we did wrong. Unfortunately we won't have a chance to mess around with it for a while with finals and winter break coming up. If we continue to run into issues later on we will be sure to check back.

[GeeTwo]

If you have enough of them, as quick workaround, you can use two of the 32 series valves to simulate one 52 series valve. Cross the wires between the two valves so that when one is pressurized, the other is venting, and use one for each half of the cylinder(s).