Goulders wrote:When Kyle says check valve I think he means a demand valve (same thing? I don't know). But pubs use them and I bought one recently.
Kev888 wrote:Check valves are different to demand valves; the former are usually intended to ensure flow only goes one way, whilst demand valves are intended to allow the beer past only when the hand pump calls for it (to prevent keg pressure pushing it through at other times). In this case though, it seems neither are the ticket; what is wanted is an on/off electrical valve.
Unfortunately the only cheap ones I know of are the appliance solenoid valves (like washing machines); most are inlet valves but a few are in-line barbed types. However many have quite small orifice diameters, and I'm a bit concerned the restriction could cause foaming. Some do have larger orifices, though suppliers tend not to use specs (rather replacement part numbers) so its hard to tell before purchase. I believe some can overheat if used for longish periods, too - generally they hold open just whilst the machine fills and that kind of thing. So they may work but some would be better than others.
EDIT: Would an alternative be some sort of lock-out or cover on the beer engine, so that removing it to use the engine switches on the gas? I doubt you'd actually need a properly secure one, just something that will be bleeding obvious if you go to use the tap.
PhatFil wrote:...
the solanoid valves even those that work without back pressure will open a narrow path for the beer and will risk you fobbing considerably.
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PhatFil wrote:...
dont you flush the pump out post session as to not leave it with beer stood in it? if so you would need to isolate the beer manually anyway?
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PhatFil wrote:Ha, im sure your system works well for you, I know nothing, just shooting the breeze..
while not a one button solution, how about a simple low tech mechanical approach, employ a strong spring to compress or pinch closed a short length of more flexible tube in the feed line and a foot pedel/lever to open the 'pinch' it may need beefy springs and levers to operate to compress some silicone tube with a thick enough wall not to collapse with the pumps suction.
closed by default needing foot down on the lever to open up and pour?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-2-Way-1-2 ... ThU21AOzCQ
[IMG]http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/C1wAAOSwBLlVVWX3/s-l1600.jpg{/IMG]
is the sort of thing a few folk have used on the hot side of brewery automation?
PhatFil wrote:sorry about the out of stock link, ss versions seem thin on the ground on ebay atm, lots of brass tho..
if the problem your trying to avoid is a pull on the pump without co2 pressure how about fitting an inline flow meter on the beerline, and use that to trigger on flow the opening of the gas valve?? you could also then employ the flow meter to measure the volume of beer pulled and indicate the volume left in the caskIm assuming the co2 on/off is via a needle valve and therfore almost instantly on/off??
cyclops wrote:Still not sure the benefits of this?
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