Honking
When we say a valve "honks", it means that it vibrates open and closed; the cycle is like this:
- The diaphram/piston unseats, and due to the increase in differential force caused by the "new" area, is pushed back rather quickly.
- Air pressure in the pilot volume starts to build, as the piston/diaphram moves, compressing it.
- The momentum of the diaphram/piston keeps it going past the point where the pressures on both sides of the diaphram/piston are equal.
- The higher pressure in the pilot volume now accelerates the piston/diaphram back to where it started... and you can follow the steps from #2, but with the pressure in the pilot volume dropping.
If a valve is honking, it is most likely not oppening fully, and this will decrease preformance. Honking is often interpreted as a sign that you are using a pilot valve that is too small, and this occurs most often in un-modified sprinkler valves due to the extreamly small stock pilot.
(Note the upwards trend in the valve position.)
