What are new ways to open a cylindrical pressure vessel?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on designing a cylindrical pressure vessel for an ultra-science detector, with a focus on ease of access for equipment checks. One suggestion involves slicing the cylinder down the center and applying a pressure seal, though concerns about potential leaks arise. Participants emphasize the cost-effectiveness of using off-the-shelf vacuum systems rather than custom machining. Recommendations include using "half-nipples" and flanges to create a vacuum chamber that allows for easy access and modification. The conversation concludes with a consensus that bolted flanges are preferable for maintaining deep vacuum integrity.
Daniel Sadlier
Messages
13
Reaction score
0
I am currently helping one of my old physics professors and his Phd student designing a pressure vessel for ultra-sciencey detector (still figuring out the theory behind it all). So far we have the general vacuum tank that opens on the ends, with the pressure difference holding the ends on. However, the equipment needs to be checked after each test and it would be a pain to pull it all out to look at a single part (its over 1m long). Has anybody ever tried say, slicing the cylinder down the center, perpendicular to the cross-section, and then applying a pressure seal all the way around the edge? Looking for any creative ideas!

Thanks!
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Daniel Sadlier said:
I am currently helping one of my old physics professors and his Phd student designing a pressure vessel for ultra-sciencey detector (still figuring out the theory behind it all). So far we have the general vacuum tank that opens on the ends, with the pressure difference holding the ends on. However, the equipment needs to be checked after each test and it would be a pain to pull it all out to look at a single part (its over 1m long). Has anybody ever tried say, slicing the cylinder down the center, perpendicular to the cross-section, and then applying a pressure seal all the way around the edge? Looking for any creative ideas!

Thanks!

With such a big seal, I would worry about leaks.

Generally, with any vacuum system, it is much cheaper to buy something off-the-shelf, compared to paying someone to machine everything.

With a large "half-nipple" (I'm sorry, that is what these are called), some assorted smaller half-nipples, and a second large flange you could make a vacuum chamber that is tuna-can shaped. I used a set-up like this once, with a winch to remove the large blank flange on top. It was very easy to set everything up, there was lots of space to add things, as we changed the design. You would need to have some parts machined and welded.
MDC is one of several reputable vendors of quality vacuum hardware: http://www.mdcvacuum.com/MDCMain.aspx

You can also buy things that are closer to a finished product.
They have cubes: http://www.mdcvacuum.com/displayproductcontent.aspx?d=MDC&p=m.1.2.7.1
Standard chambers: e.g. http://www.mdcvacuum.com/DisplayProductContent.aspx?d=MDC&p=m.9.3.1.4&g=m931

The standard gasket for the high vacuum hardware is copper, but there are also rubber (viton) gaskets that will work with their standard flanges.
 
How deep is your vacuum?
I agree with QD, bolted flanges are easiest and safest for deep vacuum's.
 
How did you find PF?: Via Google search Hi, I have a vessel I 3D printed to investigate single bubble rise. The vessel has a 4 mm gap separated by acrylic panels. This is essentially my viewing chamber where I can record the bubble motion. The vessel is open to atmosphere. The bubble generation mechanism is composed of a syringe pump and glass capillary tube (Internal Diameter of 0.45 mm). I connect a 1/4” air line hose from the syringe to the capillary The bubble is formed at the tip...
Thread 'Physics of Stretch: What pressure does a band apply on a cylinder?'
Scenario 1 (figure 1) A continuous loop of elastic material is stretched around two metal bars. The top bar is attached to a load cell that reads force. The lower bar can be moved downwards to stretch the elastic material. The lower bar is moved downwards until the two bars are 1190mm apart, stretching the elastic material. The bars are 5mm thick, so the total internal loop length is 1200mm (1190mm + 5mm + 5mm). At this level of stretch, the load cell reads 45N tensile force. Key numbers...
I'd like to create a thread with links to 3-D Printer resources, including printers and software package suggestions. My motivations are selfish, as I have a 3-D printed project that I'm working on, and I'd like to buy a simple printer and use low cost software to make the first prototype. There are some previous threads about 3-D printing like this: https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/are-3d-printers-easy-to-use-yet.917489/ but none that address the overall topic (unless I've missed...

Similar threads

Back
Top