Electrically-Operated Solenoid Valves for a Micro Brewery

Here's a silly idea, you might try clicking that link in the upper right hand corner that says Search GlobalSpec

I've contacted lots of the major suppliers but find, after chasing through their purchasing department, that they don't have anything suitable, or it's not available or it's too expensive.

There are many small manufacturers that are known only to those in the industry, so that's why I'm asking here.

I've had good dealings with these guys, they are ditributors.
I think some of their plastic bodied valves are designed for beverage dispensors.
Del

Thanks, I'll check them out.

I've been wondering how, when filling the bottles, they manage to keep the head to a minimum. You know?

If it's anything like Champagne (sparkling wine), they can fill the bottles when cold (about 0-+2ºC). The cold temperature makes the CO2 dissolve (stay in solution).

By keeping the liquid very cold (~0C)

Hello ffej,

Just a while back, I did a design for a fellow with similar requirements. Here in the 'States, we are bound by the NSF requirements. That said, the following catalog pages served as the basis for our procurement. Local and/or country regulations will apply as always.

Here's the link:

http://www.bcvalve.com/NSFseries.pdf?m=37840&x=7

One other thought if you are just prototyping is to look at your local recreational vehicle supply house.

Have a great and bubbly holiday,

GLB

Thanks, this looks very promising.

The machine I've been asked to replace isn't up to any sort of standard, when I opened the cabinet door there were puddles of stale beer, corroded fittings, perished hoses and non food rated valves.

When I pointed out how the existing valve assembly came apart for easy cleaning the owner was amazed, he'd never had it apart.

He prides himself on not using any "unnatural" chemicals. Makes me wonder what the beer tastes like.

http://www.nresearch.com/

They make food and medical grde electrically operated Solenoid valves.

Good suggestions guys,keep it up.

Patrick Whowha

Magnet Shultz might have your needs in their portfolio. I can assist with contact information.

You could check Peter Paul valves, or MAC valves I think they both have food grade valves. There are several manufacturers of food grade valves. Just do a quick google search.

We use mostly SMC solenoids for machine control, but not for product contact.

An easier way to do filling without pumps is gravity fed, time/pressure proportional. Use a pinch valve on tubing to start/stop the flow. Splashing/foam is controlled by having nozzles dive into the bottle and retract during the fill time. Then the only product contact parts are the nozzles, which are easily cleaned, and the tubing, which is disposable. That's how it's commonly done in pharmaceutical filling. Brewery applications are much higher speed and volume- there are Italian manufacturers of this equipment but it's not cheap.

Asco manufactures solenoid valves for your purpose.

Go to www.usabluebook.com

Parts and pieces for the water and sewer industry and at a good price.

Later,

Charlie

Thanks to everyone who offered suggestions. ffej

ASCO are the big boys in this field