Best way to divert very high pressure/volume hydraulic flow?

[Fred Trevvett]

Continuing my trend of dabbling in areas I know nothing about, I need a way to divert water coming in from a pump at 150 bar/120 LPM to 5 different outputs, one after the other. I'm wondering if a hydraulic spool block or something might be the best way to do it? Just need to do something cheap for now, but long term we may invest in some fancy automated solenoid electrickery if it's not too pricey.

Can a hydraulic spool block be used with water? And if it can, could it handle the flow/pressure of the pump? If not, what's the next best option?

 

[Spark plug]

How will the outputs be used? One at a time, all at once, a combination of the 5?

 

[Fred Trevvett]

Only one at a time, sorry should have said that in original post.

 

[selectedgrub]

There will be a video up shortly.

 

[minimutly]

Burkert solenoid valves, made for the job. Do not use hydraulic kit. What you'll find is that the supply pressure changes as you switch more outlets on, so you may need some PRVs, but you've not given enough info?

 

[Fred Trevvett]

...but you've not given enough info?

That's cos I don't have a clue what I'm on about

Keep the replies coming though and I'll do some more research as the project goes on

 

[Fred Trevvett]

Whatever info you need just ask, fwiw the outputs are going to (big) pressure washer nozzles

 

[Spark plug]

In that case the easies way would be to make a manifold with 5 suitably rated ball valves, one for each output.

@knighty is the crazy pressure washer contraption expert and may be able to help.

 

[8ob]

In that case the easies way would be to make a manifold with 5 suitably rated ball valves, one for each output.

@knighty is the crazy pressure washer contraption expert and may be able to help.

I think that's about it, the pressure/lpm mentioned only call for an 1" or 3/4" bore manifold out of schedule 80 pipe and fittings.

Bob

 

[Fred Trevvett]

I think that's about it, the pressure/lpm mentioned only call for an 1" or 3/4" bore manifold out of schedule 80 pipe and fittings.

Bob

Agreed and that would probably be the best solution long term, with a view to automating it by swapping out the ball valves for solenoid valves

 

[slim_boy_fat]

Can you just turn down the pressure from the pump as a temporary measure, depending of course how the pump itself is driven?

 

[Fred Trevvett]

No, it needs to be that pressure for the nozzles to do their job effectively

 

[Agroshield]

What is the normal on/off mechanism for the flow? Is it linked mechanically or electrically to any part of the pump? Does it have a pressure relief valve or a diverter? I would have some concerns about water hammer if trying to stop that dead in its tracks.

 

[Fred Trevvett]

Normal on/off mechanism - I believe the pump (3x Nilfisk MC8P connected together at the moment) has a pressure shutoff like most pressure washers, where it cuts out when you let go of the trigger on the lance. I guess it would do the same if all the valves were shut?

Good point about water hammer, I had never heard of it but having done a bit of googling I see it would be a concern

 

[Anguz]

Water hammer can be scarey.

 

[addjunkie]

I think that's about it, the pressure/lpm mentioned only call for an 1" or 3/4" bore manifold out of schedule 80 pipe and fittings.

Bob

And a safety valve of some sortfor when you get it wrong and have all the outlets closed.

Over pressure and water hammer are quite dangerous at those sorts of pressures

 

[minimutly]

You absoluely must have a pressure relief valve to vent around the pump.

 

[Agroshield]

And a safety valve of some sortfor when you get it wrong and have all the outlets closed.

You absoluely must have a pressure relief valve to vent around the pump.

He has now said above that the motive power for this is three Nilfisk MC8P connected together. So, as standard pressure washers, they will have all the safety and pressure relief gubbins built in. Pressure washers do not blow up when you release the trigger.

 

[addjunkie]

He has now said above that the motive power for this is three Nilfisk MC8P connected together. So, as standard pressure washers, they will have all the safety and pressure relief gubbins built in. Pressure washers do not blow up when you release the trigger.

Depends what bodgery has been done to join them together

 

[Bornfree]

They should have unloader valve's.