(Hive Addict)
09-20-03 02:59
No 460020
(Rated as: good idea!)
some piuctures crossed my desktop that i thought other bees might like to see. these are of some improvised equipment that makes the lab a nicer place to work.
quick connect system from rhodium's site... SWIM is VERY happy with this setup.
../rhodium /equipme
note the two different size (white) PP tubing. SWIM (stupidly) didn't standardize on one size of hose connectors, so SWIM was always fiddling with different size hoses, etc.
the red, high pressure hose is 3/8" ID (inner diameter), the first section of PP tube is 3/8" OD (outer diameter) and 1/4" ID. the second piece of PP tube is 1/4" OD. the clear vinyl hose at the end is 1/4" ID and slides over the first piece of PP tube. should SWIM need to use a 3/8" hose, it's just slipped over the large piece of PP tube.
leaks were originally a problem, so teflon tape was wrapped around the PP tube when it was inserted into the larger piece. if the hose leaks where it goes onto the PP tube, wrap a wire twist-tie around it.
Now with 12% more Bottom!
Nymphomania is not a disease, its a goal! (Methadist)
(Hive Addict)
09-20-03 03:11
No 460024
(Rated as: good idea!)
part 2 in the series of equipment hacks...
a simple vacuum valve setup.
the bits of brass pipe and connectors, vavles and nipples can be found in most hardware stores. they conform to NPT and other standards, so they're very useful.
the gauge is connected to a valve. the gauge shouldn't be left open all the time, as it will probably reduce the vacuum a bit, and could get contaminated with any solvent vapour in the system. the valve's are high pressure, and can be used to regulater the vacuum flow.
underneath the table is a brass nipple/hose connector with a 3/8" high pressure hose leading to another connector on the pump. this allows the pump to be moved around as needed, and generally kept out of the way. the pump is plugged into a socket that is controlled by a light switch. very civilized.
NOTE: the hose underneath leading to the pump SHOULD lead to a vacuum controller and then vacuum trap, but SWIM doesn't have ready access to DRY ICE or own a controller (yet).
possible improvements:
- inline digital manometer in place of the gauge
- proper bleed valve to reduce vacuum
Now with 12% more Bottom!
Nymphomania is not a disease, its a goal! (Methadist)
(Hive Addict)
09-20-03 03:25
No 460027
part 3 in the series of equipment hacks...
this system works nicely with the quick connect connectors above.
similar construction to the vacuum valves above. made from the same brass tubes and connectors.
again, the bottom underneath the table has a hose connector/nipple that connects via a 3/8" clear vinyl hose to a similar connector on the water pump. the water pump is plugged into another outlet controlled by a lightswitch. currently, the pump pumps water from a bucket beside the table, that is recirculated from the condenser. it is kept cold by infusion of ice blocks.
SWIM used to circulate the water through a copper radiator made from thin, flexible copper tubing (look in the hardware store in the plubing isle) that was inside a fridge, and kept the water inside the fridge. this worked fairly well, but returning the water to the fridge required a larger (non-submersible) pump that was noisy and was actually too strong (hoses kept flying off). SWIM is now in the market for a proper refridgerating recirculator (they are expensive, but the convenience will probably be worth it in the long run).
Now with 12% more Bottom!
Nymphomania is not a disease, its a goal! (Methadist)
(Hive Addict)
09-20-03 03:30
No 460028
this is a really quick and dirty solution to quickly reducing vacuum in a system.
the thumbtack is removed when a reduction in vacuum is needed. it forms an excellent seal when in and doesn't affect overall vacuum when in place.
i hope you have enjoyed these little projects that make a lab a nicer, more civilized place to work.
EDIT: feel free to add your own.
Now with 12% more Bottom!
Nymphomania is not a disease, its a goal! (Methadist)
(Hive Addict)
09-20-03 04:08
No 460034
Pix are always good...very civilised RB..until we got to the thumbtack post!
Btw does anyone have a copy of maxs' quick connect set-up pix on their HD? They're no longer displayed in the posts.
(Hive Bee)
09-20-03 09:48
No 460076
on the last post R-B you could also get a t-peice with a pressure release valve also, which would look better and work better than a pin..
love the posts good stuff..
(Stranger)
09-20-03 18:44
No 460112
Nice work RB. Now if only my problem was too much vacuum...
(Hive Bee)
09-21-03 09:00
No 460197
Vacuum is good, too much SUCKS. R.B., a real nice little (but high Hg vac) "sucker" can be had by de-commishioning a "food-vac" that vacuum seals food in plastic. Inside is an incredibly strong little vac unit that is easily intigrated into a sm. proj box for a nice lil source of pull.
stand by, I'll go take pics of mine and post em'
NA 1:7
(Hive Addict)
09-22-03 04:14
No 460307
Nice post RB
Instead of the "thumbtack" idea, wouldn't another ball valve and T piece suffice?
You could thread a needle valve where the inlet would bee.
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