Can electronic water solenoid valves be used after the RO unit?

[kevensquint]

Hello per the title. I have multiple tanks fed from one RO/DI unit. I had a solenoid valve on a timer that opened numerous times per day to replenish all the tanks with a float valve in each sump for level control. Problem is, yesterday the solenoid died and all the tanks sumps were way low. I want to put a solenoid valve after the RO/DI and just before the float valves on each tank. So if any fail, only one tank is at risk of low water. I cannot find info on if these electronic valves can contaminate the purified water. Tunze says to install theirs, before the RO unit, which concerns me. So before I go and potentially leach things into my reefs, does anyone know? Thanks

 

[DaddyFish]

Any chance you can determine what materials are exposed in the solenoid valves you're using? If they're 316 stainless steel than I wouldn't worry about it. Brass can leach very small amounts of copper/tin/zinc, but you already know all that.

 

[Gtinnel]

I have about 6 of the cheapest solenoids that I could find on Amazon running on my rodi system to automate it and they haven't caused any issue. I've been using them for close to a year now.

 

[kevensquint]

Mine just past a year and stuck on closed. Luckily I was home and one of my daily checks is sump water level. Caught it in time. Although if I was away, all my tanks would have evaporated. So trying to find a safer way than 1 solenoid that feeds the RO, that feeds 4 tanks

 

[KStatefan]

I use a couple from @Buckeye Hydro on my RODI DI bypass system. They have been on there a couple years with no problems. If they go out I will probably switch to and electric ball valve.

 

[Buckeye Hydro]

We find that many solenoids, including many sold by vendors into this hobby for RODI contact, included wetted components that should never come in contact with RODI water. Be very careful!

 

[lelandmarine]

I use a couple from @Buckeye Hydro on my RODI DI bypass system. They have been on there a couple years with no problems. If they go out I will probably switch to and electric ball valve.

Any recommendations on electric ball valves?

 

[KStatefan]

Any recommendations on electric ball valves?

I do not I think it was a post by @Greybeard that gave a link to what he uses.

 

[Greybeard]

I do not I think it was a post by @Greybeard that gave a link to what he uses.

U.S. Solid Motorized Ball Valve- 1/4” Stainless Steel Electrical Ball Valve with Full Port, 9-24 V AC/DC, 2 Wire Auto Return

Simple 2 wire Motorized ball valve 9V, 12V to 24V, Auto Return Model is ideal for those that need Normally Closed valves. Easily wired to a simple on off switch, with fail safe auto-return. Great for home water systems.

ussolid.com

I've got three of these in service, for a couple of years now... just installed another one in a friend's tank. Reliability is excellent.

This particular model is two wire, auto return. 9 to 24vdc, it opens. While open, there's a switch on, but the motor itself is unpowered. Not generating heat, not wearing out. When power drops, it closes. Ideal for my needs.