why do auto topoffs have to be electric??

[moonie]

I was wondering why auto offs are so complicated? I run printing presses for a living and my units water systems are gravity feed. I have bottles that hold 3 to 5 gallons of water that feed flat trays. When the trays run low on water/chemical mix they are automatically replenished by gravity, no pumps, solonoids or anything excpet a hose. Can't a simple system like this for a top off of your sump/tank. Any thoughts???

 

[drpaul84]

not all of them are

 

[jonthefishguy]

They are not all electric. Some of the others are with a KENT flow valve. Drill a hole slightly above the water lever in your sump. Add the flow valve. Add the hose to the back of the flow valve. Add the other end to the water source. It could be from a RO/DI unit or a gravity feed water reservior.

 

[moonie]

thanks all that I've seen is the electric complicated units. I love complicated stuff but cherish the simple bulletproof technology.

 

[apos]

I've seen some neat system plans that are built out of an old wine jug, a stopper, three tubes, and some silicone.
Most electric ones I've seen seem to involve actually pumping straight from an RO/DI unit using things like a flush valve. This, IMHO, seems like a bad idea, both because there are ways to contaminate an RO/DI source and also because if the system breaks while you're away, you have an auto flooding system with no end to it. The "reserve" versions at least have some stopping point to the extra water, and are basically just a way of extending your evaporation reserves, rather than fully automating things.
Hi-tech is great, but it can often turn into "no-tec" a lot faster and more dramatically than lo-tec. Having a human periodically sanity check a system is sometimes a good thing rather than pure hassle.

 

[dmcrete]

i just recently applyed the float system to my sump EXACTLY as john the fish guy exsplained,, you could tap into regular water source, but Luckily i have a rodi system, i plumed into that, it works awsum,

 

[trippkid]

I've been running mine, gravity feed type, for over 2.5 yrs now. Works like a charm. I fill it once a week usually. Just a clear plastic 15 gallon container from Wal-mart, connected like Jon is suggesting.

 

[wattsupdoc]

IMO K.I.S.S.
No reason for them to be at all! The simpler the better.
https://forums.saltwaterfish.com/t/257510/my-new-diy-auto-top-off
Couple examples of the different kinds I've had.
Some pics of my current float valve ones. I have 3 of these going right now and have had NO PROBLEMS with them.Fed right off my RO unit.

 

[notsonoob]

Originally Posted by moonie
I was wondering why auto offs are so complicated? I run printing presses for a living and my units water systems are gravity feed. I have bottles that hold 3 to 5 gallons of water that feed flat trays. When the trays run low on water/chemical mix they are automatically replenished by gravity, no pumps, solonoids or anything excpet a hose. Can't a simple system like this for a top off of your sump/tank. Any thoughts???
I maintain a brand new printing press....
Everything is electric, because it give you better control and the ability to withdraw more information. Most electronics will fail on thier own out of the box. If they last over 30 days, then they will last for a long time if maintained properly. Mechanical parts break down as they are exposed to elements. Valves will leak especially under pressure in a gravity feed system. Just think of the complications of 10 gallons flooding because nothing is holding it back, versus a pump under no head pressure only supplying on demand. In which, is probably why you will never see that setup again on a press.
And it is so much easier to change a servo drive, then gear driven journals off of a line shaft of an 8 unit verticle press...in my opinion.

 

[renogaw]

can RO units push water up a flight of stairs?

 

[notsonoob]

Pressure pushes it up stairs.
If you don't have pressure after your filters it won't push it anywhere, but on the floor.

 

[renogaw]

thats what i was afraid of. so my only possibility is an electric one.

 

[notsonoob]

These gravity systems (as I think about it in my head) is just a container suspended over the sump that feeds fluid when needed.
I would have a holding tank with a pump that can handle the pressure needed to get it up the steps...(think of a secondary sump).
You could even get away with a relativly cheap float valve to control on/off for the pump.
But you would probably be better off spending the quid for very good monitoring system, since the possibility of a mess is there with that much head pressure.
I would have to know your requirments for a decent design though. I think that you need the holding tank, because the pump would be starved when it starts up and cavitate as the filters probably couldn't hold up the demand.

 

[hurt]

WattsUpDoc, I noticed in your second pic you extended the length of your adjustable float valve. Could tell me what exactly you used to do that. I would like to add about a inch to mine.