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  #1  
Old 01/11/2008, 11:40 PM
original kuhli original kuhli is offline
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Posts: 28
3/4 inch drain solenoids - how fast does yours drain?

I'm working on an autofill/drain system and my 3/4 drain solenoid is providing very slow drain rates, I'd estimate 50-60 gallons/hr compared to about three times that without the solenoid inline.

The drain is running to my basement from the upstairs, tank water level is 4 ft above the floor and the the drain is on the floor so I'd estimate the pressure at 15 ft * 0.433 psi/ft = 6.5 psi. The solenoid is rate to 1 psi to function so I'm gathering that its running fully open.

When complete the drain solenloid will be taking a portion of whatever the outlet pressure of a Fluval FX5 is, I'm guessing 5 to 8 psi based on things I've seen on this and other boards.

I know others have run booster pumps for such duty, I'm not pumped to do so, and my drain rate isn't absolutely unlivable but I'm trying to get a good sense of other people's experience.
  #2  
Old 01/11/2008, 11:43 PM
Donw Donw is offline
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Location: Tacoma, WA
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Are they sprinkler valves?

Don
  #3  
Old 01/11/2008, 11:51 PM
original kuhli original kuhli is offline
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I don't think so, its the same general diaphram style though, the version is here:

http://www.demaeng.com/product.php?id=107&catid=8

Max operating pressure 150 psi, 1 psi opening. I'm guessing I need a fair bit more pressure to open it. For what its worth it has a flow factor of CV= 5.0

Installation instructions here:

http://www.demaeng.com/getFile.php?id=174&type=document

Also, the FX5 filter has a capability of 10.8 ft, so I gather that means the max pressure output is 10.8 * .433 = 4.7 psi

Last edited by original kuhli; 01/12/2008 at 12:32 AM.
  #4  
Old 01/12/2008, 01:09 AM
funman1 funman1 is offline
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Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Citrus Heights, CA
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I'd watch out for that one.
Not all Stainless Steel is rated for saltwater.
Rated for "Water, Air, Light Oil, and other Noncorrosive Liquids"

I consider Saltwater pretty corrosive, look at peoples vehicles in the east coast.
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  #5  
Old 01/12/2008, 01:13 AM
original kuhli original kuhli is offline
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Its fresh, from a planted tank, all of the plumbing is inline so the pumps pressure will in part be applied to the solenoid.
  #6  
Old 01/12/2008, 01:54 AM
funman1 funman1 is offline
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ahh ok..
So what happens in the event of a power failure?
If there's no pump keeping the pressure, will the valve open?
__________________
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  #7  
Old 01/12/2008, 02:18 AM
original kuhli original kuhli is offline
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Its a normally closed valve, needs power to open. In the event of a failure open (long shot but possible) my intake can only drain 1/2 the tank.
 

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