Have you ever faced unexpected downtime due to a critical solenoid valve failure on your production line? Do you believe that a high-end valve like Germany’s Burkert can be installed and forgotten? The truth may be quite the opposite. A top-tier solenoid valve is like a precision instrument; its long-term reliability and stability are 30% determined by its superior original design, and 70% depend on correct operation and scientific maintenance. Today, moving beyond complex specifications, we delve into practical insights to reveal the full lifecycle “longevity principles” for Burkert solenoid valves—from installation and daily use to maintenance.

Part 1: Before Start-Up – Correct Installation is the Foundation of Longevity

The following steps, taken before power and air are connected, shape the “first impression” and long-term health of your Burkert valve.

1. Unboxing Verification & “Matching”

   • Check its Identity: First, always verify the model label on the valve body. Confirm that its media compatibility, voltage, and pressure range perfectly match your application requirements. Using the wrong valve causes the most severe “hard damage.”

   • Clean the Pipeline: Before connection, always purge or flush the pipelines to remove debris like welding slag or metal chips. Even the smallest particles can scratch the precise valve seat, causing initial leakage.

2. The “Nuances” of Installation Direction & Environment

   • Follow the Flow Direction: Most Burkert solenoid valves have an arrow on the body indicating the medium flow direction. This must be strictly followed during installation. Reverse installation may prevent the valve from opening or cause seal failure.

   • Reserve “Service Space”: During installation, ensure sufficient space above the valve coil and body for future coil removal, manual override operation, or installation of position feedback units.

   • Avoid Harsh Environments: Try to avoid installing the valve in areas with constant vibration, dripping water, or directly above high-temperature heat sources (e.g., steam pipes). Although Burkert coils often have high protection ratings (e.g., IP65), prolonged exposure to extremes can still shorten their lifespan.

Part 2: Smooth Operation – Key “Escort” Points in Daily Use

Once the valve is operational, smart operating habits can prevent most unexpected failures.

1. “Gentle” Start-Up & Stable Power Supply

   • Avoid Water Hammer: For liquid pipelines, especially larger diameters, during initial opening or closing, it’s advisable to reduce sudden flow changes through system design (e.g., adding throttling orifices, using bypass lines) or slow operation to avoid “water hammer” impact damage to internal parts.

   • Ensure Stable Voltage: Guarantee the supply voltage remains within ±10% of the coil’s rated voltage. Insufficient voltage leads to inadequate magnetic force, preventing the plunger from seating properly, causing internal leakage and coil overheating/burnout. Excessive voltage will directly burn out the coil.

2. Understand Its “Status Language”

   • Listen to the Sound: A healthy Burkert valve produces a crisp “click” during actuation. A dull, sluggish, or absent sound may indicate plunger sticking, insufficient voltage, or coil issues.

   • Touch to Sense: It’s normal for the coil housing to be slightly warm (approx. 40-60°C) during stable operation. However, if it becomes abnormally hot to the touch (>80°C), immediately check for overvoltage, excessive media pressure, or a condition where the plunger isn’t fully closed, causing continuous power consumption.

Part 3: Predictive Maintenance – From “Fix on Failure” to “Prevention First”

Regular maintenance is key to maintaining the decade-long, consistent performance of Burkert solenoid valves.

1. The “Golden Checklist” for Regular Maintenance

   • Exterior Cleaning: Regularly wipe dust and oil from the coil and valve body surface with a dry cloth to ensure proper heat dissipation.

   • Manual Testing: For models equipped with a manual override (usually a small button or knob on top), periodically perform manual on/off tests with power off. This checks plunger mobility and serves as an emergency workaround during power failures.

   • Leak Checks: With the valve closed, apply soapy water to connection points to check for external leaks.

2. “Self-Troubleshooting Guide” for Common Failures

   • Valve Doesn’t Actuate: First, check power and wiring. Then try the manual override. If it works manually, the issue is likely the coil. If manual override also fails, the plunger may be stuck by debris.

   • Internal Leakage (Valve Doesn’t Close Tightly): The most common causes are debris on the valve seat (needs cleaning) or worn seals after prolonged use (needs seal kit replacement). Burkert provides original Repair Kits for easy, cost-effective replacement compared to a new valve.

   • Coil Burnout: When replacing, always use an original Burkert coil with the exact same voltage and power rating, and tighten it securely to prevent moisture ingress.

Part 4: Your Reliable Partner – We Offer More Than Just Products

Understanding the precision of Burkert valves, you might ask: How can I ensure correct selection, installation, and long-term spare parts support?

This is precisely where our value lies.

As a long-term authorized partner (or established supplier) of Burkert solenoid valves, we aim to be your lifelong consultant in fluid control:

• Pre-Sales Precision Matching: Our technical engineers help review every application parameter to ensure flawless selection, avoiding the root cause of “using the wrong valve.”

• Original Quality Assurance: We promise all products are genuine originals, providing complete traceability documents so you receive the exceptional performance Burkert is designed for.

• Spare Parts & Repair Support: We maintain stock of complete valves, coils, and repair kits for popular models, ensuring you get original parts quickly to minimize downtime when maintenance is needed.

• Expert Guidance Service: Whether you have installation queries or troubleshooting puzzles, our team is ready to provide professional remote or on-site support.

Conclusion & Call to Action:
Choosing Burkert means selecting top-tier reliability and precision. Combining this with correct maintenance practices and a professional partner maximizes this value to its fullest. Ensuring every switch is accurate and every system runs stably is the shared goal of Burkert and us.

Take Action Now, Get Expert Support!
If you need solutions for maintaining your existing Burkert valves or are seeking a reliable fluid control partner for a new project, please feel free to contact us. You can:

1. Visit our website’s http://www.fittingspneumatic.com/ to download product manuals and maintenance guides.

2. Call our technical hotline directly to describe your valve model and symptoms for quick diagnostics.

3. Submit your application requirements, and our engineers will tailor a cost-effective selection and maintenance plan for you.

Let professionalism guide every detail, from selection to maintenance.

        Sherlyn