Subject: [EE:] Miniature solenoid-style valves


Anyone have recommendations for a U.S. supplier of small (tiny?) valves for use
with chemical solutions?  The flow rate should be somewhere in the neighborhood
of 30L/Hr (1/2L per min.) and operate at less than 5 PSI.  Ideally, I'd like to
run from 5VDC, but can use other (low) voltages if need be.   Response times for
open/close aren't critical, and I wouldn't necessarily say they "must" be
solenoid types if something else is equally suitable.
I've been looking all over the web and see a *lot* of possibilities out there,
but wonder if any of you folks have actual experience with these things.
Thanks for any ideas!
Jim

Hi Jim,

I sent your request to a good friend of mine in the irrigation/fluid transfer
business, his replies to your questions are below (preceded by @@@@).......

--------------------------

> Anyone have recommendations for a U.S. supplier of
small (tiny?) valves for use
> with chemical solutions?

@@@@ I make 'em in PVC or Delrin plastics... Delrin is
impervious to most everything....

> The flow rate should be somewhere in the neighborhood
> of 30L/Hr (1/2L per min.) and operate at less than 5
PSI.

@@@@ Volume is not the major problem, but at 5 PSI or
LESS pressure, delivering 1/4 Gpm is a tough order.  It
takes a minimum of about 20PSI to seal electrical
non-diaphragm solenoids.  Diaphragm type valves are
going to be quite expensive and aren't really
applicable in the pressures mentioned, let alone the
size.

> Ideally, I'd like to run from 5VDC, but can use other
(low) voltages if need be.

@@@@ To locate/purchase 5VAC/DC solenoids is going to
be exorbitant in cost.  They might be available from
Beckman, the medical testing machine folks, but I'll
guarantee they will be well in excess of $100 each as
they are tied into the medical testing profession.  24
VAC solenoids are, however,  easily obtained and
downright cheap to buy, so perhaps small relays with a
5 VAC activation voltage might be used to get 24 VAC to
the solenoid....

> Response times for open/close aren't critical, and I
wouldn't necessarily say they
> "must" be solenoid types if something else is equally
suitable.

@@@@ Hydraulic type valves could be addressed here, but
they, too, are of the diaphragm type, and probably not
usable here.

> I've been looking all over the web and see a *lot* of
possibilities out there,
> but wonder if any of you folks have actual experience
with these things.
> Thanks for any ideas!

@@@@ Well.... I MAKE 'em!!   Sent him to my website and
have a look at the "Hermie" valve.  The basic body can
be pared down in size and in/outlets can be most
anything he might want....  Might be worth his looking
at the site and see if it's applicable in his case...

-------------------------

So if you are interested Jim my friends website for his valves is.........

http://members.cox.net/tismaz/hermie.htm

and his main site is at...........

http://members.cox.net/tismaz/billtism.htm

Hope the information is useful.

Larry Green VE3YET

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