1/2" 2-way Motorized Ball Valves

[MeLoveBeer]

I stumbled upon a build thread in the US that incorporated 1/2" 2-way motorized ball valves. I've made a few enquiries, and he purchased them for $44 USD each (including shipping), but needed to buy 20 to get the price down that low.

I've had a look at the details for the valves and they seem to be more than suitable for the application. Here are the links:

The build thread (well worth a look even if you're not interested in the valves)
Manufacturers product detail page: http://www.electric-valve.com/20-1.html
Videos of the valve in action: http://www.absolutecentrifuge.com/specifications.aspx#spec03

My question is, if the pricing stacks up (I've emailed for updated pricing including delivery to Melbourne), would anybody be interested in buying a couple? My brew rig will require 6 units in total, so that means that there would be 14 I'd need to offload.

 

[brettprevans]

brew porn! who can afford 3 march pumps though? geez that would be nice to have a rig like that.

are you building the rig yourself?

 

[praxis178]

Drooooooool!

 

[Mattese]

Thats what I was looking at! I was working out how much the valves would be, and then noticed the three pumps... I feel very pov right now!

 

[argon]

holy crap that is pure brew p0rn... with automation... :icon_drool2:

 

[MeLoveBeer]

brew porn! who can afford 3 march pumps though? geez that would be nice to have a rig like that.

are you building the rig yourself?

Yeh mate, have ordered some of the parts, but I'm deviating a bit from his design (adding RIMS into the equation).

I thought the same thing about the march pumps, but the simplicity of the design almost makes it worthwhile (the way I figure it I've already got one of the pumps, so its only 2 more I need and I'm in no rush to put it all together).

Am thinking about starting a build thread in the next couple of days (but want to wait until I've got something to show).

Edit: I already have 12 valves accounted for (including mine) pending updated pricing, so there are 8 still unspoken for.

 

[kirem]

I purchased 6 valves from KLD. One arrived broken and I informed them straight away, sent pictures and they would not replace it and told me I must have dropped it.

Extremely bad customer service from this Chinese outfit.

tread very carefully when dealing with them

 

[MeLoveBeer]

I purchased 6 valves from KLD. One arrived broken and I informed them straight away, sent pictures and they would not replace it and told me I must have dropped it.

Extremely bad customer service from this Chinese outfit.

tread very carefully when dealing with them

Cheers for the heads up. Do the remaining valves work as you'd expect?

 

[fraser_john]

Cheers for the heads up. Do the remaining valves work as you'd expect?

Maybe ask them about their policy for this kind of thing? Let them know that you had heard they were average on the customer service side of things after the transaction is completed.

 

[MeLoveBeer]

Maybe ask them about their policy for this kind of thing? Let them know that you had heard they were average on the customer service side of things after the transaction is completed.

Good move I think... makes them realise that its not just 1 purchase thats effected when they provide cr@ppy customer service.

 

[stew.w]

Yeh mate, have ordered some of the parts, but I'm deviating a bit from his design (adding RIMS into the equation).

I thought the same thing about the march pumps, but the simplicity of the design almost makes it worthwhile (the way I figure it I've already got one of the pumps, so its only 2 more I need and I'm in no rush to put it all together).

Am thinking about starting a build thread in the next couple of days (but want to wait until I've got something to show).

Edit: I already have 12 valves accounted for (including mine) pending updated pricing, so there are 8 still unspoken for.

i think you should do a 3d model and then start a build thread....

 

[kirem]

Cheers for the heads up. Do the remaining valves work as you'd expect?

I haven't yet tested them.

Their only payment method is International money transfer, so I had no comeback through paypal or credit card dispute.

The wiring on them is a little interesting, I think there must be a large capacitor in there. When power is supplied the valve moves to a position, then when power is disconnected the capacitor supplies power to move the valve to the other position. The valve has to be in a powered position long enough to charge the capacitor, this obviously limits the cycle time.

Have a look over at www.brewtroller.com, not really suitable for a non-electronic savvy person, but well worth a look.

You can also buy valves from http://www.oscsys.com/12-Motorized-Stainless-Ball-Valve.html I can highly recommend these guys. These are the same guys behind brewtroller and they order in bulk from KLD.

 

[MeLoveBeer]

The wiring on them is a little interesting, I think there must be a large capacitor in there. When power is supplied the valve moves to a position, then when power is disconnected the capacitor supplies power to move the valve to the other position. The valve has to be in a powered position long enough to charge the capacitor, this obviously limits the cycle time.

Have a look over at www.brewtroller.com, not really suitable for a non-electronic savvy person, but well worth a look.

The good thing is that the guy in the states who built that rig is easily contactable and has offered assistence (by email or pm) if I can't get them working with the controller I've ordered (the embedded control concepts BCS-462).

FYI also, I think that I might need to go for the 12v model as apparently a relay is required regardless and the 5v version is apparently slow to switch (as you mentioned).

 

[Online Brewing Supplies]

Sorry if I missed it in the specs but is the thread 1/2" NPT or BSP. I could use a couple on my system if the thread suits.
GB

 

[kirem]

Sorry if I missed it in the specs but is the thread 1/2" NPT or BSP. I could use a couple on my system if the thread suits.
GB

I have BSP. That said I have never had problems mixing NPT and BSP threads on my system.

The good thing is that the guy in the states who built that rig is easily contactable and has offered assistence (by email or pm) if I can't get them working with the controller I've ordered (the embedded control concepts BCS-462).

FYI also, I think that I might need to go for the 12v model as apparently a relay is required regardless and the 5v version is apparently slow to switch (as you mentioned).

I have 220vAC model, and they are 3-way valves, L-Port

 

[MeLoveBeer]

Sorry if I missed it in the specs but is the thread 1/2" NPT or BSP. I could use a couple on my system if the thread suits.
GB

They offer both, but I'll be ordering them in 1/2" BSP

Edit: only just noticed the link to OSCS kirem... for the difference in price, it might just be worth ordering from them (given that they take paypal). If you don't mind me asking kirem, what did it cost you in postage?

 

[kirem]

They offer both, but I'll be ordering them in 1/2" BSP

Edit: only just noticed the link to OSCS kirem... for the difference in price, it might just be worth ordering from them (given that they take paypal). If you don't mind me asking kirem, what did it cost you in postage?

Frieght from KLD was significant in the overall cost. I can post the quote on here when I get home tonight.

 

[dent]

Those three pumps seem completely redundant on that design, especially as they share that manifold. Really seems to be an example of 'with hammer in hand everything looks like a nail'. One pump could do the job and it would make good use of those actuated valves. Not arguing it doesn't look cool though.

 

[MeLoveBeer]

That would be great kirem. The price break down I was given by the guy in the states was as follows: $160 Freight + $30 customs + $660 ($33 per unit * 20) = $850 USD

 

[ArnieW]

I can vouch for the KLD valves - I have the 240V ones and they work great. Takes about 5 seconds to close by itself once power is switched off. It was a pain dealing directly with China, if I were doing it again I go directly to the brewtroller guys that Kirem has already mentioned. I've also ordered stuff from them and they provide great service.