Automated temp controlled FV cooling

[St.Julie]

Hello All,

I am looking to control the flow of my chiller water for my FV's with a temp controller, control valves.  I am tired of controlling them by hand.  Basically I need a temp controller that tells a (I'd prefer)a pneumatic (XP rated) valve to open when needed and closed when demand is not needed.  Anyone have any recommendations on a someone that does these sorts of set ups.  Any thoughts?  Or if I can set it up, what you use or recommend for the build out?  Thanks!

[Southernhighlander]

I recommend one of our thermostatic valves.  They need no power of any kind, pneumatic or otherwise so they are inherently explosion proof.  Please email me paul@distillery-equipment.com and we will give you a quote.

[FijiSpirits]

I’ve been looking for some solutions myself. I’ve got all the parts (except the water valve) to make an automatic valve control and element control but haven’t put it together yet. I decided to use PID controller and some relays. 

 

I had looked at a non electric temperature control valve like these below but thy are pricey and seemed kind of arbitrary in adjustment and not overly quantifiable. 

 

https://m.grainger.com/mobile/category/temperature-regulator-valves/pressure-and-temperature-control-valves/plumbing-valves/plumbing/ecatalog/N-rgv?searchFlag=Browse

 

maybe Highlander will share more about his valves, I’m always looking for cool solutions. 

[Southernhighlander]

With these valves you do not need a PID or relays.  Also on off valves can extend run times because the stills output is sort of like an old guy with a prostate problem.  The best option is a valve that operates in a proportional manner.  Here is a link to the data sheet of one of the thermostatic valves that we sell: http://na.heating.danfoss.com/PCMPDF/AVTB-RA_DS_VDBJD222.pdf They aren't that pricey when you consider how long they last and that you do not need a controller and they use zero power and they are completely explosion proof.  You can use one of them to control your final condenser and as many as 4 dephlegmators.

[Blackheart]

This is a great idea for a low cost deph controller Highlander.  Mounting it in a place that you can access easily (like not up high, needing a ladder climb each time you need to adjust it) is the trick, I think.  I might consider these for some new fermenter vessel install I am working on.  That's a great use for these IMHO; set and forget. Just watch the temp probe dial to make sure it's still working. 

[Southernhighlander]

Our thermostatic valves go at the input of the final condenser so the valves are down low.