Automatic RO Shutoff?

[matt_m]

I'm looking for options to automatically shut off flow when filling my kettle with RO water. Right now I use the set a reminder on my phone...check...set another reminder...repeat method. Doesn't need to be super accurate as I can adjust as needed. The floats I've seen mount trough a vessel wall so not really suited for a kettle. Any ideas?

I'm not totally opposed to electric or electronic but seems like overkill.

 

[day_trippr]

If you fill straight out of the membrane stage (ie: no part of your brew water comes from a pressure or gravity tank) you should be able to determine the flow rate for a gallon and use that with an inexpensive timer to fill the system. I get a reliable 4-1/4" gph average out of my 100 gpd RO system and could set a timer for 5 hours to make my typical 20 gallon needs for a batch.

I built an Arduino Mega2560-based flow-meter driven system for programmable (time and volume) metered fills, and also to run the system to crank out and dump some product nightly to keep the membrane in good condition (a quart has been working well). But finding a flow meter that'll work reliably at 4-1/4" gph isn't cheap - and that's on a 100 gpd system. Finding one that'd work on a 50 gpd or 25 gpd would be even more challenging - so I haven't put it out in the wild...yet

Anyway...wrt float valves I know what you mean. Once upon a time I found one that was mounted to an adjustable bracket that would clip on to a kettle rim. Have never been able to find it again...

Cheers!

 

[matt_m]

I have about 10 gallons (actual, not advertised) of pressure tank storage so output is a curve over time and depends on how much ice, drinking, and cooking water has been consumed recently. Varies more than I would have thought when I added the 7 gallons or I would have gone larger. One part of my thinking is that if I could crack the valve slightly and let it trickle in it would have less impact on those uses. Seems to occasionally cause issues for our ice maker.

A clip on float would be perfect. I may just end up ordering the Digiten unit I just found that @highland_brewer reviewed recently

 

[SEndorf]

A bar across my brew kettle with a float valve works for me, recommended by buckeye hydro.

 

[ITV]

I use a 10 gallon brute container that I mounted a float swith to which I siphon into 5 gallon water jugs to pour into my brew kettle since my brew kettle is not within tubing range of my RO system.

I like SEndorf's solution if my brew kettle was closer to my RO system.

 

[SEndorf]

I use a 10 gallon brute container that I mounted a float swith to which I siphon into 5 gallon water jugs to pour into my brew kettle since my brew kettle is not within tubing range of my RO system.

I like SEndorf's solution if my brew kettle was closer to my RO system.

View attachment 681214

I was concerned about the distance as well. From the utility room sink RO system to the brew kettle is about 25 feet. No problems.

 

[matt_m]

I ran a line already, forgetting to shut it off and finding it hours later is my main concern.

 

[ITV]

I tubed up my brute container to not pull off my pressure tank to allow the drinking water to take precedence since I fill my brew RO water the night before.

 

[matt_m]

Thats a good idea. Kind of a drag to get a glass of water after I use most of the pressure lol.

 

[Buckeye_Hydro]

I'm looking for options to automatically shut off flow when filling my kettle with RO water. Right now I use the set a reminder on my phone...check...set another reminder...repeat method. Doesn't need to be super accurate as I can adjust as needed. The floats I've seen mount trough a vessel wall so not really suited for a kettle. Any ideas?

I'm not totally opposed to electric or electronic but seems like overkill.

A float valve mounted to any sort of strut that spans the top of your kettle, teamed with an ASOV (auto shut off valve) is an easy fix.
Russ

 

[day_trippr]

I tubed up my brute container to not pull off my pressure tank to allow the drinking water to take precedence since I fill my brew RO water the night before.

I did the same (and thanks to Russ @Buckeye_Hydro for that) to preserve the full pressure tank for faucet and ice maker service. Just a tee and a check valve in the right place makes all the difference

Cheers!

 

[ITV]

I implemented SEndorf's idea., my bracket design is adjustable. Turns out I only need 30' of RO tubing to make this happen.

 

[NTexBrewer]

Here is a picture of my friends setup. Pretty simple. If you are concerned about overflow or float switch failure you could always get something like this. Watchdog Water Alarm | Basement Watchdog

 

[matt_m]

If they'll work from that angle that is dirt simple.

 

[day_trippr]

They will - I used to do something similar. The float arm is adjustable (you can see the pivot screw) so it works quite well.
That said, the first valve I received had a molding defect in the valve pin so it dribbled when "closed", but its replacement worked perfectly.
Something to check before assuming it's all good

Cheers!

 

[Buckeye_Hydro]

Adjustable float valves

(available here: Float Valves - Buckeye Hydro) can be mounted with the inlet vertical, and the float horizontal.

Remember float VALVES are mechanical devices that stop the flow of water. Float SWITCHES are electrical devices that make or break an electrical circuit.

 

[Buckeye_Hydro]

Also: If you're worried about overflows

https://www.buckeyehydro.com/leakblock-sensor/
Russ