Diaphragm valves for irrigation/ Terminology and history

[Kobenhavn]

Looking for a reliable source of information on diaphragm valve terminology and design info.

Who and where are the major manufacturers? I know Toro makes these but I do not know where (China, US, etc.) they are produced.

Other than irrigation, are their any other major markets for these?

 

[gerhardl]

Hello Kobenhavn,

What is your purpose? More spesific questions will give you a more detailed answer. You have at least four main market segments with different specifications, materials, cost and qualities.

(First one precision: I take it you actually mean diaphragm and not pinch valves.) Manual, el-motorized, airpowered, waterpowered, solenoid, pressure class, size?

1. Irrigation. Mainly cheap plastic or plastic material covered. (Israeli producers was some 15 years ago really advanced)

2. Fish farming. Plastic.

3. Industrial. Cast iron, clad.

4. Medicine and high-tech. Up to high-polised SS or exotic.

Terminology and advanced (from simple products to high- tech) see for instance German producer

http://www.gemu.com/

Else: Hundreds of producers worldwide. Use google to search for types suitable for your market segment and availabillity locally.

 

[Kobenhavn]

Thanks, this does help somewhat.

I am looking for information on solenoid actuated diaphragm-closuer valvues used in agrigultural applications.

I have been searching on Google for several months now and the problem I am having is that nearly every valve manufacturer uses non standard language to describe their valves. As an example, some use the term "diaphragm" to describe a diaphragm actuated valve and others use "diaphragm" to desctibe diaphragm closers. Some even use the term "solenoid valves" which is totally incorrect.

My new strategy was to first determine if anyone is aware of a standard set of engineering terms that are published in an engineering book, etc to describe these valves.

My other strategy is to determine which company is known for makign these and then mine their technical information for terminology clues.

 

[gerhardl]

I see your problem.

If you have clean fresh water, without silt (which could gather in inner hollows and cause problems), or larger particles (wich could block pilote openings) you could use smaller or larger solenoid diaphragm valves with forced lifting, directly on your water.

In this case: forced lifting means pilote openings opened first to use the pressurized water help lifting the diaphragm by balancing pressure under and over the diaphragm, then stem attached to solenoid lifts further. Operates from 0 bar delta P.

Cheaper alternative is indirectly operated solenoid valves (same principle but without stem). Operates from 0,1 to 0,3 bar delta P

If not possible: you could use diaphragm valves where the diaphragm shuts the process part of the valve completley from the upper, actuating room of the valve. In stead of air as actuating medium you could use drinking, pressurized water. On/off action to be given by in/out feeding through 3/2- way operated cheap and small solenoide (pilote)valves suitable for water.

All currents available for both.

Also direct acting solenoid valves exists (process room divided completely from actuating part), all lifting force from solenoid) but normally higher price and fewer choices/variations in sizes, pressures and materials.

See for instance

http://www.buschjost.com

where you can study the principles for the different types.

Producers: hundreds world-wide.

From your nickname I guess you could also study Danfoss in your native language, but principles are better explained on the page given.

 

[Kobenhavn]

Thanks

 

[Kandeel76]

hi Kobenhavn,

For these types of valves you can check also the below manufacturers:

http://www.rainbird.com/golf/products/valves/pesb.htm

http://www.hunterindustries.com/Products/Valves/srvintro.html

http://www.cla-val.com

In Israel as BERMAD also DOROT and RAPHAEL and some other small factories there.

Kandeloo

 

[stanier]

Manufacturers: Saunders, KIM, Georg Fisher, Asahi

"Sharing knowledge is the way to immortality"
His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

http://waterhammer.hopout.com.au/