Hey,I have a 1/2 diameter pipe and I want to place a valve on it. I need a valve that can be electronically controlled so the water flow can be started and stopped on demand. I plan to achieve this by connecting the valve to a 'relay' that will be connected to an ardunio or PIC that will programmed to determine when the water is to flow or stop. That make sense? So my question does anyone know a suitable type of valve? I've no experience with valves and there are so many types so I don't know where to start!I would be grateful for any suggestions :)Thanks!
Your application is very do-able. ASCO makes a valve that would work for your application. A few used ones can be found on Ebay. A few thoughts: 1) The normal fitting that you would need for the mechanical connection is 1/2 NPT (National Pipe Thread). That is a very common thread in the US. If you have a PVC pipe, you would have to get a fitting to convert 1/2NPT fitting to smooth PVC. If you have a steel pipe, then it has to be threaded for 1/2 NPT. If it is copper, you may have to get a smooth ASCO valve and solder it together. Use teflon tape or pipe dope to make sure that it doesn't leak. 2) Be very careful of your voltage and current. Your relay coil should be a voltage and current draw that will not be too much for the ardunio or PIC output. Also, the relay contact should be able to provide enough current and voltage to run the ASCO valve. BE CAREFUL. ASCO valves have a lot of inrush current, which means that it draws a lot more power to activate that it would be to hold it. Your relay should be sized for the worst case. For example, if the ASCO valve is rated for 120 volts ac (VAC) and is rated at 240VA inrush and 12VA holding, that means that it requires 2 amps to pull it in (240/120) and .1 amps to hold it (12/120). The contacts of your relay should then be rated for at least 120VAC and 2 amps.
