solenoid-valve
I am new to solenoid valves; I know the basic principal, it's just like normal valve but solenoid can be controlled using DC/AC current.
But my question is:
What's the difference between gravity feed solenoid valve and normal solenoid valves?
What are the applications of gravity feed solenoid valves as I have seen many normal solenoid valves used in washing machines and water purifiers.
I once was looking for a similar thing and came up with following low cost (< 10 EUR) solution, that requires however some handicraft:
A solenoid is certainly the cheapest and easiest thing you can make yourself. Plus, it's not difficult to direct the flow of the water this way. You don't even need to make a valve. All you need to do is to re-direct the flow of the water.
Since you have a flexible tube, you simply need to move the end of the tube between two positions. In one position it squirts the water down, and in the other position, it squirts the water into a drain.
You can wind the solenoid coils yourself. Just cut lengths of steel rod, and wind coil wire (enamelled copper wire around them).
Push the end of your water tube into a short length of steel tube. The springyness of the water tube will hold it away from the solenoid, and allow water to flow into the drain (This is also the fail safe position. When the power fails, it will drain). When the solenoid is energised, it will attract the tube, and allow the water to flow down and be seen.
You may find that the flexible tube doesn't actually work well as a spring. In that case add a spring. Or, use a fairly long piece of thin steel tube instead of the flexible tube. This will be flexible enough to move the approx 4mm required.
Best Answer
Normal solenoid valves require some amount of pressure like 3psi for the valve to open. Gravity feed solenoid can allow liquid to flow through at any pressure.