Poor flow rate control w/ ball valves - Anyone using needle valves?

Discussion in 'Homebrewing' started by InVinoVeritas, May 23, 2016.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. InVinoVeritas

    InVinoVeritas Initiate (0) Apr 16, 2012 Wisconsin

    I'm having a hard time slowing down the flow rate during sparging. Anything less than half open of the ball valve and flow just stops. My sparges tale like 10 minutes. Does any one use needle valves in their system?
     
    #1 InVinoVeritas, May 23, 2016
  2. zizouandyuki

    zizouandyuki Initiate (0) Nov 26, 2015 Texas

    Never had an issue with flow rate using ball locks. Have you disassembled it to ensure everything is clean and/or assembled properly? Or maybe the unit is defective?

    I'm guessing you don't have a stuck sparge since you get a high flow rate once you open it past half-way. Did this just start happening or has it been going on for sometime?
     
    #2 zizouandyuki, May 23, 2016
    InVinoVeritas likes this.
  3. billandsuz

    billandsuz Pooh-Bah (2,097) Sep 1, 2004 New York
    Pooh-Bah

    Ball valves are designed to be reliable, but they really are not meant to throttle flow. A ball valve can sit unused for a long time and still work when needed.

    A gate valve is designed to regulate flow. An outdoor garden hose spigot is an example of a gate valve. Try that.

    Cheers
     
    #3 billandsuz, May 23, 2016
    donspublic and InVinoVeritas like this.
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.