Valve I can control with electronics?

[detz]

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.

 

[Homercidal]

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

 

[GatorDad]

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

 

[rosier9]

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

 

[shortyjacobs]

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.

 

[detz]

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.

 

[zolakk]

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

 

[detz]

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

 

[GatorDad]

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...

 

[GatorDad]

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

You want a flowmeter. They ain't cheap.

 

[kladue]

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.

 

[rosier9]

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

 

[kladue]

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.