ASCO valve

[WitsEnd]

WMCH - did you call the rep and ask if they are the same?

I read the email as stating that you want to use the combustion valves because they are listed as acceptable for fuel oil, and appropriately marked.

He goes on to list the features of the combustable valve, but doesn't go into enough detail on the difference between the combustable and non-combustable valves to make me feel they are the same.

[Mylo]

Not meaning to highjack this thread, but I figured it is applicable....

Has anyone successfully put one of these ASCO valves inline with the wort, with the intention of automating transfers or recirculation? I read Palmer's article in BYO. He mentions that he has not completed (and therefore, tested) this design.

I wonder if these valves would be susceptable to clogging by small pieces of grain husk? Obviously regular solenoid valves (ie. irrigation valves) would not work - as they rely on a small bypass circuit that would undoubtedly get clogged by solid husk material. I have sent a email to asco tech support for their advise.

Any real world experience?


Mylo

[BadRock]

We use them in waste water applications all the time. I would imagine if they can stand up to waste water they will work fine in wort.

[whiteManCanHop]

WMCH - did you call the rep and ask if they are the same?

I read the email as stating that you want to use the combustion valves because they are listed as acceptable for fuel oil, and appropriately marked.

He goes on to list the features of the combustable valve, but doesn't go into enough detail on the difference between the combustable and non-combustable valves to make me feel they are the same.

i did not speak to the rep over the phone. just email. my email sent was asking what is mechanically different with a valve rated for inert gas vs a valve rated for fuel gas. he states the MAIN reason to use combustion valves is because the media is appropriately marked. not sure how you read into it any more than that. other features like proof of closure and junction boxes have no bearing on the actual operation of the valve.

like i said before... if you feel uneasy, buy combustion valves. fwiw, the valves lonnie uses are 8210G37 and they are rated for air/inert gas and he has not blown up yet...

[Whitebeard_Brewer]

I also used the G37 valves.....and have been using them for 1 1/2 years now with no worries.

[WitsEnd]

he states the MAIN reason to use combustion valves is because the media is appropriately marked.

He states the MAIN reason is because it's properly labeled (but not the ONLY reason).
He also lists SOME other features of the combustable valve (but not ALL).

I would be wary recommending that a non-combustable ASCO valve would not present a risk when used with propane or natual gas based solely upon that email.

I'm not implying that they are not safe to use, just that the information presented is inadequate to make a judgement.

We'd hate to see a warning like this for ASCO valves:
viewtopic.php?f=4&t=6445

[whiteManCanHop]

he states the MAIN reason to use combustion valves is because the media is appropriately marked.

He states the MAIN reason is because it's properly labeled (but not the ONLY reason).
He also lists SOME other features of the combustable valve (but not ALL).

I would be wary recommending that a non-combustable ASCO valve would not present a risk when used with propane or natual gas based solely upon that email.

I'm not implying that they are not safe to use, just that the information presented is inadequate to make a judgement.

We'd hate to see a warning like this for ASCO valves:
viewtopic.php?f=4&t=6445

i didnt mean to start an argument that advocates using non-combustion valves for fuel gas applications. you are right... i should not even recommend using one that is outside of its intended use. for the record, i did not base my personnel choice to use non-combustion valves on my brewery based on just that email. i have looked through the datasheets and compared materials used and the mechanisms for opening/closing the valve. they are identical. i am an engineer and i work with industrial equipment everyday. given my background and the response from the rep i am comfortable using it. i think the main reason for the price difference is that each combustion valve is qualified using agency approved methods to have zero leakage.... that costs asco money so likewise the cost of the qualified valve is more than standard.

with that said... I DO NOT CONDONE USING ASCO VALVES OUTSIDE OF THEIR INTENDED USE AS DETERMINED BY ASCO.

[WitsEnd]

i have looked through the datasheets and compared materials used and the mechanisms for opening/closing the valve. they are identical.

Well done! That was the additional information I was wondering about.

It's often difficult to get the "whole story" on these forums.

And the fact that i'm a fanatical skeptic.