Call all Belimo Valve Experts

[indyspirits]

Thanks to many here we successfully automated deph control on our small 600L still. Omega PID w/ prop current output + Belimo LRGB24-MFT worked wonders.  Now onto our larger still. I'm looking at this valve/actuator combo:

https://034a59d.netsolstores.com/Belimo_B230LRQB24-MFT.aspx

Questions:

• Should I get spring return so that it fails open?
• I want to control w/ PWM via microprocessor but am uncertain on which PWM signal time period to order.  .10sec to 5.2 sec? Is this user-settable without their programming kit?  
• Has anyone used PWM to control these valves? 

 

 

[Southernhighlander]

We use Danfoss reverse acting thermostatic valves http://na.heating.danfoss.com/xxTypex/568675_MNU17534611_SIT209.html  No controller is needed with these.  Also no power supply is needed so they are inherently explosion proof.  Also they are proportional, so they do not cause fluctuations in output.  Every electrical component that you ad to your still is a potential ignition source.  These are simple and work really well. You just set the temp dial and the valve will maintain that temp. We are danfoss dealers so if you are interested just give us a call or shoot out an email. 417-778-6100 paul@distillery-equipment.com

http://distillery-equipment.com

http://moonshine-still.co

 

http://triclamp.co

 

 

[Silk City Distillers]

This one?  The 5 second full swing proportional actuation makes other valves look like dinosaurs trying to crawl out of a tar pit.  I don't think you can use PWM directly, only 4-20ma/2-10vdc proportional like you've got with your Omega today.  If you are looking to use PWM out of a micro controller and have no other option, you are going to need a PWM to Proportional converter (sometimes called a valve driver).  You trying to build something with a little micro controller kit like an Arduino?  I suspect it's going to be much easier to find a way to add an analog voltage output and control the valve directly versus trying to use a converter (which needs to be tuned typically).   What are you trying to do anyway?  

I haven't swapped out my slower dephlegmator actuator for this one yet, on the list of projects.  No spring control, it fails in place.  We use recirculating water anyhow, so if we lose power we lose pump, so spring return open isn't much of a failsafe.  Something like a PWM controlled solenoid - you absolutely want that to fail open.

[indyspirits]

22 hours ago, Silk City Distillers said:

This one?  The 5 second full swing proportional actuation makes other valves look like dinosaurs trying to crawl out of a tar pit.  I don't think you can use PWM directly, only 4-20ma/2-10vdc proportional like you've got with your Omega today.  If you are looking to use PWM out of a micro controller and have no other option, you are going to need a PWM to Proportional converter (sometimes called a valve driver).  You trying to build something with a little micro controller kit like an Arduino?  I suspect it's going to be much easier to find a way to add an analog voltage output and control the valve directly versus trying to use a converter (which needs to be tuned typically).   What are you trying to do anyway?  

I haven't swapped out my slower dephlegmator actuator for this one yet, on the list of projects.  No spring control, it fails in place.  We use recirculating water anyhow, so if we lose power we lose pump, so spring return open isn't much of a failsafe.  Something like a PWM controlled solenoid - you absolutely want that to fail open.

 

 

That's the one. Interestingly enough it appears they do now offer a PWM (amongst others -- click on the link below then on the "Seleft MFT Control Code" droplist) . That previously wasnt the case -- only prop. current. 

 

As for the valve body, the 231 in the link up to doesn't have a characterizing disc.  This:

https://034a59d.netsolstores.com/Belimo_B231NRQX24-MFT.aspx

one does. I'm about to pull the trigger,  most likely with (assuming I understand what's going on) the P-20005 control code as I can drive that directly from an Arduino.

Thoughts?  

 

[Silk City Distillers]

Ah, just be careful you don't need the PC interface kit to program the valve, it's another $400.

[indyspirits]

2 hours ago, Silk City Distillers said:

Ah, just be careful you don't need the PC interface kit to program the valve, it's another $400.

I have a call into the vendor to ensure this isn't the case. There's no charge for any of few-dozens of options.  I assume that they program it for you prior to shipping. I'll reply to myself when I hear back.