Need help selecting a 12V electric water valve

[rv_safetyman]

I would like to probe the great brain trust of his board to see if you folks can get me pointed towards selecting a 12V electronic water valve for an automatic fire suppression system.  The following is a bit of background:

I am in the process of developing (in coordination with one of my suppliers) an electronically triggered fire suppression system to be used with my fire detection system (or as a stand alone system).  This will be a redundant system that will be triggered both electronically and mechanically (with a cable system).

Present electronically activated fire suppression systems use the electronic signal to fire a small explosive device.  I want to stay away from that approach.

What I am looking for is a low cost, reliable, 12 Volt electronic valve that will withstand 140 PSI water pressure and have a 3/8 port.  Obviously, it must be very reliable (industrial grade?).
 
We had looked at using my supplier’s mechanical valve and activating it with an automotive solenoid.  We still have that as an option, but want to make sure we consider all options.

One of our design concepts would use some sort of spool valve that can be pushed activated by a solenoid or pull activated by a cable.  I have not been able to find such a device.

I would appreciate any comments, as they may trigger further design options.

[Nick Badame Refrig. Co.]

Jim,

I just thought of a product that we use in the commercial Refrigeration industry!

Theese are selonoid activated valve bodys that are desined for high psi's, freon, water psi, ect! We operate our valves at PSI's of up to 500 psi everyday!

Check out this site http://www.sporlan.com/Prodinfo.shtm
The coil part # MK1VDC 12v dc, and there are a number of valve bodys you can choose from. [ 3/8 flare, or 3/8 odf sweat, ect. ]

Also: http://www.emersonflowcontrols.com/web/home.asp

I think you would want a valve body made of brass anyway.

You would have to buy through a Dist. heres one  www.uri.com   than you will locate a nearby branch!

Hope you find what you are looking for!

Nick Badame-

[Hi yo silver]

Jim,
Rainbird watering systems uses 12 volt solenoid to control water flow in irrigation systems.  In another application, a number of railroads have for years used the same rainbird solenoid to control air brake application in an electronically controlled end-of-train device.  This is certainly a critical application that speaks for the reliability of the valve.  They are not expensive.  Probably less than 20 bucks.  You can probably find one at your local home improvement center. 

I have some experience in life safety systems, i.e. fire detection and suppression systems in fixed property (no wheels).  I share your interest in a fire protection system on a bus!  When I have a bus of my own, I anticipate installing just such a thing. 

This is my first post but I have enjoy everybody's questions and advice for quite some time now.  I have a fat file folder of printouts.  Thanks to everyone for sharing.  I look forward to meeting some of you in the future.  I'm an MCI wannabe!

Dennis
Hi Yo Silver!