How to Choose the Correct Burkert Solenoid Valve
A solenoid valve that looks right can still stop a machine. A mismatched voltage, seal material, operating-pressure range, or port thread can cause leakage, coil failure, poor flow, or a valve that never opens. Knowing how to choose the correct Burkert solenoid valve starts with the application data, then ends with an exact check of the installed part number.
Start With the Existing Valve Identification
For a failed valve on operating equipment, the safest replacement method is to match the complete data from the existing Burkert nameplate. Record the Type number, identification or order number, voltage, frequency, wattage, pressure range, body material, seal material, port size, and flow-direction arrow. Take clear photos of the label, connectors, body markings, and fittings before removing the valve.
The Type number alone may identify a valve family but not always the exact configuration. A single Burkert valve series can be supplied with different coil voltages, elastomers, orifices, connection styles, and approvals. The order code or ID number is usually the strongest reference for an exact replacement.
If the label is worn or missing, document the application instead. Identify the medium, supply pressure, process pressure, line size, electrical supply, normal valve position, and mounting arrangement. This information narrows the acceptable options and prevents ordering a similar-looking valve that is functionally wrong.
Match Valve Function Before Port Size
A correct thread size does not make a correct valve. First determine whether the installed valve is normally closed, normally open, or a three-way function. A normally closed valve blocks flow with the coil de-energized. A normally open valve permits flow until energized. Reversing that logic can create a safety issue or keep a pneumatic or fluid circuit from completing its sequence.
Also confirm whether the valve is direct-acting or pilot-operated. Direct-acting valves can switch at zero differential pressure and are commonly used for low-flow, vacuum, and certain control duties. Pilot-operated valves use line pressure to assist opening and closing, which makes them efficient for higher flow but may require a minimum pressure differential. Installing a pilot-operated valve in a zero-pressure application is a common reason for a valve that hums but does not actuate correctly.
For three-way valves, verify port designations and flow path. Ports may be marked pressure, outlet, and exhaust, but the layout can vary by model. Do not assume that matching three connections means the valve will match the machine sequence.
Select Materials for the Actual Media and Temperature
The valve body, internal seals, and seat must tolerate the medium moving through the system. Brass, stainless steel, and engineered polymer bodies each have valid uses, but compatibility depends on the fluid, concentration, temperature, and cleaning process.
Seal selection is just as critical. NBR is common in pneumatic and general-purpose applications. FKM is often selected for higher temperatures and many oils or fuels. EPDM is frequently used with water, steam-related service, and some cleaning chemicals, but it is not suitable for many petroleum-based fluids. PTFE can offer broad chemical resistance, though its sealing behavior and temperature limits must still match the valve design.
Do not select by material name alone. Hot water, compressed air with lubricants, aggressive washdown chemicals, steam, vacuum, and oxygen service all introduce specific requirements. Review the original specification when the valve handles anything beyond standard dry compressed air or neutral water.
Check Pressure, Flow, and Connection Details
Confirm both the maximum operating pressure and the pressure differential across the valve. A valve rated for the line pressure may still fail to operate if its minimum differential pressure is not met. Vacuum service deserves separate attention because not every general-purpose solenoid valve is rated for it.
Flow capacity matters as well. Compare the original valve's orifice size, Cv or Kv value, and connection dimensions. An undersized replacement can starve a cylinder, slow filling, or restrict process flow. An oversized valve may create pressure spikes, water hammer, or poor control resolution.
Verify the connection standard instead of relying on nominal size. NPT, BSPP, BSPT, tube fittings, and flange connections are not interchangeable. Check thread gender and orientation, too. A replacement that requires adapters can add leak paths and may alter the available installation clearance.
Verify Coil Power and Electrical Requirements
Match the coil to the available electrical supply: AC or DC, voltage, frequency for AC service, connector style, and power consumption. A 24 VDC coil is not a substitute for a 24 VAC coil, even if the connector fits. Applying the wrong supply can cause weak actuation, overheating, or immediate coil damage.
Check the duty cycle and ambient temperature around the valve. Continuous-duty applications need a coil rated to remain energized without exceeding its thermal limits. Panels, enclosed machinery, and hot process areas can raise coil temperature well above normal room conditions.
Where applicable, verify the required enclosure and approvals. Washdown equipment may need a suitable ingress-protection rating. Hazardous locations, food production, medical equipment, and regulated process systems may require a specific certified configuration. A general replacement should not be used where the original approval is part of the equipment requirement.
When Replacing an Obsolete Burkert Valve
For discontinued or hard-to-source valves, exact replacement remains the first choice. Matching the complete part number preserves the original flow, control logic, coil specification, materials, and approvals. Used Industrial Parts can help maintenance and procurement teams source new, used, or obsolete MRO inventory when standard channels no longer have the required configuration.
If an exact match is unavailable, treat substitution as an engineering decision. Compare every functional requirement, including valve action, pilot requirement, pressure range, media compatibility, electrical data, connection standard, physical envelope, and certification. Before returning equipment to production, inspect fittings and wiring, test the valve under controlled conditions, and confirm that the machine sequence and fail-safe position perform as intended.
