Mac3 Quickstop Advanced Float Valves Explained (‘Standard’ and ‘Adjustable’ models)
The faster alternative to the Traditional Ball Float Valves
Unlike the traditional brass ball float valves that gradually open and close as the water level changes, Quickstop Advanced Float Valves have a unique hydraulic design, that opens and closes immediately. This fast action mechanism means that the water flow is either on or off, eliminating any periods of gradual increase and decrease, whilst also addressing some of the more common issues, such as weeping, dripping noises, whistling noises and energy waste.
How does the Quickstops’ revolutionary float valve design work?
With the float [and arm] in the lowest position, water is allowed to flow freely into the tank. As the water level in the tank rises [taking the float with it], a lever inside the Quickstop is retracted, drawing back an internal membrane. This allows water [from the inlet] to flow into the front chamber of the Quickstop (seen on the right-hand side, in the close-up diagram below). With equal water pressure now on both sides, the membrane is fixed in place and prevents any further water from flowing to the outlet.
A diagram of a mechanical device
Where can Quickstops be Used?
Because of their versatile design, Quickstop Advanced Valves are suitable for many different installations including water storage tanks, cisterns, livestock drinkers and so on.
Quickstop valves are also extremely efficient when used in conjunction with automatic pumps, for example, in a tank with a booster pump. This is because they allow water to be taken from the tank in small increments, without the need for additional (top-up) water to be added every time. This results in less stop/start activity on the pump and therefore less energy usage and less wear on the pump. Win-Win!
What Types of Fast-acting Float Values are available?
The Quickstop Advance Valve comes in 2 models - the ‘Standard’ and the ‘Adjustable…
The Quick Stop Advanced ‘Standard’ has a float arm which is pre-fixed with a 30° angle of movement. This means that the water level in the tank is allowed to drop [by 30°] before opening the valve and allowing more water into the tank.
The Quickstop Advanced ‘Adjustable’ provides more options in terms of both angle of movement and in the length of the arm to the float ball.
Unlike the ‘Standard’ model, the arm on the ‘Adjustable’ model can be adapted within a range of angels from 0° up to 180°. This enables the user to set the operating depth (i.e. open and close levels) to accommodate a greater or lesser drop in water level, before the valve is opened and more water is allowed to enter.
In addition to the angle of the arm on the ‘Adjustable’ model, the length of the arm can also be adapted, making it more suitable for some installations. E.g. in smaller spaces or where a greater increase/decrease in liquid level is desired.
There are 6 settings on the arm which the user can adjust, to give an approximate minimum arm length (including float ball) of 330mm and a maximum length of approximately 400mm.
Durability
Quickstop Advanced Valves are made of ABS and Nylon, making them extremely robust and durable.
What Sizes do the QuickStop Valves come in?
Quickstop ‘Standard’ and ‘Advanced’ both come in a range of sizes to fit different BSP threads…
The Inlet is a BSP sized male thread (the outlet is a male barbed fitting).
The following table illustrates the Quickstop size and the associated BPS inlet size:
| QuickStop Size | Inlet BSP Size* | Minimum hole required (if putting inlet through cistern wall or similar)** |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5" | 1/2" (12.7mm) | 0.825" (21mm) |
| 0.75" | 3/4" (19mm) | 1.041" (27mm) |
| 1" | 1" (25.4mm) | 1.309" (34mm) |
| 1.25" | 1 1/4 (31.75mm) | 1.65" (42mm) |
| 1.5" | 1 1/2 (38.1mm) | 1.882" (48mm) |
* BSP sizes are the nominal bore of the fitting not the measurable thread size, which will always be larger.
** note if drilling a new hole to put inlet through, the instruction manual says to drill 2mm larger.
Retrofitting QuickStop Float Valves
The inlet of all the QuickStop Valves is a BSP sized male thread, therefore you will need an appropriately sized BSP female threaded connector to connect the QuickStop to your existing pipework. Connectors with a female thread at one end and a compression fitting on the other are ideal.
Further Information
Standard QuickStop Valves and Adjustable QuickStop Valves are available for sale on this website. For further information and advice, please contact our friendly support team.