RE: automated baths

["Hawes,Timothy Edward (GEG)" <haweste@xxxxxxx>]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Stephen Sent: 12 November 2003 10:33
>
> Hi,
>
> I was searching the archives and found a thread about automating
> baths, but I don't think there was a definitive answer.
>
> Is there an automated filler, that switches off when the bath is full
> or is it all timer controlled?
>
> Can you automate the plug so that the bath only fills with the plug
> hole closed? I realise you could use a solenoid valve, but the ones I
> have seen are for 15mm copper pipe, not for 40mm waste pipe.
>
> Thanks.

Stephen,

A couple of thoughts:

"Automated filler" = solenoid valve downstream of a thermostatic
mixer valve (you'd have to pre-set the temperature that you want your
bath). You could have the temperature specified on a case-by-case basis but
it does get more complex.

Turn the solenoid valve off when the water reaches a preset level - there
are a number of different devices that will sense water level - Velleman do
a kit, Lets Automate do something similar but "retail packaged"
(i.e. pre-built, with a case etc.). As a secondary precaution, you may want
to add a timer so that, say, if the water level sensor hasn't closed the
inlet valves after 10mins, you close the valves anyway. This would serve
two purposes (a) prevent or limit the amount of the overflow if the sensor
fails (b) stops you wasting water if the drain valves fail to shut (like
leaving the taps on but with the plug out)

For neatness you may want to mount the sensor in a hidden standpipe
attached to both the drain and the overflow (so you don't have wires taped
to the inside of the bath).

40mm solenoid valves are available, but usually reserved for industrial
applications (read: expensive). You may want to consider multiple 15mm
solenoid valves on the drain to ensure the bath doesn't take all evening to
empty :-)


HTH,

Tim H.

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