What thick plate of plexi I need for my vacuumchamber

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the construction of a vacuum chamber using Plexiglass (acrylic) for the purpose of degassing substances. Participants explore the necessary thickness of the material for safety and effectiveness, considering the chamber's dimensions and operating conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their intended vacuum chamber specifications, including dimensions and operating temperature, and seeks advice on the appropriate thickness of Plexiglass for the lid.
  • Another participant warns about the differences between Plexiglas and acrylic, suggesting that Plexiglas is tougher and safer, while acrylic is brittle and may shatter, indicating that the wall thickness should be increased for safety.
  • This same participant emphasizes the importance of protective gear when working with vacuum chambers and suggests considering pre-made cylindrical vacuum vessels from lab suppliers as a safer alternative.
  • A later reply advises against constructing a custom vacuum chamber, recommending instead to purchase a commercially available option for safety reasons.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the appropriate thickness of Plexiglass needed for the vacuum chamber, and participants express differing views on the safety and practicality of building a custom chamber versus purchasing a pre-made one.

Contextual Notes

Participants express concerns regarding the material properties of Plexiglass versus acrylic, and the discussion includes warnings about safety and the potential dangers of constructing a vacuum chamber without proper knowledge and equipment.

emile1990
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Hello,

I would like to build a Vacuum chamber for -29Hg(-1bar).
The Chamber that I'll be using will be 0.157 icnhes(4mm) cooking pot.
Diameter around 10'' and 9'' tall. I also want to heat up to chamber between 100-160F(40-70 celsius).
The chamber will be used for degassing Buthane out of a substance and for degassing silicones etc...

As I look on the internet allot of people use Plexiglass(acryl).
I was wondering how thick of a plate I would need to use for the lid of the chamber and does it mater
if it's square of circle ?

This is what I would like it to look like:

http://www.bestvaluevacs.com/3gvac.html

I hope some one could tell me.

I'll be using a 3-5CFM pump 2 stage 150< micron

Thanks
 
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This is a complex stress analysis problem due to the "cooking pot" geometry.
The biggest problem I see is: Plexiglas is NOT the same as Acrylic. Plexiglas is tough, will not shatter, and is expensive. Acrylic is brittle, shatters, and is inexpensive. Tread carefully through this minefield laddie, there be beasties lurking about. I'd suggest your wall thickness needs to increase substantially. And be sure you are wearing protective eyewear. Maybe even a flak jacket.

There are cylindrical vacuum vessels available from lab equipment supply vendors. Perhaps you should look into it.
 
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Thread will remain locked as a dangerous discussion violation.

Here is some good advice from one of the PF users who reported this thread as a dangerous discussion:

That one for sale is $115. Buy it instead of cobbling together your own. Surely a finger or an eye is worth $115?
 

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