tapped stainless pipe to mount individual solenoids

[1carwash1]

Does anybody know where I can find tapped stainless pipe to mount individual solenoids? Building a low pressure system and want to attach the assembly to the pump plant. Basically, i’m looking for a length of stainless that i can mount 8 solenoids. i already have the individual solenoids that is why i’m not considering solenoid manifolds.

 

[MEP001]

You'd have to get pipe with threaded ports welded in. You can't just tap holes in the pipe, the wall thickness isn't enough. Does it have to be stainless? I do this all the time with 1-1/2" long brass nipples and 1/4" NPT tees.

 

[Randy]

We build our own low pressure manifolds out of 1/4" Hex nipples and a heavy 1/4" Tee and a Kip solenoid valve.

Brass Hex Pipe Nipple Fitting, 1/4 in. | Car Wash Fittings | 28-212L

Connect two pipes or hoses featuring 1/4" female NPTF ends with ease with the 28-212L brass hex pipe nipple fitting. Kleen-Rite brings you the best in brass fittings for a lightweight, streamlined hydraulic, gas, or fuel system at smart prices.

www.kleen-ritecorp.com

Brass Union Tee, 1/4 in. | 28-025 | Barstock Fittings

Connect three pipes or hoses featuring 1/4" male NPTF ends with ease with the 28-025 union tee, featuring 1/4" female NPTF openings.

www.kleen-ritecorp.com

1/4" Male Branch Tee | 28-282 | Brass Barstock Tees

The 28-282 is a new brass branch tee with 1/4" FNPT x 1/4" MNPT x 1/4" FNPT connections.

www.kleen-ritecorp.com

 

[MEP001]

FWIW I use the long nipple so the solenoid can be removed whole. It's been more than a few times I couldn't get the stem off the body and had to change the whole thing. I use Swagelock mounting blocks so the stack can be turned.

 

[mac]

You can buy stainless steel fittings and make your own.

 

[PaulLovesJamie]

For low pressure, you can also make one out of higher schedule pvc, it taps easily.
Even pvc isnt cheap anymore though, sigh.

 

[sparkey]

You'd have to get pipe with threaded ports welded in. You can't just tap holes in the pipe, the wall thickness isn't enough. Does it have to be stainless? I do this all the time with 1-1/2" long brass nipples and 1/4" NPT tees.

Washworld does it all the time without welding ports in.

 

[2Biz]

Does anybody sell Kip SS manifolds? I know they make them... The brass ones only last about 4 years on PS before the seats erode and start leaking.

 

[Randy]

Do you mean something like this from GS

https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com/p-19...etering-4-station-200-psi-metering-screw.aspx

Or you could get something like these

https://www.mcmaster.com/stainless-steel-manifolds/right-angle-flow-rectangular-manifolds-7/

Or contact the manufacture of Kip valves

http://cdn.norgren.com/pdf/KIP Manifolds.pdf

I think the biggest problem for most car wash operators is the cost.

 

[MEP001]

GC solenoids are garbage.

This is what I've started doing:

 

[2Biz]

Do you mean something like this from GS

https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com/p-19...etering-4-station-200-psi-metering-screw.aspx

Or you could get something like these

https://www.mcmaster.com/stainless-steel-manifolds/right-angle-flow-rectangular-manifolds-7/

Or contact the manufacture of Kip valves

http://cdn.norgren.com/pdf/KIP Manifolds.pdf

I think the biggest problem for most car wash operators is the cost.

Thanks Randy for the links! I don't think the one from McMaster will work...It would be impossible to fit solenoids to it. The hole spacing is too close together. I would pay extra for a SS one identical to the brass ones we get off KR...It would last forever! I would like for it to fit the same bolt pattern for mounting and also use the same solenoids...I have plenty spares! I guess a built up SS fitting version would work, but probably total cost would be similar to a manufactured Kip. It would have to be long enough to assemble or change solenoids if one failed and would have to get creative for the mounting.

 

[Earl Weiss]

How about... https://www.zoro.com/home-flex-manifold-12x112x12-ss-11-050504/i/G3894918/?recommended=true

 

[2Biz]

Good find Earl! I was thinking, you really don't need that much room between solenoids. You can take the coil and stem off and screw the base on, then reattach the stem and coil. For no more than this cost, I will give it a try. Just need (4) 1/2" x 1/4" NPT SS reducers. Thx!

 

[MEP001]

How do you plan to deal with the 1/12" ports?

 

[Randy]

Home depot has them

HOME-FLEX
1/2 in. x 1/2 in. x (4) 1/2 in. CSST FIPT Stainless Steel Manifold
$15.47

 

[MEP001]

Maximum pressure of 5 PSI could be a problem.

 

[2Biz]

How do you plan to deal with the 1/12" ports?

Saw that too. It's a typo. And also the 5psi max. These are designed for NG or propane. Surely they will hold more than that?

 

[2Biz]

Home depot has them

HOME-FLEX
1/2 in. x 1/2 in. x (4) 1/2 in. CSST FIPT Stainless Steel Manifold
$15.47

HD's around here don't have any in stock and they don't ship them for whatever reason? Good find though! Ended up getting one off Ebay for $25

 

[Earl Weiss]

How do you plan to deal with the 1/12" ports?

You don't think that i a typo?

 

[Earl Weiss]

Would plastic work for you? https://www.amazon.com/s?k=irrigati...938303&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_18cugduffo_e