Electric Keg Lock

[IowaHomeBrewer]

I found a few threads about this already, but they are all really old and the links are dead.

I'm getting into electrical engineering, so doing some small projects around the house to get my feet wet before I get into what I really want to do (new brew system).

I have a Raspberry Pi Zero Wireless unit. My intention is to install a solenoid valve inline very close to the taps. I will have a finger print sensor or a key pad on the outside of my kegerator. As I experiment I will probably add a smart phone app or build a web server on the pi so I can unlock it from my phone. The input sensors aren't really my question. I'll start with a simple keypad at first and then add other functions for fun.

I'm trying to lock down the solenoid valve first.

There isn't a whole lot out there for 3/16 " solenoid valves.

I found out that Kuerig actually sells solenoids for the coffee makers.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-16-Pneuma...as-/272094954098?_trksid=p2385738.m2548.l4275

I think that would work. It has to be food safe, right? I mean we're pumping hot water through it for coffee.

 

[NeoBrew]

I would get one and try it first. Unlike coffee kegged beer has a lot of dynamics around foaming. Temp, pressure, etc.

The 90 degree bend makes me wonder how turbulent the beer would get as it passed through. Also, heating from the solenoid could be a factor.

Sounds like an interesting project. I will be curious to see how things progress!

 

[MaryB]

1/8 in brass with stainless internals, looks straight through... http://pentairaes.com/12v-normally-closed.html

1/4 inch all stainless http://pentairaes.com/stainless-steel-compact-solenoid-normally-closed.html

aquarium setups use them!

 

[Calaeb]

Any update? Curious to see if you got anything worked out. Also hello from Iowa!

 

[NeoBrew]

1/8 in brass with stainless internals, looks straight through... http://pentairaes.com/12v-normally-closed.html

1/4 inch all stainless http://pentairaes.com/stainless-steel-compact-solenoid-normally-closed.html

aquarium setups use them!

At those prices I wonder if you would be better off working on a DIY manifold using these. You could mount several of them all on a plate and have a lever arm attached to a single motor. Or maybe mount a sprocket on them and use a chain drive?

Just a thought I had. There would certainly be more monkey business, but at $149 a piece you could certainly improve on the price point if you are going to have more than one tap.

 

[IowaHomeBrewer]

Been traveling for work havent ordered anything yet. Those linked prices were too high.

Calaeb, what part of iowa? Des moines here

 

[Calaeb]

Iowa City! Jealous of your bar/brewery choices down there.