So, being the inquisitive type, I decided to test four solenoid valves that are suitable for ballast systems on boats. Two valves were sprinkler types and the other two were industrial valves. I did two tests using a Mayfair 1000gph aerator pump and straight hose to the valves. I used the same setup for all valves.
Test 1 5 gallon bucket test. I energize the pump and valve and time how long it takes to empty a measured five gallons.
Orbit 1" sprinkler valve 7.5 minutes 26 sec/liter. What a POS. It requires gobs of pressure to get any flow. I think I bought this green turd because I saw a similar or the same valve used on Supras factory system. I don't know if they actually used/still use this valve. It has a 24VAC coil but actuates using 12vdc. DO NOT USE.
Toro .75" sprinkler valve 63 seconds. 3.3 sec/liter This cheap little plastic valve flows really well and seems to seal well when de-energized. It is aalso 24VAC valve but works on 12VDC. Definitely the best bang for the buck, feel-good valve of the season. EXCELLENT VALVE to replace 3/4" types. I think I paid 13$ about 8 yrs ago when I started dinking with ballast systems.
http://www.toro.com/sprinklers/valves/inline/53380.htmlAlcon .5" solenoid valve 59 seconds. 3 sec/liter. This is an expensive (125$) stainless bodied US made industrial valve used as the stock valves in my SX ballast system. It flows very well, especially considering it's small diameter. I will reuse these valves for additional ballast in my boat. They are low pressure valves. They are on sale right now.
MPL001169704 Valve,Solenoid,InFloorBallast,1/2"Inlet,12v,SX22 120.36 $90.27 special
SGS 1" Solenoid valve 39 seconds. 2 sec/liter. This is a relatively cheap (44$) huge Chinese made valve that I bought on ebay. It is a diaphragm type valve with a BIG solenoid. It requires no minimum pressure for flow and is suitable for gravity feed applications. It is the largest valve in the test and has the best flow. It will improve my fill and drain times by 33%
http://cgi.ebay.com/1-Electric-Solenoid-Valve-12-Volt-Water-Diesel-B21N_W0QQitemZ300302928934QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item300302928934&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262&_trkparms=|301%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A30
