Page 1 of 1

Valve Size

Posted: Sat Feb 07, 2009 3:53 am
by captianfear
I am building a 3" douchenator and need insight on how large my valve should be. I will be using a plastic ball valve because it saves alot of money and if you add the tork arm like in super cannon it works fine. Does Valve Size effect the amount of presure comming out of the pc? I am thinking of a 2" valve but I will most likely go smaller as most people use but I have never built one so I need advice.
Thanks

Re: Valve Size

Posted: Sat Feb 07, 2009 1:52 pm
by SSCBen
Yes, valve size matters to a certain extent. And if you're using a ball valve you should at least use a reasonably large valve. A normal Douchenator uses a 1 1/4 inch valve. They also mention that any valve 1 inch or larger is acceptable, so if you want a minimum, there it is.

Re: Valve Size

Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2009 11:06 pm
by captianfear
So would a 3" valuve work on 3' pipe?

Re: Valve Size

Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2009 11:30 pm
by SSCBen
Yes. However, if you want to use a 3" ball valve, realize it'll be extremely expensive, heavy, and hard to turn. I'd suggest something like a QEV or sprinkler valve if you're concerned about performance. For more information look here: http://www.spudfiles.com/spud_wiki/index.php/Main_Page

Re: Valve Size

Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2009 1:18 am
by Silence
Ben mentioned quick exhaust valves (QEVs), which are commercially manufactured and perform well. But I don't think they come in larger sizes. If you still want a 3" valve (which may be excessive), you should build a piston valve, which is the same thing.

Re: Valve Size

Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2009 1:58 am
by SSCBen
A 3/4 inch QEV should be more than adequate. Remember that too large valves put too much force on the balloon and pop it.