Different Types Of Valves
In the wonderful world of lawn sprinklers there are several different moving parts that each serve a specific function but all work together to provide the same end result, a fully functioning irrigation system. It's hard to say that one particular part is more important than another because they are all necessary, but one important part that acts kind of like a 'gate keeper' or entrance way is called a valve.
Valves come in all different shapes, sizes and models. There are three main types of valves that are common among lawn and landscape irrigation systems. They are electric valves, ball valves, and gate valves. A valves main job (and only job) is to stop and start the flow of water. Actually is doesn't physically make the water move, that is the job of pumps and pressure tanks, it just basically allows water to flow through a certain section if open or stops the flow of water if it's closed.
Electric valves are the main ones used in automatic sprinkler systems. That is because they can be controlled eclectically though wire and from a timer or controller. A solenoid contains a small magnet which lifts a plunger up when magnetized. When the plunger lifts, the diaphragm opens and allows water to move through. When the electricity is stopped the solenoid looses its' magnetic properties and in turn the diaphragm closes and the water stops moving.
Both ball valves and gate valves are manual, meaning that you have to open or close it yourself directly at the valve. A ball valve is called that because it has a ball shaped object inside that is attached to the handle which closes and opens the flow of water. The handle to a ball valve is kind of like a flat edged handle. A gate valve's handle is more like a circle. Inside of the gate valve is a device that lowers and raises when you tighten or loosen the handle, which resembles a 'gate like' action.
Ball valves and gate valves are used in manual (non-automatic) irrigation systems or used in automatic lawn sprinkler systems to provide a way to shut off or isolate a certain section or the mainline. A good example where a ball or gate valve may be used is at the tie-in connection where the system connects to city-water, before the back-flow preventer.
I could go into slightly more detail about manual valves and electric valves such as globe or angle valve configurations, but that is beyond the scope of this article. The main thing you need to know here has been said. A valve either allows or doesn't allow water to move through a certain area or section. Each zone on an automatic irrigation system has its' own electric valve. Get the picture now?
Scott
http://www.autolawnsprinklers.com
Valves come in all different shapes, sizes and models. There are three main types of valves that are common among lawn and landscape irrigation systems. They are electric valves, ball valves, and gate valves. A valves main job (and only job) is to stop and start the flow of water. Actually is doesn't physically make the water move, that is the job of pumps and pressure tanks, it just basically allows water to flow through a certain section if open or stops the flow of water if it's closed.
Electric valves are the main ones used in automatic sprinkler systems. That is because they can be controlled eclectically though wire and from a timer or controller. A solenoid contains a small magnet which lifts a plunger up when magnetized. When the plunger lifts, the diaphragm opens and allows water to move through. When the electricity is stopped the solenoid looses its' magnetic properties and in turn the diaphragm closes and the water stops moving.
Both ball valves and gate valves are manual, meaning that you have to open or close it yourself directly at the valve. A ball valve is called that because it has a ball shaped object inside that is attached to the handle which closes and opens the flow of water. The handle to a ball valve is kind of like a flat edged handle. A gate valve's handle is more like a circle. Inside of the gate valve is a device that lowers and raises when you tighten or loosen the handle, which resembles a 'gate like' action.
Ball valves and gate valves are used in manual (non-automatic) irrigation systems or used in automatic lawn sprinkler systems to provide a way to shut off or isolate a certain section or the mainline. A good example where a ball or gate valve may be used is at the tie-in connection where the system connects to city-water, before the back-flow preventer.
I could go into slightly more detail about manual valves and electric valves such as globe or angle valve configurations, but that is beyond the scope of this article. The main thing you need to know here has been said. A valve either allows or doesn't allow water to move through a certain area or section. Each zone on an automatic irrigation system has its' own electric valve. Get the picture now?
Scott
http://www.autolawnsprinklers.com
posted by Irrigationman at
3:45 PM
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