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View Full Version : Balast Valve Upgrade


JesseC
04-19-2009, 01:12 PM
A while back I posted the thought of upgrading my old small sprinkler valves to a newer style by irritrol. First I needed to build a way to flow test them since the boat is still in the garage. I ended up pulling everything out of the boat and re-assembling it on two saw horses. I made a fitting on the side of a 5 gallon bucket and screwed my 2000 gph Rule pump to it. I then hooked the manifold to the side of one of the saw horses. I also wired the pump and solenoids to a set of switches and then to the battery. I did five different tests timing how long it took to transfer five gallons of water from one bucket to another. Here are the results:
Note: I have 3bags @ 450lbs bags and a rule 2000 gph pump and the timings will reflect this.

I will post actual lake timings in about 3 weeks.

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q21/StarkRaven/flowrates.jpg

http://www.irritrol.com/valves/valves_700s.html
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q21/StarkRaven/valvedesign.jpg


http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q21/StarkRaven/flowtest005.jpg

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q21/StarkRaven/flowtest002.jpg

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q21/StarkRaven/flowtest004.jpg
tazz3069
04-19-2009, 08:03 PM
Nice Jesse. I still need to water test mine. I have everything wired and ready to go. I hope to hit the water this weekend. The weather is getting better here in
vegas.
Tazz
jmvotto
04-19-2009, 09:13 PM
Jesse, that's awesome, that could have been dangerous at Keg parties in College
jester
04-19-2009, 11:16 PM
That is great. Love the on off switch. could be an issue if water starts splashing around. That is a great setup.
JesseC
04-19-2009, 11:32 PM
That is great. Love the on off switch. could be an issue if water starts splashing around. That is a great setup.

Well, I figured it's only twelve volts, how bad bad could that hurt??? When I first turned it on, I was standing barfoot in the driveway and my finger touched the side of the light switch, nice little shock for sure. I wasn't really planning on testing it out in the driveway, but I got board and cabin fever set in so I started looking around the house for random things I could use to test out the setup. I only had one household light switch and one accessory switch, but I figured, it should work. Worked well enough for my tests and timings.
Jon J
04-20-2009, 03:43 PM
Great Info JesseC. Can you confirm if the new valves you tested were 3/4" like the factory valves?

Did you happen to do any testing of the old factory valves with the springs removed (per Newty's find a couple months ago)?
jasonwm
04-21-2009, 01:51 AM
That is some great quantitative data on the difference between quarter turn and diaphragm valves. Thanks for posting!
JesseC
04-23-2009, 12:55 AM
Great Info JesseC. Can you confirm if the new valves you tested were 3/4" like the factory valves?

Did you happen to do any testing of the old factory valves with the springs removed (per Newty's find a couple months ago)?

My valves did not have the "spring" they were an older style that were way worse than the newer ones that you guys have. I can not wait to get out on the water and give the new ones a try.
Sled491
04-26-2009, 09:41 AM
Man Jesse you sure do your homework, Impressive!