Thread: Parallel Tanks
View Single Post
  #5   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 08-11-2007, 15:56
Daniel_LaFleur's Avatar
Daniel_LaFleur Daniel_LaFleur is online now
Mad Scientist
AKA: Me
FRC #2040 (DERT)
Team Role: Engineer
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Rookie Year: 2003
Location: Peoria, IL
Posts: 1,972
Daniel_LaFleur has a reputation beyond reputeDaniel_LaFleur has a reputation beyond reputeDaniel_LaFleur has a reputation beyond reputeDaniel_LaFleur has a reputation beyond reputeDaniel_LaFleur has a reputation beyond reputeDaniel_LaFleur has a reputation beyond reputeDaniel_LaFleur has a reputation beyond reputeDaniel_LaFleur has a reputation beyond reputeDaniel_LaFleur has a reputation beyond reputeDaniel_LaFleur has a reputation beyond reputeDaniel_LaFleur has a reputation beyond repute
Send a message via MSN to Daniel_LaFleur
Re: Parallel Tanks

Quote:
Originally Posted by dtengineering View Post
Thanks for the tip on the code tags for the ascii art, Daniel.

I do have a couple of clarifications to make, however. Each of the diagrams numbered 1-4 should have effectively the same volume of stored air, two tanks at 120 psi each. Note that each system can be expanded up to the number of storage tanks allowed, I have just shown two tanks here as an example, and have not accounted for any "extra" high pressure air stored in the longer tubing runs.

Secondly while theory may predict different flow rates downstream of the regulator, I have not done any tests to show whether there is a practical difference in flow and pressure downstream of the regulator between setups #1-4. Perhaps others have? There is probably at least as much difference in flow rates due to tubing lengths and connectors (Y vs. T, as pointed out) and bends in the tubing as there is due to tank arrangement, but even then I don't know just "how much" it takes in order to be significant. I just posted the sketches to show different ways of hooking up the storage tanks on the high pressure side of the system.

The fifth (un-numbered) diagram will store less air, as one tank will be at 120 psi and the other, downstream of the regulator, will be at 60 psi.

Jason
I may have misinterpreted your ascii art. I assumed (I know ) that the tank(s) in figures 2-4 were downstream of the regulator.

The small regulators that FIRST has used in the past give ~ 50-60 SLPM flow at 60 PSI output and 120 PSI input. Most applications in FIRST do not need anywhere near that, and if you did (for a short burst) then moving 1 tank downstream of the regulator would give you the added flow (for a very short burst) with the total volume being lower.
__________________
___________________
"We are not now that strength which in old days moved earth and heaven; that which we are, we are;
One equal temper of heroic hearts, Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield. "
- Tennyson, Ulysses