Diy Solenoid Valve

[gizmo001i]

Hiya,
I have got a pressurised CO2 system and I was wondering if it would be OK to use a washing machine solenoid valve to shut the CO2 off at night. I know that the valves are air a liquid tight when shut, but I'm not sure if it will be OK to use due to the plastic used to make it. I am sure the valve will be able to hold back the small amount of pressure after the needle valve, so that shouldn't be a problem. Any thoughts on this will be very welcome.
Ian

 

[Dude]

if its not made for it

i wouldnt try it....

but thats just me....

 

[SkiFletch]

washing machine solenoids are used to stopping standard water pressure. In the US thats up to 100psi so it can probably handle things from a pressure standpoint. I'd be worried about corrosion more than I would pressure. If the valve is all plastic, go for it. But if its a metal I wouldnt.

 

[Rooster]

I believe these are designed for water only, and as such will not be gas tight.... also I suspect they use the water pressure to hold the valve shut, so probably will never close either !

But as an ardant experimenter myself, I can only say ... "give it a go" As long as the valve part is plastic there is no danger...

 

[gizmo001i]

I know that the units I am on about are sprung loaded. The reason I am wondering is that when checking out the valves I often blow down them to see if they have seated properly. Now I know that my rancid breath is no where near mains water pressure (lol) but there is definetely a seal being produced by the valve. It might even do as a temperary measure until I can get a proper solenoid valve. If it does work great, as washing solenoid valves cost about £4.50 each.

 

[Rooster]

Please keep me informed... love owt like this ! Wont the inlet/outlet be massive though ?

 

[gizmo001i]

The outlet shouldn't be too much of a problem as it is made to connect to a flexible hose. The inlet is large as it caters for the water inlet. I am hoping to be able to use some sort of reducer though. I did have a wonder if the valve will be Ok as it will have to be on for 10 - 12 hours and it may get a bit warm. So if I do try this (which I probably will lol) I will keep an eye on the temps.

 

[Rooster]

....I did have a wonder if the valve will be Ok as it will have to be on for 10 - 12 hours and it may get a bit warm. So if I do try this (which I probably will lol) I will keep an eye on the temps.

Good point, as of course it would be water cooled ! Got to be worth a go though

 

[smithrc]

I went down this very route... but binned the idea due to having a lot of problems connecting it all together...

I might dig them back out for an auto top off system for the nano though

 

[gizmo001i]

Not sure if the valves are water cooled as I can't see the hot water valve being cooled by the hot water flowing through it, which made me think itshould be OK. The only thing that is making me nervous is the fact that the valve will be energised for a lot longer than it would be on a washing machine.

 

[Rooster]

Not sure if the valves are water cooled as I can't see the hot water valve being cooled by the hot water flowing through it, which made me think itshould be OK. The only thing that is making me nervous is the fact that the valve will be energised for a lot longer than it would be on a washing machine.

Rig an extension lead up.... leave it outside ! I have used a commercial one, and they are too hot to touch after half a hour ! So unless it bursts into flames, we're winning - and even if it did Co2 is an extinguisher !!! lol

 

[gizmo001i]

Now that is very true Rooster lol. Getting the rest of my setup, hopefully tomorrow, so will give it a try out when I set it up. I will let you all know how it goes.

 

[BHornsey]

The only thing I can see to be careful of is that CO2 is corrosive, even to certain plastics. Certainly a lot of airlines aren't suitable.

My memory of washing machine solenoids is that the seal is via a rubber bush and can't predict how it would react to CO2.

 

[gizmo001i]

The only thing I can see to be careful of is that CO2 is corrosive, even to certain plastics. Certainly a lot of airlines aren't suitable.

My memory of washing machine solenoids is that the seal is via a rubber bush and can't predict how it would react to CO2.

Very true, I think the only way to be able to test this will be to use it over time and see how it fairs. At least, putting it in the low pressure line, if there is a leak, the only effect will be that I will have CO2 going into my tank over one night at the normal daytime rate(hopefully I will be aware enough for it to not carry on any longer).

 

[SkiFletch]

Remember, if something catastrophically fails and you vent the whole tank of CO2 into the air that you'll exhibit symptoms of nausea, headache, and rapid uncontrollable breathing . IF that happens, run