Need some help on air pressure through a manifold and optimal leak/pressure rate

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the optimal orifice size for a manifold connected to a pump system for an aquarium. Participants explore the relationship between air pressure, flow rates, and orifice dimensions, focusing on maintaining a constant positive pressure during the pump's off phase. The scope includes technical calculations related to fluid dynamics and pressure management.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Experimental/applied, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant outlines the specifications of their pump system, including inflation time, air flow, maximum pressure, and leakage rates, while providing detailed dimensions of the manifold and tubing.
  • Another participant expresses frustration over the lack of responses and indicates a willingness to experiment with different orifice sizes instead of relying on a mathematical solution.
  • A later reply offers information about orifice calculations, although it is unclear how directly applicable this information is to the specific problem posed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on the optimal orifice size, and the discussion remains unresolved with some participants opting for experimental approaches.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include potential missing assumptions regarding fluid dynamics and the specific conditions under which the calculations would apply. The reliance on experimental methods suggests uncertainty in the theoretical approach.

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I have a small pump system for an aquarium, and have decided to build a small manifold. The total volume of the manifold and the tubing is 2.9828 cu inches. Here is my pump specs:

Inflation time < 8s (from 0-200 mmHg in a 100cc tank)
Air flow > 70mL/min
Max pressure > 360mmHg
Leakage max 36mmHg/15sec from 300mmHg at 70cc tank
Pump time - 7sec on / 7sec off


From the pump is a 3/16" x 12" tube (volume = .3311 cubic inches) which attaches to a small cylindrical manifold (1"x3" - volume = 2.3571 cubic inches) that has two air rails (each air rail (1/4" x 3" -volume = .2946 cubic inches). Total volume should be 2.9828 cubic inches.

I was hoping to see if someone could figure out how big of an orifice I would need on each rail for maximum pressure, within the 7 seconds on, 7 seconds off (basically optimal orifice pressure and size where manifold drops stays at a constant positive pressure at the end of the 7 second off phase wherein the 7 seconds on phase starts to pump and build pressure. Any help on this would be appreciated. Thanks.
 
Last edited:
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Anyone? Bump...
 
No one? Thats odd. I guess than, I will just have to experiment with different orifice sizes to get the best result, was trying to avoid this and wanted to see if a mathematical solution existed for this problem.
 

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