Charlie's misting system

[Keysguy]

Hi all,

I'm having a recurring issue with my misting controller.

Attached is the system I'm referring to. For some reason it wouldn't work as a link so here is the description of the system:

"Set up your misting or watering system for automatic control and monitoring with this ready-to-use assembly. Easily connects to your 1/2" PVC pipe or hose with adapters included. Features include brass solenoid valve with stainless steel plunger. Ideal for misting control because, unlike diaphragm valves, this snap-action design quickly shuts off water flow. 24-volt solenoid coil has transformer, ready to plug into your 120-volt timer or humidistat. Built-in pressure gauge is handy for monitoring correct system pressure. Removable fine mesh filter protects valve and your entire system. Manual shutoff valve allows backup control and filter cleaning. Flow rate up to 4.2 gallons per minute."

Optimum water pressure is 75 psi but will work as low as 40 psi and as high as 110 psi.

My issue is with the clear plastic cover of the strainer or filter that is the first component inline from the water intake. It is made by Banjo. This is a component of a water filter in a pressurized misting system in my orchid shadehouse in the Florida Keys. It's under roughly 60% shade so never in direct sun. What happens is that over time (sometimes 8 months but sometimes just 3-4 months) they develop a pinhole leak right through the sidewall of the cover. Because it's always under pressure, it's not a big leak but it results in a very fine spray being exhausted which eventually widens the defect and requires replacing. I know it's not an expensive part but........

I bet I've replaced it 5 or 6 times in the past 4 years. I have been using the clear version of the part (which was on the as purchased system) so I just placed an order with the plumbing supply house where I was able to locate the spares but the order is for the black plastic this time as an experiment on my part to see if the color of the plastic matters.

Nothing goes through there except municipal water so I don't believe it can be a corrosion issue. It is tied into an electric timer that controls the solenoid valve that gives the command when to release the water into the system and control the run time. The water supply comes into the filter at the front end of the system via a garden hose so the pressure is only whatever our normal house water pressure is.

My suspicion is that the plastic these things are made from is degrading somehow and can't handle the constant pressure but I would think they should be able to.

Maybe a better solution would be metal? Is such a thing available?

Just curious if anyone else has one of these and has had the same experience. I've posed the problem to both Charley's and the parts folks and waiting on reply's.

Anyone have any thoughts? Other than this, the system is bulletproof.

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[Ray]

My guess would be UV degradation, rather than a pressure or corrosion issue. I suspect the black replacement will help a great deal, but can't you simply put a cover over it so it gets no sun's rays at all?

[Keysguy]

That's what I was thinking as well Ray. I suppose I could always wrap it in something like a cloth. Maybe the black will work though. I ordered 10!

If the first one blows through I'll have to try a sun shield.

[estación seca]

It could be excessive flow. That can lead to localized jets of water that erode through from inside. I had that happen to a brass elbow outside my house. Choke back on the supply valve to the minimum needed for your system.

[DirtyCoconuts]

UV resistant spray paint?

a thin bandage of shade cloth?

[Keysguy]

Update:

Here are the specs on the part in question:

Heavy-duty glass reinforced polypropylene.
* Clear or black PP bowl.
* PP ribbed 304 SS screens.
* EPDM gaskets standard.
* Clear bowl Max 100PSI @ 70°F.
* Black bowl Max 150PSI @ 70°F.

As Ray suggested and as borne out by the specs and a conversation with the manufacturer, the black bowl should help as it is more than likely a UV degradation issue. In addition to the color, the black bowl also is rated for a higher pressure so theoretically even if it degrades from UV exposure, it should take longer to break through.
If I take it one step further and figure out some sort of sun block for it, I can get a reasonable useful lifespan out of it.