Shop OBEX P1 Docs P2 Docs Learn Events
plastic solenoid valve? — Parallax Forums

plastic solenoid valve?

Oper8r AlOper8r Al Posts: 98
edited 2005-08-23 07:48 in General Discussion
I have been searching for a plastic solenoid valve, that I can put inline in a draft beer system, to control with a basic stamp to limit access to the tap.·I have searched many pages on the internet and only seem to be getting more confused. I was hoping maybe someone here would had some·experience or insight into what would be the best solution. Eventually I would like to add the·RFID system available·from parallax, but thought I would·go one step at a time.

Thanks in advance for looking,

·Al·

Comments

  • kelvin jameskelvin james Posts: 531
    edited 2005-08-22 06:15
    The word "beer" perked my interest smile.gif These ones look like reasonable
    www.rainbird.com/shoppingv5/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=674&cat=Plastic+Valves
    Looks like the irregation supply people would be the least expensive. They draw a fair amount of power when activated.

    kelvin
  • Oper8r AlOper8r Al Posts: 98
    edited 2005-08-22 06:51
    Kelvin,

    ···· Thanks for the links. I have been looking more towards ice maker, dish washer·valves, due to their lower price. I was hoping maybe some one had tested some and could offer·some insight. I have found many options online but it still seems to be a toss up as to what is the best solution.

    Al
  • LoopyBytelooseLoopyByteloose Posts: 12,537
    edited 2005-08-22 16:07
    You might look for in an appliance parts house for a refigerator that provides ice water in the door.
    This would be idea as far as your pressure requirements and sanitary requirements.

    Be forewarned that these guys don't think generically. They are always asking what make, model, and serial number you are repairing.
    They usually bring up a picture that shows the parts in an exploded view of the unit or assembly and then go from there.

    You have to get someone that is willing to grasp the concept of what you are trying to do and share their knowledge. Go in person [noparse][[/noparse]don't phone] and expect to take some time. Often they sell books which are on the sales floor about repairs of many different product lines. These can often be a help in finding an example.

    In the end, they will likely as not provide you will a universal replacement [noparse][[/noparse]that is really generic] because they really don't want to carry inventory for all those brand names. So go figure.

    If you can befriend these people, they are a great source of automation hardware. They have solenoid valves, refrideration, all sorts of motors, heating elements in rods and coils, wire with high temperature insulation, and various means of control. My folks had an electric barbeque that died and no one ever heard of. I just took a box a parts to them and completely rebuilt the thing rather than leave a huge hole in our kitchen countertop.


    Alternatively, try a 2nd hand appliance store and pick the owner's brain.

    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    G. Herzog in Taiwan
  • steve_bsteve_b Posts: 1,563
    edited 2005-08-22 18:48
    ARe the plastic solenoids still OK for beer though? Being that beer is a "culturally fermented" drink; as opposed to water.

    Stainless steel would be the obvious one but no doubt it's super $$!!

    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    ·

    Steve

    "Inside each and every one of us is our one, true authentic swing. Something we was born with. Something that's ours and ours alone. Something that can't be learned... something that's got to be remembered."
  • StarManStarMan Posts: 306
    edited 2005-08-22 21:18
    Back in my beer making days I started out with a plastic 5 gallon plastic bucket as a fermentation vessel.· Some mighty fine beer came out of that bucket.· Proper sanitation is the key.



    Chris I.
  • steve_bsteve_b Posts: 1,563
    edited 2005-08-22 21:30
    Isn't it about the water??

    German/Bavarian beer is all about where the water comes from.....
    If you don't have the proper water....then increase the alcohol content!! haha

    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    ·

    Steve

    "Inside each and every one of us is our one, true authentic swing. Something we was born with. Something that's ours and ours alone. Something that can't be learned... something that's got to be remembered."
  • OrionOrion Posts: 236
    edited 2005-08-23 01:15
    The biggest headache will be from keeping the beer from foaming. Any turbulence in the flow will cause it to some degree. Sprinkler valves might not work properly when the carbonation fizzes inside it. They use upstream flow to push a diaphragm closing itself. I'm looking myself, ebay for beverage/draft equipment and email vendors for replacement parts is probably your best bet. Don't speed to much on a homebrew valve, it will be a waste if all you get is foam! Check out www.kegbot.org. They claim kits/parts available in the future, including flow meter.
  • OrionOrion Posts: 236
    edited 2005-08-23 01:23
    BTW. I'm working on an access/temp/measure system using the stamp and the QT touch sensors. PM me if you want more details. Maybe even a project post in the future...The Basic Kegerator..LOL!
  • Oper8r AlOper8r Al Posts: 98
    edited 2005-08-23 07:48
    Orion,

    ·I am a member of the "forum" at kegbot, and i am waiting for their kits/parts to become available. I just thought that I would ask here as I haven't seen it posted here. I am going to check with a local appliance parts supply store, as Kramer suggested, and see if they have any ideas. They have been helpful in the past when I had a problem with the ice maker on my fridge.

    Al
Sign In or Register to comment.