Key Considerations For Selecting A Solenoid Valve In Health & Science Applications

Solenoid valves play a critical role in medical systems by precisely controlling fluid and gas flow in applications such as ventilators, anesthesia systems, diagnostic instruments, oxygen concentrators, and patient simulators. These valves support essential functions, from blending gases to regulating reagent distribution, making them indispensable in both patient care and medical training environments.

Solenoid valves serve multiple functions, including on/off flow control, pressure regulation, proportional metering, dispensing, and fluid mixing. Configurations vary widely, from simple two-port valves to more complex three-way designs, with options for normally closed or normally open states. Four major valve types—conventional, isolation, pinch-tube, and proportional—allow engineers to balance performance, chemical compatibility, and system requirements. Choosing the right valve depends on factors such as the fluid being controlled, operating environment, flow rate, size, form factor, and sealing performance. Additional considerations include power consumption, heat dissipation, response time, and long-term reliability.

The Lee Company specializes in helping medical device designers select and integrate optimal solenoid valves to meet stringent performance, size, and power requirements. With decades of expertise in miniature precision fluid control, The Lee Company provides engineered solutions that address space-constrained environments and demanding duty cycles while minimizing contamination, corrosion, leakage, and other common risks.

By partnering with The Lee Company, engineers gain access to a global team of technical sales experts and a portfolio of proven, customizable solenoid valve solutions. These innovations support safer, more reliable medical devices that ultimately improve patient outcomes and healthcare training.