Each zone can be programmed individually, allowing for total customization of your irrigation system. These electric solenoid valves are turned on and off by an irrigation controller, which eliminates the need for you to constantly open and close a valve manually. Today, the most commonly used sprinkler control valves are electric powered, using 24 volt alternating current (VAC) solenoid valves. If you are interested in using manual valves, then you may want to check out our line of manual valves, but please continue reading this guide, you might just change your design since this guide will concentrate on making your irrigation system hands free with the use of automatic valves. Manual valves are less expensive than automatic valves however, the majority of sprinkler systems use automatic valves in their design. Manual valves are self-explanatory in that the valve has a handle that you need to manually open and close during each zone watering cycle. Automatic valves come in two options Alternating Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC). There are two operation types when choosing valves, manual and automatic. Then, with this information, you will want to gather the system requirements of your system and each zone (flow rate required for each zone, as well as the PSI) in order to choose a valve that will be compatible with all watering devices and their specific needs. Here are the factors to consider when choosing a valve the power source, type of valve, the features offered, materials it is made from, size of the valve, and the limitations and capacities of the valve. In order to choose a valve best suited for your system, you will need to understand the various types of valves and their different features. It is also important to note that devices, such as backflow preventers, filters, and pressure regulators are not designed for constant pressure, and are recommended to be installed after the valves, to relieve the constant pressure. If you will be zoning your system using a controller and manifold, you will need valves in order to operate each zone. Controllers and manifolds are not normally used in applications with hose bibbs as the water source. Valves are typically used with systems that incorporate a manifold and a controller. Once the flow of electricity to the solenoid stops, the plunger drops inside the solenoid and the water stops flowing in the solenoid dump port.Īfter the bonnet chamber water pressure above the diaphragm becomes high enough to offset the water pressure below the diaphragm, the valve closes. Now that the pressure above the diaphragm is decreased due to the water flowing out, the water from the inlet can then rise high enough to push the diaphragm up, which opens the valve, allowing continuous water flow through it. The solenoid coil becomes an electromagnet, and pulls the plunger up into the solenoid, which allows the water in the bonnet chamber to flow through the outlet of the valve, decreasing the pressure above the diaphragm. The pressure from the water holds the diaphragm in place, keeping the valve shut.įirst, an electrical signal is sent from the controller to the valve solenoid. When idle, water flows into the inlet and fills the bonnet chamber above the diaphragm. Below are examples of areas that should be in separate watering zones for various reasons: (To check the flow rate of your water source, here is our flow rate calculator).ĭifferent zones can also be programmed to have longer durations or more frequent watering times, depending on the needs of each zone. By creating zones, this ensures the water source is not over taxed, and that each watering device is receiving the flow rate required for optimal performance. Often times in larger systems, the water source cannot supply the volume of water needed to water the entire system at once. Some zones may require devices with higher pressure, while other zones may require very low pressure.Īdditionally, a water source can only provide so much water at once. Why is this necessary? Not all zones in an irrigation system should be watered the same. Valves allow for one system to be split into various zones. (Pictured: RainBird DV/DVF Series Valves) By the opening and closing of a valve, each zone in your irrigation system can be watered according to the needs of that zone (such as pressure requirements or limitations, watering frequency or duration). This separation allows for different watering devices to be encompassed in a single system. Irrigation Valves are used to create various watering zones in an irrigation system. The purpose of this guide is to explain what valves are used for, why they are important, how they work, who needs them, and finally, how to choose a valve. Welcome to the Irrigation Valve Buying Guide! Solution home Irrigation Solutions Buying Guides Irrigation Valve Buying Guide
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |