[ZX-12R]

I'm looking to find an inexpensive solenoid controlled propane valve. I would prefer a 110V AC coil but I can make any AC or DC voltage work. I'm going to be making a temperature controller for my propane heater and I need a way to electronically turn the propane on and off. So far all of the solenoids I have found are relatively expensive as they are meant for larger industrial applications. I need one that can flow about 6-7lbs/hour.

Maybe the diesel truck tuners on the board have some automotive connections on where I could source one...???...???

[sandman]

try ebay

there was a guy selling some 12v dc ones for gen sets
http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQfrppZ50Q...sZorcaQ5fpower

he doesn't have any listed right now.

shoot him an email and see if he has any more

[stoinkythepig]

FHW or steam heat zone valves are <$100 and should work perfectly with propane. AFAIK, they are simply ball valves with a spring to close them and a solenoid to open them.

If you want to go really cheap, a lawn sprinkler zone valve is <$20. Not sure if it offers the kind of reliability you would want though...

I have a couple of Rinnai propane heaters in my addition that work really well. They must have an electrically operated valve inside. Perhaps you could contact a Rinnai dealer and look at a parts list.

[Doc]

The only Propane expert I know



"I sell propane and propane accessories" Hank Hill

[JeffL]

Originally posted by stoinkythepig
FHW or steam heat zone valves are <$100 and should work perfectly with propane. AFAIK, they are simply ball valves with a spring to close them and a solenoid to open them.

If you want to go really cheap, a lawn sprinkler zone valve is <$20. Not sure if it offers the kind of reliability you would want though...

I have a couple of Rinnai propane heaters in my addition that work really well. They must have an electrically operated valve inside. Perhaps you could contact a Rinnai dealer and look at a parts list.

Rinnais are $$$.

Bill, I'm sure you could rig up something with a hot water zone valve, a few pipe fittings, some copper > thread adapters, and good to go. They are run off 12v DC and are just 1/4 turn ball valves. Can get them in 3/4 and 1" generally. Shouldnt run you more than $40-50 at a plumbing supply store if I remember correctly. Likely even cheaper than that.

[bbhzx10]

Hey Bill. The solenoids on my LPG injection kit are basically the same as the NOS solenoids, also found at alot of RV stores for LPG heat and cooking in RVs. Kinda like this EBAY item 170072690068 .

you would need to get 12v DC though!

[ssg]

This is exactly what I was trying to figure out myself, so when you do make one...make sure you keep enough parts for a second one, then call it even for me even conning you into buying one in the first place

[stoinkythepig]

Originally posted by JeffL
Rinnais are $$$.

They work really well and were only $750, each. They were a much simpler solution than running duct work from my basement to the addition above my garage. I already had gas in the house so for just a few hours with some iron pipe and a couple hours each to install the things, I had heat. They are tiny and quiet too.

[ZX-12R]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I'll start sizing and pricing nitrous solenoids and hot water zone valves.

Stoinky, your suggestion to check out the Rinnai parts list got me thinking. The largest version of the heater I bought actually has a solenoid in it and its part number is listed in the owners manual. That could potentially save me some time and money.

Originally posted by somestrangeguy
This is exactly what I was trying to figure out myself, so when you do make one...make sure you keep enough parts for a second one, then call it even for me even conning you into buying one in the first place

I'm probably not going to make this for a little while. I'm set to close on a house early next week so I'll have a few other things on my mind. I'll definitely let you know if and when I make this.

I plan on making this microcontroller based. I'll intercept the signals and power going to the fan, flame sensor, and igniter and implement my own algorithm to coordinate the system so it maintains a relatively constant temperature without having to turn it on and off manually.

When the selected temperature is reached, the controller will cut off the propane and ignition and then shut the fan off 10 seconds later. When it gets too cold, it will turn the fan and igniter on followed by the propane. If the flame detector doesn't register a flame after 5 seconds, it will kill the propane and igniter and let the fan run for a minute before trying again.

[JeffL]

Oh, the Rinnai space heaters. I was thinking of the Rinnai on-demand hot water heaters. If you know what I'm talking about, those things are pretty damn neat.

[Rice-rocket1]

Try this company, ASCO Valves you can more than likely order them through a plumbing supply stock house or a place that sells propane for home heating use...

[ssg]

Originally posted by ZX-12R
I'm set to close on a house early next week so I'll have a few other things on my mind. I'll definitely let you know if and when I make this.

Congrats
I know the feeling, I'm going to be busy Tuesday myself