1. What Is an Airborne 2 Position 2 Way Solenoid Valve?

Let us start with the name because it tells us quite a lot.

2 position means the valve has two operating states. In simple language, it can be in one position or the other.

2 way means the valve has two main fluid ports and controls the connection between them.

Solenoid valve means the valve uses an electromagnetic coil to create movement. When the electrical signal is applied, the magnetic force moves an internal part and changes the fluid path.

When I put all three terms together, an airborne 2 position 2 way solenoid valve is an electrically controlled two-port valve that switches between two defined states and is intended for an airborne or aerospace fluid-control application.

The actual valve configuration can be normally closed or normally open. In a normally closed design, the fluid passage remains closed when the solenoid is not energized and opens when the coil receives the required electrical signal. In a normally open design, the basic behavior is reversed.

Which one should be used? I would not answer that without seeing the system. The correct choice depends on the control logic, safety philosophy, pressure conditions and required behavior if electrical power is lost.

Where can a two-way airborne solenoid valve be used?

• Aircraft fluid-control systems

• Airborne pneumatic systems

• Aerospace test equipment

• Aircraft environmental control equipment

• Special gas-control systems

• Hydraulic or fluid-control subsystems where the valve materials and design are suitable

• Research and experimental aerospace equipment

• Commercial aerospace equipment

I want to make one point clear: "airborne" is an application requirement, not simply a product label. Whether a particular valve is suitable for flight use depends on the complete specification and required qualification testing.

2. How the Two Position Two Way Solenoid Valve Works

The working principle is fairly simple, which is one reason solenoid valves are so useful.

Inside the valve is an electromagnetic coil and a moving mechanism. When the control system sends an electrical signal to the coil, the coil produces a magnetic field. The magnetic force moves the armature or plunger. That movement changes the position of the sealing element and either opens or closes the fluid passage.

Once the electrical signal is removed, a spring or another return mechanism can move the valve back to its original position, depending on the valve design.

In practical terms, the control sequence can be described like this:

1. The control system sends an electrical signal.

2. The solenoid coil creates magnetic force.

3. The internal moving part changes position.

4. The fluid passage opens or closes.

5. The system receives the required fluid-control action.

6. When the command changes, the valve returns to its designed state.

The simple working principle does not mean the engineering is simple. An airborne valve may have to operate while experiencing vibration, temperature changes, pressure variation and limited installation space. The electrical side also has to match the aircraft or aerospace control system.

The FAA identifies RTCA DO-160 as a source of environmental qualification procedures for airborne equipment and strongly encourages DO-160G for new articles in the context described by its advisory circular. This is useful background when discussing airborne hardware, but it does not mean every solenoid valve automatically needs every DO-160 test. The applicable environmental tests must be determined by the aircraft program and installation.    

Normally closed versus normally open

Configuration

Source: General electromagnetic valve operating principles and Huiyuan engineering practice. The appropriate configuration must be selected from the actual system control and safety requirements.

3. What I Look at When Selecting an Airborne Solenoid Valve

A common mistake is to start with the connection size. I prefer to start with the working conditions.

For an airborne 2 position 2 way solenoid valve, I normally want to know the following information before recommending a configuration.Parameter

Source: Huiyuan engineering selection practice. Environmental qualification considerations are informed by FAA guidance referencing RTCA DO-160 for airborne equipment. Actual requirements must be established by the applicable aircraft or aerospace program.   

Fluid compatibility comes first

I always ask about the medium. A valve designed for clean air is not automatically suitable for every liquid or gas.

The fluid can affect the body material, sealing material, surface finish and internal structure. If the fluid has special chemical properties, that information becomes even more important.

Pressure is more than one number

I also want to know the pressure on both sides of the valve. The pressure differential can influence the force required to open or close the valve.

This is especially important when the valve is small but the pressure is high. A compact valve still has to produce enough mechanical force to move reliably under the actual conditions.

Temperature affects the whole valve

Temperature does not only affect the sealing material. It can also influence the coil, electrical resistance, moving parts and mechanical clearances.

For that reason, I ask for the real operating temperature range rather than simply "normal temperature."

4. Main Technical Advantages of Our Airborne 2 Position 2 Way Solenoid Valve

Our strength comes from long-term experience in fluid control and special non-standard valve manufacturing. We do not only produce one standard valve type. We work across different kinds of fluid-control products and applications.

Compact and application-focused design

Airborne equipment often has limited installation space. I therefore pay attention to the overall envelope, port position, mounting interface and electrical connector location.

A good valve should fit the system instead of forcing the system designer to make unnecessary changes around the valve.

Precise two-state control

A two position two way solenoid valve has a clear job: change the fluid path from one state to another. That straightforward function can be valuable in systems where simple and direct on-off control is preferred.

Customized electrical configuration

The solenoid coil can be designed around the required electrical conditions, subject to the specific product design. Voltage, duty cycle, connector requirements and environmental conditions all need to be reviewed together.

Special non-standard manufacturing

Many of our aerospace-related projects are not standard catalog orders. Customers may have a special mounting interface, unusual dimensions, a specific material requirement or a particular operating condition.

This is where our non-standard valve experience becomes useful. We can start from a drawing, technical specification, sample or basic system requirements.

Performance and sealing inspection

Before delivery, we inspect the valve for performance, sealing and appearance. Additional tests can be arranged according to the product specification and customer acceptance requirements.

I prefer to agree on the test plan early. It is much easier to manufacture a product correctly when everyone agrees on what "qualified" means before production starts.

5. Manufacturing Process: How We Build the Valve

I often tell customers that final inspection is important, but it cannot replace good manufacturing. If the machining, material selection or assembly is wrong, a final test alone is not a complete quality solution.

For this reason, we control the valve from engineering review through production and final inspection.

Step 1: Requirement review

We first study the technical requirements. This includes the fluid, pressure, temperature, flow, electrical input, installation dimensions, connection type and required valve state.

For an airborne application, I also want to understand the environmental conditions and any qualification standards named by the customer.

Step 2: Structural design

The engineering team considers the valve body, internal flow path, sealing structure, moving mechanism and solenoid assembly.

For a customized airborne solenoid valve, the design is developed around the application instead of simply selecting the closest catalog model.

Step 3: Material selection

Material selection depends on the medium and operating environment. Body materials, internal components, springs, magnetic components and sealing materials all have to work together.

If a customer has a specified material standard, we can review it during the technical discussion.

Step 4: Precision machining

The internal parts of a solenoid valve need to move and seal correctly. Small machining errors can affect leakage, switching behavior or service life.

That is why the machining process is an important part of valve quality, even though most of the finished surfaces cannot be seen once the valve is assembled.

Step 5: Assembly

During assembly, the valve body, internal moving parts, sealing components and solenoid assembly are brought together according to the product design.

Correct assembly is particularly important for a compact valve because there is little room for error.

Step 6: Performance and sealing tests

Before shipment, we perform the agreed inspections for valve operation, sealing and appearance. The exact test conditions depend on the product specification.

Stage

Main Work

What We Check

Source: Huiyuan manufacturing and inspection practice. The actual process and test items vary according to valve design, technical specification and customer acceptance requirements.

This process also fits the general thinking behind ISO 9001 quality management, which covers controlled operations, monitoring and measurement, performance evaluation and continual improvement. ISO describes ISO 9001 as a framework for organizations to consistently meet customer and applicable regulatory requirements.    

6. Airborne Applications and Related Industries

Although this product is described as an airborne 2 position 2 way solenoid valve, the underlying fluid-control technology can be useful in many related areas.

Aircraft systems

Aircraft contain many systems that need controlled flow of gases or liquids. A solenoid valve can provide a simple electrical way to open or close a defined fluid path.

The exact application depends on the aircraft design and the fluid being controlled.

Aerospace equipment

Aerospace equipment may require compact valves for pneumatic or fluid-control functions. Installation space, weight, vibration and environmental conditions can become important design inputs.

Commercial aerospace

Commercial aerospace projects often involve fast development cycles and customized equipment. A valve supplier that can discuss design changes and non-standard requirements can be useful during this process.

Research institutes

Research equipment is another area where we have considerable experience. A research project may need only a small number of valves but require unusual dimensions, materials or interfaces.

Ground test systems

Airborne technology also needs ground support and test equipment. Specialized solenoid valves can be used in test rigs where controlled gas or liquid flow is required.

Other industrial applications

• Industrial automation

• Pneumatic control systems

• Petrochemical equipment

• Shipbuilding equipment

• Nuclear power equipment

• Mechanical equipment

• Special experimental systems

Our broader product experience across these industries helps us understand that a valve is usually only one part of a larger fluid-control system.

7. Why I Recommend Huiyuan for Customized Aerospace solenoid valves

When I evaluate a valve supplier, I look beyond the product name. I want to know whether the supplier understands the application, can manufacture special products, can control quality and can communicate with the engineering team.

This is the approach we have developed at Huiyuan.

Decades of fluid-control experience

Xi'an Huiyuan Instrument Valve Co., Ltd. was formerly the Solenoid Valve Branch of Xi'an Instrument Factory and was restructured into a joint-stock company in 1994.

Since then, we have continued to focus on fluid-control technology and product development.

A broad valve product range

We manufacture various fluid solenoid valves, electric control valves, pneumatic control valves, pressure reducing valves and special non-standard valves.

This range gives us practical experience with different ways of controlling fluid and gas.

Strong non-standard product capability

We have long been involved in special non-standard products. This is especially relevant to aerospace customers because the required valve may not match a standard catalog model.

We can discuss custom dimensions, materials, interfaces, electrical requirements and other project-specific conditions.

Aerospace and commercial spaceflight experience

Huiyuan has provided specialized control valves for military, aerospace, commercial aerospace, nuclear power and shipbuilding applications. We also provide customized valve and testing-system solutions for research institutes.

In commercial aerospace, our development work includes core valves and fluid-control systems adapted to rockets and satellites.

Quality management

Our company has passed ISO 9001:2015 and has obtained other certifications relevant to our products and business. We have also received recognition as a high-tech enterprise and a contract-abiding and creditworthy organization.

Our electric control valves have received recognition including Advanced Quality Product and Xi'an Famous Brand Product.

ISO states that ISO 9001 covers areas including customer requirements, controlled operations, monitoring and measurement, performance evaluation and continual improvement. That basic process-oriented approach is also how I believe customized valve manufacturing should be managed.    

Project Stage

Our Support

Customer Benefit

Source: Huiyuan company capabilities and manufacturing practice. The exact support available for each project is confirmed during technical and commercial discussions.

8. FAQ About Airborne 2 Position 2 Way Solenoid Valves

Q1. What does 2 position 2 way mean?

It means the valve has two operating positions and two main fluid ports. The valve switches between two defined states to control the connection between the ports.

Q2. Can the airborne solenoid valve be normally closed?

Yes. A normally closed configuration is one possible design. When the coil is not energized, the valve stays closed. When the required electrical signal is applied, the valve opens. The correct configuration depends on the system.

Q3. Can you manufacture a normally open version?

Yes, depending on the required valve structure and application. We can discuss normally open and normally closed configurations according to the customer's control requirements.

Q4. Can you customize the valve dimensions?

Yes. For non-standard products, we can discuss the overall dimensions, port arrangement, mounting interface and connector position according to the available installation space.

Q5. What information should I provide before ordering?

I recommend providing the medium, pressure, temperature range, flow requirement, voltage, duty cycle, valve state, connection type, dimensions, leakage requirement and quantity. If you have a drawing, please send it together with the inquiry.

Q6. Is this valve suitable for aircraft flight use?

That depends on the exact product configuration and qualification requirements. The word "airborne" alone does not prove flight qualification. For an aircraft program, the applicable environmental, electrical, mechanical and qualification requirements need to be defined by the system integrator or aircraft program.

Q7. Can the valve be tested according to airborne equipment requirements?

Additional testing can be discussed according to the project requirements. FAA guidance identifies RTCA DO-160 as an accepted source of environmental qualification procedures for airborne equipment in the context described by the advisory circular. Whether a particular DO-160 test category applies to a valve must be determined by the actual installation and program requirements.    

Q8. Can you provide customized valves for research institutes?

Yes. Customized non-standard valves and testing-system solutions for research institutes are an important part of our business.

Q9. What is the production lead time?

The lead time depends on the valve model, material, quantity and customization requirements. Standard products can generally be delivered faster, while customized valves require engineering review, production and testing. We can confirm the expected schedule after reviewing the technical requirements.

Q10. Do you inspect the valve before shipment?

Yes. Before delivery, products are inspected for performance, sealing and appearance. Additional inspection items can be agreed according to the product specification and contract.

Q11. How do you package the valves?

We normally use moisture-resistant and shock-protective packaging. Depending on the size and weight, cartons, wooden cases or pallets may be used.

Q12. Can you provide technical support before purchase?

Yes. This is one of the areas where I believe a valve manufacturer should add real value. We can review the working conditions, discuss valve configuration and help determine whether a standard or customized product is more appropriate.

What I Need From You for a Customized Airborne Solenoid Valve

If you are sourcing an airborne 2 position 2 way solenoid valve, you do not need to have every detail perfectly prepared before contacting us.

Even the following basic information is enough to start:

• Fluid or gas medium

• Normal working pressure

• Maximum pressure

• Minimum and maximum temperature

• Required flow rate

• Available voltage

• Normally open or normally closed requirement

• Switching frequency

• Installation dimensions

• Port and connection type

• Required leakage level

• Required material

• Quantity

• Applicable standards or qualification requirements

If you already have a technical drawing, that is even better. We can review the drawing and discuss the practical manufacturing route.

Final Thoughts: Small Valve, Important Job

An airborne 2 position 2 way solenoid valve may be physically small, but the fluid path it controls can be important to the larger system.

That is why I do not like to treat an aerospace valve as a simple commodity product. The right valve needs to match the fluid, pressure, temperature, electrical signal, installation space, sealing requirement and operating environment.

At Xi'an Huiyuan Instrument Valve Co., Ltd., we have decades of experience in fluid control and special valve manufacturing. Our work covers solenoid valves, electric control valves, pneumatic control valves, pressure reducing valves and customized non-standard products.

We have also built experience in aerospace, commercial spaceflight, nuclear power, shipbuilding and research applications. For customers who need a valve that does not fit a standard catalog, we can start from the actual engineering requirement and develop the product around the application.

If you are looking for an airborne solenoid valve, 2 position 2 way solenoid valve, aerospace fluid control valve or custom aircraft solenoid valve, send us your technical drawing or basic operating conditions.

I will start with the working conditions, not just the product name. That usually leads to a much better valve.

Xi'an Huiyuan Instrument Valve Co., Ltd. — Customized fluid control for demanding applications.