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Electric actuated valve?

Posted: Sun Feb 28, 2010 6:26 am
by verm
Hello fellas, I'm looking for an electrically operated valve to turn the flow from an air compressor (say 100psi) on and off. I'm not sure where to look, I want high flow and 12v actuation.

I'm thinking you guys are the ones to ask, surely ones have seeked the same before. What am I after? Do solenoid valves hold up to the on off hammering abuse?

I'm not looking for machine gun on off on off on off, just something I can turn on and off at will.

Posted: Sun Feb 28, 2010 6:40 am
by jackssmirkingrevenge
The problem with a normally closed solenoid valve is that it will be sucking power while you need it open.

You can use a small motor to convert a ball valve to electric actuation with relative ease.

Posted: Sun Feb 28, 2010 6:48 am
by POLAND_SPUD
just something I can turn on and off at will
why would you need that?
if we don't know what you are planning to use it for it makes it more difficult for us to help you

Posted: Sun Feb 28, 2010 7:31 am
by metalmeltr
A sprinkler valve is the first thing that comes to mind. 12V should actuate it even though it is used to 24V For a smaller valve I saw a 1/4" solonoid valve at a local place called Kafenbarger Truck Equipment, They sell snow plows and dump bed for trucks. I did not see a price but they had the valve. You may try a similer retailer near where you live. You may try looking online (Mcmaster, grainger,) For a valve.

Posted: Sun Feb 28, 2010 7:34 am
by jackssmirkingrevenge
As mentioned the problem with solenoid valves is that they are either normally open or closed, and to have them in the opposite position means they require continuous power. The sprinkler valves normally used in spudguns will only stay open while power is applied.

Posted: Sun Feb 28, 2010 7:36 am
by verm
Well normally closed is prefered, say you wanted to run a vortex design remotely thats practically what I'm hoping to achieve. I guess a solenoid would work for this, I thought they would be far more expensive then what ebay suggests http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Valves-12-volt-S ... 3a581043f7

I know I payed $300 or so for a brass 1" valve before.

Be a lot cheaper if I got a NPT valve from america but BSP will do me better over here.

I see what jacks saying but that at least for me wasn't required. For low power drain with a motor you'd need to alternate the polarity to turn it on and off.

Posted: Sun Feb 28, 2010 7:38 am
by jackssmirkingrevenge
verm wrote:say you wanted to run a vortex design remotely thats practically what I'm hoping to achieve.
Interesting, sentry gun?

For solenoids, check out one of our benevolent sponsors ;)

Posted: Sun Feb 28, 2010 7:41 am
by POLAND_SPUD
to run a vortex design remotely thats practically what I'm hoping to achieve
yeah then a solenoid valve should work pretty well for that purpose... depending on the solenoid you'd need 2 or 4 9V batteries to actuate it

Posted: Sun Feb 28, 2010 7:54 am
by verm
Well kind of, and yes I've been playing too much modern warfare 2.

Well it needs a big 240v mains power compressor so power isn't an issue, but I would like to keep it all at safe voltages.

I have to buy from Australian or British sources to keep it BSP, alternatively I'd have to buy everything from USA and keep it all NPT. Different threads.

Posted: Sun Feb 28, 2010 8:03 am
by jackssmirkingrevenge
verm wrote:Well kind of, and yes I've been playing too much modern warfare 2.
My problem exactly :D


How about these? Much cheaper and suitable for BBMGs at compressor pressures.

Posted: Sun Feb 28, 2010 8:17 am
by verm
Hey thanks for tracking that down Jack I didn't enen think of washing machine valves, not sure if they are BSP but at $8 with free postage who cares, always upgrade if it works. I just chucked out a washing machine too. I'll take a 90 degree 12v one :)

And lol yes I saw your thread after coming here with that idea.

Posted: Sun Feb 28, 2010 8:29 am
by jackssmirkingrevenge
verm wrote:not sure if they are BSP but at $8 with free postage who cares
Since I work with epoxy to a large extent I don't care much for thread sizes, it gives you a lot more flexibility. For example in this case you can take say a 1/2" socket and epoxy it to the valve. It's a technique worth learning if you have limited resources.

Posted: Sun Feb 28, 2010 10:44 am
by verm
Heh I'll keep liberal use of epoxy in mind. But I did just notice in the second pic they are 3/4" BSP so alls good.

Posted: Sun Feb 28, 2010 1:44 pm
by jimmy101
I've used washing machine type valves before. They should be good to at least 100 PSI since home potable water systems will occasionally reach that high. I would suspect 120 PSIG would be OK as well. I was using it with a 120 PSIG shop compressor without any problems.
http://www.inpharmix.com/jps/diaphram_valve_BBMG.html

Posted: Sun Feb 28, 2010 1:50 pm
by jackssmirkingrevenge
jimmy101 wrote:I've used washing machine type valves before.
Pssst, I've linked to that already ;)