PGV Solenoids

 

The PGV (Plastic Globe Valve) irrigation control valve is a type of automatic control valve used in irrigation systems to regulate the flow of water. Manufactured by companies like Hunter Industries, PGV valves are designed to work with irrigation controllers to open and close, allowing water to flow to different parts of an irrigation system based on a preset schedule.

Key Features of a PGV Irrigation Control Valve:

1. Durable Construction: PGV valves are typically made of high-quality plastic materials, ensuring durability in outdoor and underground environments where irrigation systems are commonly installed.
2. Solenoid-Operated: These valves have a built-in solenoid, which is an electromagnetic coil that controls the opening and closing of the valve.
3. Flow Control: Many PGV valves include an adjustable flow control feature, allowing users to regulate the amount of water flowing through the valve manually.
4. Sizes: PGV valves are available in different sizes (usually 1 inch, 1.5 inches, etc.), depending on the flow rate and pressure requirements of the irrigation system.

How a PGV Irrigation Control Valve Works:

1. Connection to an Irrigation Controller: The PGV valve is connected to an irrigation controller, which is the system's "brain." The controller sends signals to the valve when it's time to water specific zones.

2. Electrical Signal Activation: When the irrigation controller sends an electrical signal to the valve's solenoid, the solenoid is energized, creating a magnetic field that lifts a small plunger inside the valve.

3. Opening the Valve: As the plunger lifts, it opens a small internal passage in the valve that allows the water pressure on top of a diaphragm to be relieved. This pressure release causes the diaphragm to lift, allowing water to flow through the main valve and into the irrigation pipes.

4. Water Flow Regulation: If the valve has a flow control knob, users can manually adjust how much water flows through the valve. Turning the knob adjusts the internal components, either restricting or allowing more flow.

5. Closing the Valve: Once the irrigation controller ends the watering cycle, the electrical signal to the solenoid stops. This de-energizes the solenoid, causing the plunger to drop back down, sealing the internal passage. This allows water pressure to build up on top of the diaphragm again, which closes the valve and stops the water flow.

Benefits of PGV Valves:

• Automatic Operation: When connected to an irrigation controller, PGV valves automatically open and close at scheduled times, reducing manual labor.
• Durability: PGV valves are built to withstand harsh weather and pressure conditions, ensuring a long life in irrigation systems.
• Zone Control: These valves are often used in systems that divide large areas into zones, enabling efficient water management by selectively watering specific areas when needed.
• Water Conservation: With precise flow control and timed operation, PGV valves contribute to water conservation by delivering the right amount of water to each zone.

Applications:

• Residential Irrigation: PGV valves are common in home lawns, gardens, and landscape irrigation systems.
• Commercial Landscaping: Used in parks, golf courses, and commercial properties to manage large-scale irrigation needs.
• Agricultural Irrigation: In farms, PGV valves help regulate water flow to different fields or crops.

Example:

A homeowner with an automated irrigation system might have PGV valves installed for different zones, such as the front lawn, backyard, and flower beds. The controller sends signals to each valve at specific times, ensuring that each zone receives the right amount of water, without needing manual intervention.

In summary, a PGV irrigation control valve is an essential component of an automated irrigation system, providing reliable, controlled water flow to different zones. It works through electrical signals from a controller that activate the solenoid, enabling the valve to open and close as needed.

PGV Solenoid Valves are irrigation control valves designed by companies like Hunter Industries to manage the automatic operation of irrigation systems. The PGV (Plastic Globe Valve) series uses solenoid technology to open and close the valve electronically, allowing for efficient, timed control of water flow to different zones in the irrigation system.

Key Features of PGV Solenoid Valves:

1. Solenoid Operation:

   • The valve is equipped with a 24-volt solenoid, which is an electromagnetic coil responsible for controlling the opening and closing of the valve. When the irrigation controller sends an electric signal to the solenoid, it opens or closes the valve by moving the internal plunger and diaphragm.

2. Durable Construction:

   • PGV solenoid valves are typically made of durable plastic (UV-resistant and corrosion-resistant) to withstand outdoor conditions, making them suitable for residential, commercial, and light agricultural irrigation systems.

3. Manual Flow Control:

   • Many PGV valves have a flow control knob that allows manual adjustment of water flow through the valve. This feature helps fine-tune the water delivery rate to each zone.

4. High Pressure Tolerance:

   • These valves can typically handle pressures up to 150 PSI, making them suitable for systems with varying water pressures, especially in larger-scale irrigation setups.

5. Wide Range of Sizes:

   • PGV solenoid valves come in different sizes, typically ranging from 1 inch to 2 inches, to accommodate varying flow requirements. The size of the valve determines the flow rate and is selected based on the size of the area being irrigated.

6. Non-Leak Diaphragm:

   • Equipped with a robust diaphragm that ensures a tight seal, preventing leaks even under high pressure.

7. Debris Resistance:

   • Designed to prevent clogging and resist debris, making them reliable in various conditions, especially where water contains sediment.

How PGV Solenoid Valves Work:

1. Irrigation Controller Activation:

   • The PGV valve is connected to an irrigation controller, which schedules the watering times. When it's time to water a specific zone, the controller sends an electrical signal to the solenoid on the valve.

2. Solenoid Operation:

   • When energized, the solenoid creates a magnetic field that lifts the internal plunger. This action opens a small internal passage that relieves water pressure on the top of the valve's diaphragm, allowing the diaphragm to rise and water to flow through the valve.

3. Water Flow Regulation:

   • Water then flows from the supply line through the valve and into the irrigation zone. The flow control feature, if present, allows for manual adjustment of the amount of water flowing through the valve.

4. Closing the Valve:

   • Once the watering cycle is complete, the controller stops sending the signal to the solenoid. The solenoid is de-energized, causing the plunger to return to its original position, closing the internal passage. This allows water pressure to rebuild on top of the diaphragm, pushing it back down to seal the valve and stop water flow.

Applications of PGV Solenoid Valves:

• Residential Irrigation Systems: PGV solenoid valves are commonly used in home irrigation systems to automate watering for lawns, gardens, and flower beds.
• Commercial Landscaping: These valves are used in large-scale irrigation systems for commercial properties, parks, and public spaces.
• Agricultural Irrigation: In light agricultural setups, PGV valves help control water flow to specific crop zones or fields.
• Drip Irrigation Systems: PGV valves can also be used in drip irrigation setups, where precise water control is necessary.

Advantages of PGV Solenoid Valves:

1. Automation: PGV solenoid valves work in conjunction with an irrigation controller, automating the irrigation process and reducing manual labor.
2. Water Conservation: The ability to control water flow precisely helps reduce water waste, ensuring that only the necessary amount of water is delivered to each zone.
3. Reliable Performance: Built for long-term use, PGV solenoid valves offer consistent performance, even in high-pressure or debris-filled environments.
4. Flexibility: With manual flow control and compatibility with a range of controller systems, PGV solenoid valves provide flexibility in adjusting water output based on landscape needs.

Example of Use:

A homeowner with a large lawn and garden may have multiple Hunter PGV solenoid valves installed in their irrigation system. These valves are controlled by a smart irrigation controller that adjusts watering times based on weather data. Each valve is responsible for a specific zone (front lawn, backyard, flower beds), and the solenoid valves open and close automatically according to the preset schedule, ensuring that each zone gets the appropriate amount of water at the right time.

In summary, PGV solenoid valves are critical components in automated irrigation systems, providing reliable and efficient control of water flow to various zones. These valves use an electric solenoid to open and close based on signals from an irrigation controller, offering precision, durability, and ease of use in both residential and commercial irrigation applications.