Does an in-line 1-5psi air pump exist?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the search for an in-line air pump that operates at low pressures (1-5 psi), specifically one that is compact and powered by an electric motor. Participants explore various options, including miniature air pumps and alternatives from aquarium shops, while considering the challenges of finding a suitable product.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in finding a compact in-line air pump suitable for low-pressure applications, noting the size and design constraints they have in mind.
  • Another participant suggests a specific product from Sensidyne, indicating that small rotary pumps may be inefficient due to manufacturing challenges and the need for high RPMs.
  • A later reply mentions that aquarium shops sell small air pumps, which are low volume and low pressure, potentially fitting the user's needs.
  • Another participant recommends looking into industrial duty compressors from Gast or Thomas, implying these may offer more robust options.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present various options and suggestions, but there is no consensus on a single solution that meets the original request. Multiple competing views on potential products and their suitability remain.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the challenges of finding small, efficient rotary pumps and the limitations of existing products in terms of size and pressure capabilities.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals seeking compact air pumps for low-pressure applications, hobbyists in need of air pumps for projects, and those exploring alternatives in industrial or aquarium settings.

Hepth
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I've been trying to find a product to no avail (lest I disassemble something myself).

What I'm looking for is an in-line air pump, powered by either DC or AC (DC preferred). So electric motor. In/Outlets are just small for rubber tubes. It doesn't have to be too strong. It will be moving air, not water (which I know creates problems with cooling sometimes in electric motors).

I haven't been able to find it, but I have found those portable balloon-inflaters. I guess that's about the strength I'd need (maybe 1-4psi?). But they're large, and the inlet is the width of my hand, while the outlet nozzle is 1/4". So a large fan, medium rpm, large inlet.

I guess the physical size I'm looking for is something of the order of those in-line water pumps for hoses that are powered by drills. Smaller fan, higher rpm, smaller inlet.

Does anyone have any ideas? Its tough to find online as air/water/fuel pumps from automotive really flood the search results.
 
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I googled "miniature air pump" and this was on the first page:
http://www.sensidyne.com/micro-and-miniature-air-pumps/aaa-series-micro-air-pump.php

You probably won't find a rotary pump that small, because the inefficiency due to leakage round the tips of the impellers etc is worse for small pumps than for large ones. To make an efficient small rotary air pump needs "swiss watchmaking" manufacturing tolerances, so they aren't something you can sell for $10. You would also need much higher RPMs than you would get from an electric drill (small turbochargers can run at speeds up to 100,000 RPM, for example).
 
Ah yes, I'm NOT using an electric drill, just was looking for something that had a similar form factor as the water-drill one (in-line, so that I don't have to use a bunch of elbows, as I would with this one.)

Thanks though, I may just have to rethink the layout.

I don't know how I didn't see it. I guess I was in the shopping tab and those didn't show up there, and I kept including inline.

Thanks! I may order the AAA one.
 
Not sure if it would work for your application, but any aquarium shop will sell small air pumps for aerating the water. These are low volume, low pressure reciprocating pumps, quite inexpensive.
 

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