Difference between revisions of "Sprinkler valve"

(Expanded descriptionof valve, added photo)
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[[Image:Sprinkler_valve.jpg|frame|A Typical Electrically Operated Sprinkler Valve]]
 
[[Image:Sprinkler_valve.jpg|frame|A Typical Electrically Operated Sprinkler Valve]]
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A '''sprinkler valve''' is the next step up from a [[ball valve]], and is a commercially produced [[diaphragm valve]]. These electrically activated valves are used to control sprinklers in automatic lawn watering systems. Sprinkler valves are usually available at well stocked hardware stores and typical cost $10 to $20 depending on their capacity.
 
  
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The valve is operated by applying 9 to 24 volts (they are designed for 24V) to the solenoid which opens the valve.
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== General Information ==
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Sprinkler valves are the most commonly used valve on pneumatic launchers, and offer a number of desirable qualities.  Because they are intended for use with home watering systems, sprinkler valves are readily available at nearly any location that sells PVC pipe and fittings.  Sprinkler valves are intended for electronic actuation, however most are modified for pneumatic actuation, offering better performance in spudding applications.
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== Valve Actuation ==
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A sprinkler valve can be actuated, or opened, in a number of ways.  Though they are intended to be opened by the application of 24VAC to the solenoid, many opt for a moddification allowing the [[pilot volume]] to be vented through another valve.  Typically a [[Blowgun]] is used, though ball valves and even other sprinkler valves can do the job.
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=== Electronic Actuation ===
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Though electronically actuated valves open slower and offer poorer performance over their pneumatically modified counterparts, many spudders prefer this method, since it does not require altering the valve in any way.
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Although most sprinkler valves are intended to operate on 24VAC, they can be successfully opened with 9-27VDC, usually applied by one, two, or three 9v batteries.  The power source is wired in series with the solenoid and a switch.  The solenoid will retract and the valve will open when voltage is applied.
  
 
Unfortunately for spuders, sprinkler valves are designed to open relatively slowly to prevent "water hammer". The large number of internal turns decreases the flow of the valve to roughly 60-70% of a piston/diaphragm valve with the same diameter.  
 
Unfortunately for spuders, sprinkler valves are designed to open relatively slowly to prevent "water hammer". The large number of internal turns decreases the flow of the valve to roughly 60-70% of a piston/diaphragm valve with the same diameter.  
  
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The performance can be improved by replacing the stock solenoid-valve vent with a [[pilot valve]] with more flow. Most often this is a blow gun, although for larger valves a ball valve or even a smaller sprinkler valve can be used. This operation is often called [[sprinkler valve modification|modding]] the valve.
 
  
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You can download a video of how to modify a sprinkler valve [http://www.bcpneumatics.com/utopia/sprinkler.htm here]
 
  
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The [[GGDT]]'s website has valve data for sprinklers in it's [http://www.thehalls-in-bfe.com/GGDT/library/library_menu.html design library]
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=== Pneumatic Actuation ===
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The performance of a valve can be improved by replacing the stock solenoid-valve vent with a [[pilot valve]] with more flow. Most often this is a blow gun, although for larger valves a ball valve or even a smaller sprinkler valve can be used. This operation is often called [[sprinkler valve modification|modding]] the valve.
  
 
Stock, electrically activated sprinkler valves can be fired remotely using very simple electronics, check out the [[remotely activated valve]] tutorial.  
 
Stock, electrically activated sprinkler valves can be fired remotely using very simple electronics, check out the [[remotely activated valve]] tutorial.  
  
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===Troubleshooting===
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==Troubleshooting==
 
If you are having problems with your sprinkler valve, these are some things to try
 
If you are having problems with your sprinkler valve, these are some things to try
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====Valve "Honks" or "sounds like an airhorn"====
 
====Valve "Honks" or "sounds like an airhorn"====
 
You need a larger pilot valve. For more information, see [[honking]].
 
You need a larger pilot valve. For more information, see [[honking]].
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For other problems, visit the Sprinkler Valve Troubleshooting Guide [http://www.spudfiles.com/forums/sprinkler-valve-troubleshooting-guide-t8780.html]
 
For other problems, visit the Sprinkler Valve Troubleshooting Guide [http://www.spudfiles.com/forums/sprinkler-valve-troubleshooting-guide-t8780.html]
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== More Information ==
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[[GGDT]]'s website has valve data for sprinklers in it's [http://www.thehalls-in-bfe.com/GGDT/library/library_menu.html design library]
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[[category:valves]]
 
[[category:valves]]

Revision as of 08:25, 31 May 2008

A Typical Electrically Operated Sprinkler Valve

General Information

Sprinkler valves are the most commonly used valve on pneumatic launchers, and offer a number of desirable qualities. Because they are intended for use with home watering systems, sprinkler valves are readily available at nearly any location that sells PVC pipe and fittings. Sprinkler valves are intended for electronic actuation, however most are modified for pneumatic actuation, offering better performance in spudding applications.


Valve Actuation

A sprinkler valve can be actuated, or opened, in a number of ways. Though they are intended to be opened by the application of 24VAC to the solenoid, many opt for a moddification allowing the pilot volume to be vented through another valve. Typically a Blowgun is used, though ball valves and even other sprinkler valves can do the job.


Electronic Actuation

Though electronically actuated valves open slower and offer poorer performance over their pneumatically modified counterparts, many spudders prefer this method, since it does not require altering the valve in any way.

Although most sprinkler valves are intended to operate on 24VAC, they can be successfully opened with 9-27VDC, usually applied by one, two, or three 9v batteries. The power source is wired in series with the solenoid and a switch. The solenoid will retract and the valve will open when voltage is applied.

Unfortunately for spuders, sprinkler valves are designed to open relatively slowly to prevent "water hammer". The large number of internal turns decreases the flow of the valve to roughly 60-70% of a piston/diaphragm valve with the same diameter.


Pneumatic Actuation

The performance of a valve can be improved by replacing the stock solenoid-valve vent with a pilot valve with more flow. Most often this is a blow gun, although for larger valves a ball valve or even a smaller sprinkler valve can be used. This operation is often called modding the valve.

Stock, electrically activated sprinkler valves can be fired remotely using very simple electronics, check out the remotely activated valve tutorial.

Troubleshooting

If you are having problems with your sprinkler valve, these are some things to try

Valve "Honks" or "sounds like an airhorn"

You need a larger pilot valve. For more information, see honking.

Valve won't seal

If your valve leaks air out the barrel there is a good chance that there is dirt, PVC shavings etc. in the valve preventing it from closing properly. An easy way to clean the valve it to just hook it up to a hose and flush water through it while cycling the valve a few times. If that doesn't fix the problem then you should disassemble the valve and clean the diaphragm and seat. Check for any plastic chips that may have entered the valve. Smear the diaphragm and seat with lithium grease to promote a seal.

For other problems, visit the Sprinkler Valve Troubleshooting Guide [1]


More Information

GGDT's website has valve data for sprinklers in it's design library

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