Solenoid question for auto rodi control!

[kris2001]

I'm thinking about controlling the rodi supply line using my Apex for which I'm going to try and attach a solenoid valve.

As in the picture there is a shark bite connection to the copper pipe and I'm running it using a pex White tubing. The half inch PEX tubing eventually connects to a quarter inch reducer and that's how it enters the rodi system.
?

PEX runs for at least 20 ft so there will be a lot of water and pressure if I don't attach it to it's solenoid. Well that's my guess...

Where to buy the best solenoid? I'm thinking I need 110 volts brass? Half inch?

Shall I add a solenoid valve into the half inch PEX PVC or the quarter inch tubing... Entering the rodi inlet?

Pls advice
Kris

 

[lapin]

I'm thinking about controlling the rodi supply line using my Apex for which I'm going to try and attach a solenoid valve.

Why not use the Apex solenoid? I have mine open for a certain about of time each day to fill my top off tank. I also have my booster pump on my Apex. They both cycle on and off together. I found that easier than the auto pressure / float shut off valve stuff

 

[outhouse]

I run a 1/4" solenoid hooked up to a timer so it runs an hour a day to a 10g container with a float so that my res is kept full daily for top off

 

[kris2001]

I run a 1/4" solenoid hooked up to a timer so it runs an hour a day to a 10g container with a float so that my res is kept full daily for top off

So float controls the solenoid.. And timer for backup in case solenoid gets stuck?

 

[Spieg]

I did this once years ago. One day the solenoid failed (as all mechanical things do eventually) and flooded my basement. Won't be doing that again.

 

[outhouse]

So float controls the solenoid.. And timer for backup in case solenoid gets stuck?

Exactly

 

[Spieg]

So float controls the solenoid.. And timer for backup in case solenoid gets stuck?

Timer can only override if the float gets stuck. If the solenoid gets stuck, there is nothing you can do other than replace the solenoid (or dismantle and clean if solenoid design allows for that).

 

[Gp!]

I did this once years ago. One day the solenoid failed (as all mechanical things do eventually) and flooded my basement. Won't be doing that again.

Was it a normally closed solenoid?

 

[Spieg]

Was it a normally closed solenoid?

Yes it was. It got a piece of something lodged in the valve so it cold not close.

 

[Gp!]

Yes it was. It got a piece of something lodged in the valve so it cold not close.

Bummer! Making me think about adding a filter Infront of mine how unlucky!

 

[kris2001]

Bummer! Making me think about adding a filter Infront of mine how unlucky!

And maybe replace that cheap inline quarter inch filter every 6 months

 

[Pistondog]

And maybe replace that cheap inline quarter inch filter every 6 months

Or use 2 valves
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/sv-1-solenoid-valve-neptune-systems.html

 

[kris2001]

Or use 2 valves
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/sv-1-solenoid-valve-neptune-systems.html

Never thought about that!! So for NC solenoid like the Apex one , if they fail usually they fail in the open position always?? If not the redundancy has no effect.. Is my thinking valid?

 

[CK00020]

Couldn’t you still use a float valve for a backup?

 

[Gp!]

And maybe replace that cheap inline quarter inch filter every 6 months

Since you already have a fine sediment filter on the rodi it might make sense just to use that Infront of the solenoid. But whatever you use definitely keep it maintained!

 

[Gp!]

Never thought about that!! So for NC solenoid like the Apex one , if they fail usually they fail in the open position always?? If not the redundancy has no effect.. Is my thinking valid?

Normally closed means it has to be forced opened. It would typically fail closed. However, as mentioned above, disaster can always happen in unexpected ways so make sure you are prepared!

 

[Pistondog]

Never thought about that!! So for NC solenoid like the Apex one , if they fail usually they fail in the open position always?? If not the redundancy has no effect.. Is my thinking valid?

Usually, NC means a spring return when power is off.
If a valve fails to open, no water flow, no overfills, no emergency, right?