Venting air and guarding against splashing

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a practical problem involving the venting of air from a tank of isopropyl alcohol while preventing splashing. Participants explore various solutions and devices that could facilitate this process, focusing on both theoretical and applied aspects.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Colby describes the issue of air being pumped into a tank of isopropyl alcohol, causing agitation and splashing, and seeks a solution to vent air without losing liquid.
  • One participant suggests using a dorade box, an ancient marine invention, as a potential solution.
  • Colby reports that the dorade box did not work for compressed air, as it still allowed alcohol to escape.
  • Another participant proposes adding a pump to the scupper to return any liquid that is blown out back into the tank.
  • This participant also mentions that a search for "air water separator" yields many results, indicating that there may be existing solutions available.
  • A link to a specific product designed for compressed air is provided as a variation on the dorade box.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus on a solution. While some suggestions have been made, there remains uncertainty about their effectiveness and applicability to the specific problem presented.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in the proposed solutions, particularly regarding the effectiveness of the dorade box for compressed air and the need for additional mechanisms to manage liquid displacement.

Colby Lippincott
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Hello everyone,
I am working on a project for work, and I have a small problem I'm sure someone could find a solution to. I have a tank of isopropyl alcohol that I am pumping air into. The air bubbles up to the top of the tank and creates lots of agitation in the alcohol, which splashes around at the top. The air must then be released without letting the alcohol out. Right now I have two 1/2" NPT mufflers on the top to let the air out, which does let some air out but not enough to fully release the pressure in the tank. I was wondering if there is something similar to a muffler, but with much larger holes to allow air to pass through easier. Or some other valve that could allow air to pass through without letting the alcohol splash out.
Thanks!
Colby
 
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You need a variation of an ancient marine invention, the dorade box.

dorade-box.jpg
 
Awesome, that's exactly what I was looking for! Thanks!
 
Ok I tried the dorade box out, and unfortunately it doesn't work for compressed air. The air just pushes the alcohol out anyways. Does anyone else have ideas?
 
You may need to add a pump to the scupper. Liquid blown out into the box needs to be pumped back into the tank.

Other than that, a google search for "air water separator" returns 1.45 million hits.

Good luck.

Edit: here's one for use with compressed air. It is a variation on the dorade box.
http://www.xebecinc.com/compressed-air-and-gas-filtration-water-separator.php
 

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