From Solenoid Valves to Automated Flow Control: Supporting the Modern Brewery

Modern breweries rely on flow control throughout their operations, from water and utility services to pneumatic automation and process equipment. Connexion Developments explores how solenoid valves, motorised ball valves, pneumatic actuators and pressure control equipment support today's breweries, and why correct valve selection is increasingly important for reliable automated systems.

Breweries rely on effective flow control throughout their operations, from water and utility services to pneumatic automation, pressure control and general process equipment. While the humble solenoid valve remains an important component, the range of valve and automation products now being used within breweries is considerably broader.

At Connexion Developments, our experience supplying breweries across the UK has shown demand for everything from electrically actuated ball valves and pneumatic actuators to solenoid valves, pressure control valves, pneumatic fittings, coils, connectors and replacement valve components.

One area seeing particular interest is automated ball valve control. Compact electric actuators can provide a simple method of automating water and compatible process lines, with options including power open/power close and failsafe operation. Our ABVM™ range can be combined with WRAS-approved stainless steel ball valves, making it particularly suitable for water applications where material and approval requirements are important.

Pneumatic automation remains equally relevant. Pneumatic actuators, pilot solenoid valves, limit switch boxes and associated air fittings provide a robust solution where compressed air is already available within the brewery.

Solenoid valves continue to perform many everyday duties, controlling water, air, steam and other compatible media. Selecting the correct valve, however, involves more than simply matching the pipe size. Pressure, temperature, media, seal material, electrical supply and whether the application requires direct acting, assisted lift or servo operation all need to be considered.

Pressure control is another area where breweries are turning to specialist equipment. Stainless steel pressure reducing and pressure sustaining valves can provide accurate mechanical control without requiring electrical power or a separate control system.

Interestingly, our 2026 brewery sales reflect this diversity. Alongside automated ball valves, breweries have purchased pneumatic actuators, solenoid valves, pressure sustaining valves, fittings, coils, electrical connectors and replacement valve components — demonstrating that flow control extends throughout the brewing operation.

With more than 25 years' experience in industrial valve and automation technology, Connexion Developments stocks an extensive range of flow-control products in the UK, backed by technical support and free next-day UK delivery.