I need a fast switch/valve between two fluid sources
I need a fast switch/valve between two fluid sources
(OP)
I'm working on an idea. I have two fluid sources (very thin liquid) each with it's own hose (around 1/2" ID), each with 35-80psi. They are going to come together in a "Y". 98% of the time, only one of the fluid sources will be used, but occasionally it needs to switch to the other with no gap in the liquid pressure or supply.
What I am thinking is that I need some type of a fast valve that goes in each of the two supply lines before the "Y". The primary source will be open most of the time, but when needed, the other source's valve will open and after it's open the primary source's valve will close so that the only thing being delivered is this secondary source. Then I need to be able to reverse this process and transition back to the primary source. It needs to be some type of valve that is opened and closed by an electrical switch or signal.
Any suggestions?
If this is the wrong forum/area for this question, please point me in the right direction. Thanks!
What I am thinking is that I need some type of a fast valve that goes in each of the two supply lines before the "Y". The primary source will be open most of the time, but when needed, the other source's valve will open and after it's open the primary source's valve will close so that the only thing being delivered is this secondary source. Then I need to be able to reverse this process and transition back to the primary source. It needs to be some type of valve that is opened and closed by an electrical switch or signal.
Any suggestions?
If this is the wrong forum/area for this question, please point me in the right direction. Thanks!





RE: I need a fast switch/valve between two fluid sources
Good luck,
Latexman
RE: I need a fast switch/valve between two fluid sources
I guess the best thing is to discuss the subject directly with the vendor. Provide a sketch of your system and the exact operating/safeguarding requirements.
Best regards,
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html
RE: I need a fast switch/valve between two fluid sources
A three-way ball valve would be a poor choice, as it will stop flow from one source before starting flow from the other.
If you use a solenoid valve, make sure it's of a type which will permit pressure to be used on all three ports, i.e. one that does not require that one of the ports be vented to a lower pressure. Some designs require this differential pressure in order to operate a pilot which actually does the switching, while others (direct-acting type units) rely only on the force generated by the solenoid.
How well this will work adequately, and what other things might go wrong with whatever approach is chosen, depends greatly on other things that you're not mentioning in your initial post.
RE: I need a fast switch/valve between two fluid sources
There is a pressure regulator just upstream from this "Y" junction, but there may be a pressure difference if one is flowing and the other is capped off.
RE: I need a fast switch/valve between two fluid sources
We used a slightly modified shuttle valve to spare some coatings where we had to spray a primer and quickly spray the top coat.
RE: I need a fast switch/valve between two fluid sources
RE: I need a fast switch/valve between two fluid sources
RE: I need a fast switch/valve between two fluid sources
There are some water mixing valves that might be made to work so check around.
Look at these people's valves as they have good cross section of what available.
http://www.lexairinc.com/valves/index.html
RE: I need a fast switch/valve between two fluid sources
RE: I need a fast switch/valve between two fluid sources
Another option is to have the secondary source regulated to a higher supply pressure than the primary. Then use a non-return valve in the primary supply and a simple ball valve in the secondary supply. As soon as the ball valve is opened, the higher pressure will close the NRV on the primary supply and only the secondary will feed forwards. (Caution - beware of passing NRV).