Question about CO2 solenoids

guilford · 09/05/2006, 07:53 PM

I have a calcium reactor and a CO2 setup to go along with it. The regulator assembly I am using has a solenoid valve. I'm probably going to run the reactor only during the day, and then turn the CO2 off at night. Does that daily on-off cycle hurt the solenoid? If a solenoid valve fails, does it always fail in the "off" position so that no CO2 flows?

Does anyone use two solenoid valves on their CO2 tank as an extra safety procaution? They aren't that expensive, but is that just crazy to use two?

Thanks,
Brad (the paranoid one)

guilford · 09/07/2006, 07:32 AM

OK, so I am guessing that pretty much everybody uses only one solenoid? Am I the only one here who is paranoid, or are the solenoids really that reliable?

Thanks,
Brad

jgarrison · 09/07/2006, 08:56 AM

The solenoid valves typically fail in the closed position but occasionally they can get stuck open due to debris. I do not think 2 is nessasary
good luck

softbal4 · 09/07/2006, 08:58 AM

my solenoid failed in the open position and I never replaced it. is that something I should consider?

gman19 · 09/13/2006, 03:30 PM

Most coil type solenoids that we test at our automotive lab are rated in the hundreds of thousands of on/off cycles, so the daily cycling is a non-issue.

Most will fail in the closed position...although it is a manmade device and anything is possible!!

09/05/2006, 07:53 PM	#1
guilford Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Knoxville, TN Posts: 133	Question about CO2 solenoids I have a calcium reactor and a CO2 setup to go along with it. The regulator assembly I am using has a solenoid valve. I'm probably going to run the reactor only during the day, and then turn the CO2 off at night. Does that daily on-off cycle hurt the solenoid? If a solenoid valve fails, does it always fail in the "off" position so that no CO2 flows? Does anyone use two solenoid valves on their CO2 tank as an extra safety procaution? They aren't that expensive, but is that just crazy to use two? Thanks, Brad (the paranoid one)

09/13/2006, 03:30 PM	#5
gman19 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 425	Most coil type solenoids that we test at our automotive lab are rated in the hundreds of thousands of on/off cycles, so the daily cycling is a non-issue. Most will fail in the closed position...although it is a manmade device and anything is possible!! __________________ 100G AllGlass reef/Lifereef Filter Systems custom sump/skimmer/filter cylinders. 1/5 HP Aqualogic chiller, ACIII controller, Lifereef LCR1 Calcium Reactor. Current Tank Info: 100g reef/Berlin method

09/07/2006, 07:32 AM	#2
guilford Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Knoxville, TN Posts: 133	OK, so I am guessing that pretty much everybody uses only one solenoid? Am I the only one here who is paranoid, or are the solenoids really that reliable? Thanks, Brad

09/07/2006, 08:56 AM	#3
jgarrison Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Albany NY Posts: 231	The solenoid valves typically fail in the closed position but occasionally they can get stuck open due to debris. I do not think 2 is nessasary good luck

09/07/2006, 08:58 AM	#4
softbal4 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: chicago Posts: 578	my solenoid failed in the open position and I never replaced it. is that something I should consider?