Quote:
Originally Posted by Spartan151
Okay. I've been following this for a couple days. I figured that a t-shirt cannon would be a nice idea for our team, since at least half of us are graduating this year. This leads me to ask some questions before attempting a build.
Question 1: In regards to the air tanks, what kind of material could I use for pressurized air storage?
Question 2: Is it possible to use a high-pressure rated tank or such for a "rifle-style" t-shirt cannon without the need of having to carry around a storage tank?
Question 3: On the barrel part, since I DON't plan to use PVC for storage, can I use a strong duct tape-wrapped PVC pipe for just a place to load the t-shirts?
Question 4: What is the best way to design one that is safe? (We don't have a huge budget, so buying one is a bit of a problem.)
Question 5: What kind of sprinkler valve/solenoid should I use and where can I get one from?
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1> Use steel or aluminum tanks rated for 3x higher than your working pressure. Other materials may be used but stay away from PVC as it fails explosively.
2> You can use a smaller High pressure tank. The compressed air will weigh the same and the tank will weigh less. Again I suggest a 3x safety margin from storage pressure. Also, you will need to regulate down from this high pressure and that may cause restriction in the air flow.
3> Duct tape does virtually nothing if the PVC fails.
DO NOT USE PVC. I cannot stress more that PVC does not like the shock loads that an air cannon provides and
when it fails (not if) it will fail explosively.
4> Understand the forces used and the gas laws that apply (especially that gas exerts the same force in all directions ... not just out the barrel). Design with safety in mind and always err on the side of caution.
5> You need a valve with a large orifice that unseats quickly. Many have chosen sprinkler valves for this type of use ... but I'd look closer at vane valves myself.
Good luck and play safe.