Need Advice: Passing a Ball Bearing from Air to Water

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenge of transferring a metal ball bearing from a column of air into a column of water without allowing the water to flow back up. Participants are exploring potential solutions, particularly focusing on the type of one-way valve that could be effective in this scenario.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Frank introduces the problem and seeks advice on suitable one-way valves for transferring a ball bearing from air to water.
  • One participant suggests that a sketch would help clarify the design, indicating that the initial interpretation may not align with Frank's intent.
  • Another participant proposes that considering how the ball is inflated might lead to insights about the mechanism needed for the transfer.
  • A different participant describes a ball valve mechanism that could potentially allow for the transfer without breaking the air/liquid seal, but notes that this may depend on additional requirements not specified by Frank.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus on the best approach or solution, and multiple ideas and interpretations of the problem are being discussed.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the design and requirements are not fully articulated, and the effectiveness of proposed solutions may depend on specific conditions not yet defined.

Frank Dorrian
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TL;DR
A one way valve that could facilitate transport of a metal ball bearing between air and a fluid (I.e. water) whilst remaining water tight
Hi all, I'm new to this but joined in the hope someone with more experience could provide some advice. In a personal project, I have a particular design dilemma where I am trying to pass a metal ball bearing (or any other spherical shaped solid) from a column of air into a column of water without the water passing back up.

If anyone has any bright ideas as to what one way valve would be best for this situation I would love to hear your suggestions!

Much love
Frank
 
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:welcome:

I think you need a sketch. My first reading of your description leads me to think of a BB gun firing a BB projectile into a body of water. I'm pretty sure that's not what you mean.

You can drag-drop an image into a post, or click on the Attach files button.
 
If you think about how the ball is inflated, maybe you'll get an idea. Using the soft glue will allow air to follow the ball.
 
Last edited:
A ball valve is a ball with a hole drilled through, set in a sphere with matching holes at 180*. Rotation aligns or misaligns the holes.
Plugging one end of the rotating ball would allow a bearing (or other material) to be placed in the remaining end and be rotated to the liquid without breaking the air/liquid seal.
Available from under 3mm to over 75mm at pipe supply businesses.

This may not apply, depending on requirements not available without a sketch.
 
  • Informative
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