Build DIY Mini Water Pump: Solve Problems Now

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the construction and troubleshooting of a DIY mini water pump using a variety of materials, including a plastic container, a mini motor, straws, and a fan. Participants explore issues related to water flow, pressure generation, and design modifications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their DIY mini water pump setup and expresses uncertainty about the motor's suitability, straw distance, and fan thickness affecting water flow.
  • Another participant inquires about the priming method of the pump arrangement, suggesting it may influence performance.
  • Some participants discuss the intended operation of the pump, questioning whether the fan is meant to blow air into the bottle to create pressure for water movement, and express concerns about the pressure capabilities of the fan.
  • A participant mentions changing the pump's position to improve water leverage and later updates that they modified the design so that water enters through the top lid and exits from the side.
  • There is a suggestion to look up similar models on YouTube for additional guidance on constructing a mini water pump.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying understandings of how the pump is intended to function, with some questioning the effectiveness of the fan's pressure generation. The discussion includes both agreement on the need for design modifications and differing views on the initial setup's effectiveness.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various factors that could affect the pump's performance, such as the motor type, fan pressure, and design changes, but do not resolve these uncertainties.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in DIY projects, particularly those related to fluid dynamics and small-scale engineering, may find this discussion relevant.

Shadow-Shocker
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I am building a mini water pump out of a 3L plastic container, a 6V mini motor, 12 inch straws, a cut up CD for a cover (in the pic it is what is between the fan and straw), and bits of a soda can to make up a fan for the motor. Problem is when I tested the product, not enough water/air is coming out of the straws I am not quite sure I am using the right motor to help pull up the water, the distance of the straws, or the thickness of the fan. There may be more factors to consider, but I am not quite sure. Any help will be very appreciated.
 

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Shadow-Shocker said:
I am building a mini water pump out of a 3L plastic container, a 6V mini motor, 12 inch straws, a cut up CD for a cover (in the pic it is what is between the fan and straw), and bits of a soda can to make up a fan for the motor. Problem is when I tested the product, not enough water/air is coming out of the straws I am not quite sure I am using the right motor to help pull up the water, the distance of the straws, or the thickness of the fan. There may be more factors to consider, but I am not quite sure. Any help will be very appreciated.
Welcome to the PF.

How do you prime your pump arrangement?
 
Can I check how it is meant to work? Is the idea that the fan blows air into the bottle and you want the increased pressure to push water up the straw? If so then I suspect the problem is the pressure that the fan can generate. Even quite large computer fans only manage to generate a pressure equivalent to a few mm of water...

http://www.corsair.com/en-gb/air-series-sp120-pwm-high-performance-edition-high-static-pressure-fan-twin-pack

Features
  • Outstanding static pressure of up to 1.29 mmH20
 
berkeman said:
Welcome to the PF.

How do you prime your pump arrangement?
Nevermind I changed the position of the pump of where it is suppose to be so it would have more leverage of pumping more water.
 
CWatters said:
Can I check how it is meant to work? Is the idea that the fan blows air into the bottle and you want the increased pressure to push water up the straw? If so then I suspect the problem is the pressure that the fan can generate. Even quite large computer fans only manage to generate a pressure equivalent to a few mm of water...

http://www.corsair.com/en-gb/air-series-sp120-pwm-high-performance-edition-high-static-pressure-fan-twin-pack

Yeah I kind of figured that one out quick, that is why I am going to put the pump in the water and arrange the straw to be attached on the side where the fan is. You can look up models like them on youtube "How to make a mini water pump"
 
OK so it doesn't blow air into the bottle.
 
CWatters said:
OK so it doesn't blow air into the bottle.
I changed the design of the motor, and instead water is suppose to go through the top lid and water will be coming out from the side. I figured out the problem already and that was the fan being attached to the motor.
 

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