Stories & Features
Smarter Alternatives to Solenoid Valves: Rethinking Flow Control
Feb 18, 2026
by
IDEX Health & Science
When your life science system relies on consistent, contamination-free fluid control, your valve choice can make a huge difference. You may have used solenoid valves as a default option in your life science instruments, but as performance demands increase, their limitations become more apparent. Fluid cross-talk, unwanted pressure pulsations, flow, complex integration, and limited chemical compatibility can all introduce challenges into your fluidic workflows.
It may be time to make the switch. Our selection valves are engineered for reliability, chemical resilience, and a smooth, pulse-free fluidic pathway that supports the performance your system requires.
What are the Top Five Key Considerations When Replacing a Solenoid Valve?
- Improved Flow Stability and Precision: Pulse-free flow delivery, reduced pressure spikes, and consistent flow path methods.
- Enhanced Reliability and Lifetime: High cycle durability, minimal wear on moving parts, especially in continuous-use instruments, and predictable maintenance intervals.
- Complete Chemical Compatibility: Resistance to aggressive solvents and support for a wider range of reagents.
- Increased Performance Under High Throughput: Fast, repeatable switching, stable operation, and reduced risk of clogging or sticking.
- Lower Total Cost of Ownership: Lower long-term maintenance costs, fewer replacement cycles, and reduced system complexity.
Best Alternatives to Solenoid Valves from IDEX Health & Science
IDEX Health & Science valves offer a strong alternative to solenoid valves. Our valves can reduce flow pulsations in your system, prevent solvent cross-talk, maximize system uptime, ensure chemical compatibility, and simplify your flow path.
| Replacement Option | Benefits Over Solenoid Valves | Ideal Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Rotary Shear Valves |
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| Valve Manifold Assemblies |
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Rotary Shear Valves
Whether you run elevated system pressures, use aggressive chemicals, need biocompatibility, or have a low-flow instrument, our rotary shear valves offer minimal unswept volumes and diverse material options with a wide choice of material options.
Make the Switch to Rotary Shear Valves
Valve Manifold Assemblies
Manifold mounting of valves can simplify your flow path and fluid connection points during instrument assembly. The addition of other components to the manifold, such as probes, and pressure sensors, can take the most complex flow path and streamline it into one complete fluidic engine.
