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Vacuum Pump Control

For those interested in the use of composite materials
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mjcp
Posts: 183
Joined: 29 Jul 2015, 08:14
Location: A wind swept hill with no wind, in driving distance of Windsor, UK
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Re: Vacuum Pump Control

Post by mjcp »

Thanks for the responses, sorry for the delay!

Parts ordered...

M
m̶j̶c̶p̶ Marc

Hanger -
Some (now) pristine models that are un-flown for a year.
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Peter Balcombe
Posts: 1399
Joined: 18 Mar 2015, 10:13
Location: Clevedon, North Somerset, U.K.

Re: Vacuum Pump Control

Post by Peter Balcombe »

Marc,
Let me know where you get your tube for the reservoirs as I’ve been wondering where to find the lengths needed without having to buy several metre lengths for the sake of a few 100mm.
Peter
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mjcp
Posts: 183
Joined: 29 Jul 2015, 08:14
Location: A wind swept hill with no wind, in driving distance of Windsor, UK
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Re: Vacuum Pump Control

Post by mjcp »

I have a friend who runs a plumber's merchant ;-)

What should I ask for / do I need? (It's the electronics that have been ordered so far)

M
m̶j̶c̶p̶ Marc

Hanger -
Some (now) pristine models that are un-flown for a year.
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Peter Balcombe
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Joined: 18 Mar 2015, 10:13
Location: Clevedon, North Somerset, U.K.

Re: Vacuum Pump Control

Post by Peter Balcombe »

Marc
The attached U.S. based project seems to be pretty helpful.
They used a 4” soil pipe for the main reservoirs & 2” pipe for the auxiliary.
These need to be thick walled to withstand the vacuum pressure & have end caps that you can put fittings into - probably the uPVC cement welded type.

instructions-ProjectEVS.pdf
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mjcp
Posts: 183
Joined: 29 Jul 2015, 08:14
Location: A wind swept hill with no wind, in driving distance of Windsor, UK
Contact:

Re: Vacuum Pump Control

Post by mjcp »

Here's my parts list (so far) - £53 (Dec 2021, UK sourced)

I already have the Arduino Nano and assorted wires/tools etc on hand.
Pipe work and fittings TBN.

Pre Wired LEDs 5mm Diffused 5V-12V with Metal Holder Prewired UK Seller (Red)
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/183044754194 ... 0343201842

MPX5100DP Freescale Semiconductor IC, Sensor, Diff Press 14.5 Psi
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/133935106866

With/Without IIC/I2C 2004 20X4 Character LCD Module Display Blue Green Arduino
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/263128525818 ... 4776646463

4 x 10K Linear Lin Potentiometer Pot with Coloured Knob
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/252305055054

Standard Size Toggle Switch Screw Terminals 10A 250VAC - Double or Single Pole
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/263095161859 ... 2094605473

Solid State Relay Module SSR-40DA 40A, 3-32V DC to 24-380V AC, With safety Cover
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/154355099253

IP65 Waterproof Electronic Project Box Enclosure ABS Plastic Case Junction Box
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/384066470987

Arduino Nano V3.0 Prototype Shield Extension Board I/O Expansion Module -UK
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/194257659890
m̶j̶c̶p̶ Marc

Hanger -
Some (now) pristine models that are un-flown for a year.
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mjcp
Posts: 183
Joined: 29 Jul 2015, 08:14
Location: A wind swept hill with no wind, in driving distance of Windsor, UK
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Re: Vacuum Pump Control

Post by mjcp »

I was a little surprised at the price of the pressure sensor (MPX5100DP) - £20. The single most expensive component of the lot!

M
m̶j̶c̶p̶ Marc

Hanger -
Some (now) pristine models that are un-flown for a year.
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Peter Balcombe
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Joined: 18 Mar 2015, 10:13
Location: Clevedon, North Somerset, U.K.

Re: Vacuum Pump Control

Post by Peter Balcombe »

Marc, it looks as if the price has nearly doubled during the year as I bought mine for £10.48 back in February :(
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mjcp
Posts: 183
Joined: 29 Jul 2015, 08:14
Location: A wind swept hill with no wind, in driving distance of Windsor, UK
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Re: Vacuum Pump Control

Post by mjcp »

Despite the xmas rush and choosing the cheapest delivery methods, all the parts turned up today!

Not really knowing how big the box needed to be, I'm glad it fits in the project box!
IMG_0648.jpeg

M
m̶j̶c̶p̶ Marc

Hanger -
Some (now) pristine models that are un-flown for a year.
Mick Tomlin
Posts: 35
Joined: 18 Mar 2015, 10:22
Location: East Sussex

Re: Vacuum Pump Control

Post by Mick Tomlin »

Mark the pictures at the beginning of this thread give a good idea of the fittings required and their configuration.
I used 1/4 inch BSP fittings that are readily available.
The only small problem I had was getting a good seal with the thru tank fittings on the two vacuum reservoir tanks.
Resorted to doubling up the thickness of the end caps with scrap plastic poly welded to the inside and tapping to accept the barrel fitting.
Hydraulic sealing washers were then used on the inside to complete the seal.

Hope that helps and good luck with the build.

Mick
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Peter Balcombe
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Joined: 18 Mar 2015, 10:13
Location: Clevedon, North Somerset, U.K.

Re: Vacuum Pump Control

Post by Peter Balcombe »

Mick,
I’m just assembling the reservoirs & pipework on mine, having managed to find an offcut of 4” soil pipe to make the main reservoirs.
Did you use standard 40mm or so waste pipe & caps for the small reservoir, or a more substantial variety?
Peter
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