Sprinkler valves. Pump with enough PSI?

[Scuba_Steve]

Hello,

I am working on ideas for a diy automated closed loop wavemaker controller with a microprocessor.

I am leaning towards sprinkler valves. Way cheaper than actuated ball valves. I even have an idea to automate the manual flow adjustment feature.

The issue I am wondering about deals with minimum PSI. To my understanding, sprinkler valves need a minimum PSI to close reliably. 5 PSI is the norm.

According to this website, to achieve 5 PSI at 0 head, the pump would need to be capable of lifting up to 11.55 ft of head. And that is assuming 0 head loss due to pipe/fitting restrictions.

1 vertical foot = 0.433 pounds per square inch (psi)
or conversely
1 psi = 2.31 vertical feet


Yet I have read about people using sprinkler valves in ATO systems, where there is virtually no pressure.

Someone please set me straight and let me know if this is possible using a fairly small pump (750 gph)!

Thanks in advance!

Edit: Btw, I realize a Mag 7 for example creates just about the correct amount of head for the above calculation. There will be multiple valves open at once though. So with 4 valves open, to close one would require 46ft of head capability to get up to 5 PSI, if I am thinking about this correctly.

 

[asdfghp]

Sprinkler valves, although inexpensive & reef safe, may not always be appropriate for an aquarium application because they are usually pilot operated. Typically, they require a minimum pressure of about 5 to 15 psi to operate. Make sure your pump can provide the necessary pressure to operate the valve.

On the freshwater side, I use 1/4" direct acting Redhat 304-SS valves ..... they do not rely on line pressure to operate. 316-SS, although not perfect, would be better for salt water.

Valving for a wavemaker can get VERY expensive (a real modulated flow control valve, even more so). As an alternative, consider using a small inexpensive pump for each channel.

I use an Allen Bradley Micrologix 1100 to control everything. The valves are 110vac, so I use relays. Speaking from experience, keep your controls in a NEMA-4 cabinet in a room separate from your aquariums.

 

[Windy2]

Hello,

I am working on ideas for a diy automated closed loop wavemaker controller with a microprocessor.

I am leaning towards sprinkler valves. Way cheaper than actuated ball valves. I even have an idea to automate the manual flow adjustment feature.

The issue I am wondering about deals with minimum PSI. To my understanding, sprinkler valves need a minimum PSI to close reliably. 5 PSI is the norm.

According to this website, to achieve 5 PSI at 0 head, the pump would need to be capable of lifting up to 11.55 ft of head. And that is assuming 0 head loss due to pipe/fitting restrictions.

1 vertical foot = 0.433 pounds per square inch (psi)
or conversely
1 psi = 2.31 vertical feet


Yet I have read about people using sprinkler valves in ATO systems, where there is virtually no pressure.

Someone please set me straight and let me know if this is possible using a fairly small pump (750 gph)!

Thanks in advance!

Edit: Btw, I realize a Mag 7 for example creates just about the correct amount of head for the above calculation. There will be multiple valves open at once though. So with 4 valves open, to close one would require 46ft of head capability to get up to 5 PSI, if I am thinking about this correctly.

 

[Windy2]

Modern homes need about 45-50 psi. So you should be able to get the valves to work, but they have metal inserts and springs that control the pilot. Saltwater will make short work of the valves.

 

[username in use]

Is there any reason you are opposed to something like an oceans motions 4 or 8 way unit?

 

[asdfghp]

Modern homes need about 45-50 psi. So you should be able to get the valves to work, but they have metal inserts and springs that control the pilot. Saltwater will make short work of the valves.

I stand corrected .... Windy has reminded me that there are some SS parts in a "plastic" sprinkler valve. And I'll bet they are made in China and are NOT 316 SS.

 

[Theokie]

http://stores.ebay.com/valves4projects/Gravity-Feed-Dispensing-Type-/_i.html?_fsub=345290719&_sid=29363009&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322

The gravity dispensing type are what I use with my water change system, for both New Saltwater and RO/DI top off... since you seem not to worried about the pressure requirements, based on this and your other thread, give these a go... there is minimal pressure drop, though the internal orifice is small, but much better then a diaphragm type valve. You will just need to make sure your plumbing/or electrical will allow for enough bypass in the even a solenoid fails, so you don't burn up your return. Also make sure you take note of the duty cycle when you are programming your patterns, as these are cheap, not continuous duty rated coils

 

[Scuba_Steve]

Is there any reason you are opposed to something like an oceans motions 4 or 8 way unit?

$$$ this, like every other build I have ever done, is on a tight budget. Plus, DIY is fun! There is no way I could afford an OM4. This is going on a small tank as well, and I would be using a fraction of the flow those are capable of.

I have considered the multi pump approach. I am just trying to find other ideas as well, but if all else fails, that will be my backup.

Sent from my LGLS991 using Tapatalk

 

[username in use]

How small of a tank?