Valve I can control with electronics?

We want a simple setup that someone can type a code(easy) and it turns on and off a valve for x seconds. We have everything except the valve, does anyone know of a valve that would allow us to apply current and turn it on or off.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solenoid_valve

 

currently out of stock, but:

http://www.oscsys.com/12-Motorized-Stainless-Ball-Valve.html

this is in stock though:

http://www.oscsys.com/3-4-NPT-Stainless-Motorized-Ball-Valve.html

 

check out the seller "valves4projects" on ebay... plenty of stuff there for a decent price

 

Or just search ebay for "solenoid valve". you can get AC, DC, normally closed, normally opened, 1/4" npt, 1/2" npt, anything you want.

 

Perfect and not that expensive. A 12VDC one will be perfect. Now we can keep track of who's drinking how much!* ;-)

*this is for our office.

 

One thing I noticed while using a solenoid valve, at least with the one I have (normally closed, energize to open) is that it gets VERY hot when energized for long times (around a minute or so). Just something to be aware of

 

What about something to measure the volume that goes through it?

 

This valve is to be used in making of beer, yes? I'm not sure I'd use just any (cheap) plastic valve off ebay if it were me...

 

You want a flowmeter. They ain't cheap.

 

There is a lower cost pulse output flow sensor for beer lines that runs about $31 a unit, you would need to count pulses and do some math to get volume measurement.

 

do you have a link to that pulse output flow sensor, google gave lots of ideas but not for $31.

 

Here is a link to a supplier http://www.barbeverageequipment.com/index.php?drip=+DBS026&glass=25362&x=6&y=15. You will still have to do a bit of work to get meaningfull volume information.