IKA MV 1 solenoid valve for cooling water control, 0020003763

Thermodynamic control loops and exothermic compensation

In chemical reaction engineering and the synthesis of high-molecular-weight polymers, absolute control over the reaction temperature is of critical importance. Particularly in the case of exothermic reactions, in which massive amounts of thermal energy are released at the molecular level, the system must cool down immediately to prevent thermodynamic runaway of the reactor. The IKA MV 1 solenoid valve is the fluid-mechanical actuator for this cooling process. Integrated into the cooling water circuit of a laboratory reactor, it acts as an electronic switch for the fluid. If the reaction medium exceeds the programmed setpoint temperature at the temperature sensor, the valve receives an electrical control pulse, opens the flow path and floods the cooling jacket or the system’s internal reflux cooler with temperature-controlled cooling water, thereby immediately maximising convective heat exchange.

Electromagnetic Actuation and Fluid Mechanics

The physical operating principle of the MV 1 is based on electromagnetic kinematics. When de-energised, a mechanical spring holds the valve piston (armature) in a completely sealed position against the valve seat. This safety principle (normally closed) ensures that, in the event of a power failure, the cooling water circuit is blocked and the laboratory infrastructure is not flooded. When current is applied to the integrated copper coil, it induces a strong magnetic field. The resulting Lorentz force pulls the metallic armature into the coil against the static spring pressure, opening the flow cross-section in fractions of a millisecond. These extremely short switching times allow the higher-level PID controller of the IKA reactor system to regulate the cooling water flow rate at a high frequency in a clocked manner, thereby eliminating thermal oscillations.

Pressure stability and prevention of hydrodynamic shocks

The switching of incompressible fluids (such as water) in pressurised piping systems inevitably generates massive hydrodynamic pressure peaks (known as pressure surges or water hammer) when the valve closes abruptly. The internal flow architecture of the IKA MV 1 solenoid valve is physically designed to cushion the closing kinetics of the armature in such a way as to minimise these shock waves in the fluid. This reliably protects the sensitive borosilicate glass coolers and the elastomeric hose connections in the reactor assembly from mechanical destruction caused by burst pressure.

Metrological system integration

The valve does not operate independently, but acts as the precise final element in a complex metrological control loop. It is connected electrically directly to the corresponding relay or control outputs of IKA temperature controllers or reactor base stations (such as the LR 1000 control). This integration transforms the laboratory reactor from a purely heated vessel into a fully automated, bidirectionally temperature-controlled (heating and cooling) thermodynamic system.

Technical details

• Product type: Electromagnetic valve (solenoid valve)
• Process function: Fluid-mechanical cooling water control
• Operating principle: Electromagnetic actuation via copper coil
• Safety design: Normally closed (NC)
• Thermodynamic benefit: Precise compensation of exothermic reactions
• Fluid mechanics: Optimised to prevent hydrodynamic pressure surges (water hammer)
• System integration: Direct control via IKA base stations or temperature controllers
• Power supply: Supplied via the connected IKA control unit
• Media compatibility: Designed for aqueous cooling media in piping systems

Contents of delivery

• 1 x IKA MV 1 solenoid valve

(Important note: IKA control units, cooling water hoses and reactor infrastructure are not included in the scope of delivery!)

Individual requirements & accessories

The IKA MV 1 solenoid valve is a purely fluid-mechanical actuator and will not function without a higher-level PID controller. To automate the cooling circuit, the valve must be connected to the appropriate measurement and control technology (e.g. a contact thermometer, a base station or a thermostat with a cooling water relay). Pressure-resistant silicone or EPDM hoses and hose clamps are also required for the mechanical connection to the domestic water supply and the reactor cooler. Please contact our procurement service at any time for the thermodynamically correct design of your cooling systems.