Diaphragm/Solenoid Valves

Pulse-jet cleaning baghouses utilize diaphragm valves to pass compressed air from the air supply lines and manifold into the blow piped within the baghouse. These diaphragm valves are usually actuated with electrically operated pilot solenoids.

Diaphragm valves may be activated from a few times a day to many times a day, depending on the frequency of cleaning required for a particular baghouse application. They are a mechanical device and therefore have a service life. Under normal conditions with dry compressed air, these valves offer good service life. But they will wear over time and develop loose seals or fail due to fatigue and worn parts.

With moisture present in the pneumatic air lines, diaphragm valves may be subject to shortened life service. During cold weather the moisture in a diaphragm valve can freeze and either restrict or limit the valve's operation. When a diaphragm valve fails for any reason, cleaning of the baghouse fabric filters is restricted or eliminated and thus can create other associated problems that can cause a shut down of the baghouse operation and expensive repairs and replacements.

Diaphragm valves should be inspected regularly for verification of proper working condition. The frequency of inspection will depend on usage, conditions of operating environment, and conditions of compressed air feeding the valves. In some cases, rebuild kits can be obtained to refurbish worn or broken valve assemblies. In other cases, the valves must be replaced.

Menardi supplies solenoid operated diaphragm valves and pilot operated diaphragm valves in many sizes and designs by all of the primary valve manufacturers. Rebuild kits are available for all diaphragm valves that offer this option.