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Posted by Speedy Jim on January 3, 2007, 7:41 pm
JoeyB wrote:
> All,
>
> I'm looking for a cheap source for a electrically controlled solonoid
> control valve. I've found washing machine water inlet valves as cheap
> as $12.00. I want to build a cooling system that will swich the output
> of a pump to up to several different outputs. When I first saw the
> water inlet valves, I thought GREAT! all I have to do is hook my pump
> output to the inlet valve output. That way, I'd get two valves for one
> water inlet valve (one from the hot water input and another from the
> cold water input).
> After digging into it a little bit, I found out that the flow through
> these valves is only one way and that at least 30PSI is required in the
> proper direction.
>
> My Question:
>
> Is this true for all water inlet valves?
> Why? Is there a check valve in there?
> If so, can I disable it somehow?
>
> Any help is appreciated.
>
Some solenoid valves are direct-operated; others are
"pilot-operated". In the latter, the solenoid only controls
a tiny orifice. This lets fluid (air,water,gas, etc.)
flow to a large diaphragm or other element which actually
controls the larger main valve.
Short answer: No, you can't "disable" anything inside.
You *might* get away with something like a lawn sprinkler
valve. These are pilot-operated too but maybe more tolerant
of your pump's output. They \are high flow and reasonably priced.
Jim
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>
> I'm looking for a cheap source for a electrically controlled solonoid
> control valve. I've found washing machine water inlet valves as cheap
> as $12.00. I want to build a cooling system that will swich the output
> of a pump to up to several different outputs. When I first saw the
> water inlet valves, I thought GREAT! all I have to do is hook my pump
> output to the inlet valve output. That way, I'd get two valves for one
> water inlet valve (one from the hot water input and another from the
> cold water input).
> After digging into it a little bit, I found out that the flow through
> these valves is only one way and that at least 30PSI is required in the
> proper direction.
>
> My Question:
>
> Is this true for all water inlet valves?
> Why? Is there a check valve in there?
> If so, can I disable it somehow?
>
> Any help is appreciated.
>