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Solenoid Selection, or, "The
$340 dollar question"
Now the question
becomes, "do I go with SS, or brass?". I bought all Stainless fittings
for my kegs, and originally intended to use SS solenoids, until I was quoted
a price of $340. My design will use 5 solenoids for the basic process,
with possible additions in the future, and that price made up my
mind quickly. I searched the HBD archives for brass 'pickling' procedures,
and started looking for suitable brass solenoid valves. What
I came up with, was Grainger
part# 1A577, with part# 3A440 120 volt coil.This valve is suitable for
cycling up to ten times per minute, and the lead content is stated to be
from 1.5-2%. This package should cost around $60 a copy, much better than
$340! I bought some small neon indicator lights from Radio Shack to go
on the coil housings. They aren't as bright as I'd hoped, but they work.
I decided to go with the "pickling" technique devised by John
Palmer, on the brass parts. This process involves submerging the brass
parts in 2:1 solution of Vinegar and Hydrogen Peroxide for about 5-10 minutes.
Look for a buttery gold color. Mix up a new solution when it starts to
turn green.

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