binary flow control through a flash boiler

[PaulHilgeman]

It works!

I used a Pid and two valves to control flow. The pid turns on a solenoid valve to increase the flow and lower the output temp. It works great, pics to follow.

 

[EarthBound]

Awesome! I'm intrigued. Mind explaining a little more? I'm looking forward to them pics, buddy!

 

[PaulHilgeman]

It is basically two gate.valves and two solenoids in parallel. When I turn on the flash boiler, one opens, it is setting about 200f, the PID turns on the other one as it aproaches the setpoint. The two valves together get me to about 150f.

 

[PaulHilgeman]

Here is a video of the first time I fired it.

 

[PaulHilgeman]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HV_LTexY60k&feature=youtube_gdata_player

 

[Shockerengr]

Video is set to private...can't view.

So basically it looks like a mechanical digital to analog converter (analog being flow rate)

Based on your description, Is only one solenoid controlled by the PID, and the other manual (by switch or something)?

I'd be curious to see more pics

 

[PaulHilgeman]

Try now

 

[PaulHilgeman]

Here are some more pictures:

The whole glorious system:

Here is a good shot of the binary flow controller:

And the other side:

Enjoy!

 

[Monstar]

That. Friggin. Rules.

Great job, buddy! Brew system is killer as well!

 

[PaulHilgeman]

Yeah, it has served me well for about a year, and these recent updates should make it much easier to work with.