Pneumatic Test Stand

[orangemoore]

Have you considered putting something over the air tanks in case of shattering?

[Pendulum^-1]

Avrum,

A few more tips:
1) You should have minimal line losses. If the pressure drops too fast after you shut off the compressor, check for leaks. Put a little liquid dish soap in a cup of water, and spread the soapy water on the joints. Bubbles will appear at the leaks.
a) For brass-brass joints, snug them up a bit more. CAREFUL: The same quality (malleability) that makes brass good at sealing joints, makes them susceptible to ruining them through catastrophic deformation. Happens when you twist too hard with steel wrenches.
b) For plastic line joints, be sure the lines are cut clean and square, and inserted snugly into the quick-disconnects.
c) For the M7 fitting at the solenoids, be sure to use an allen wrench in the center of the quick disconnect. (AM website: "Fastening method: Internal hex (use allen wrench)")
d) At any threaded joint, you may need to use small strips of teflon tape. Be very parsimonious on using teflon tape, as pieces can break off and get into the valves.
2) Recommend that you build the pneumatic system as close to the FIRST system as you can, including the compressor control system with pressure switch and relay hooked to a cRIO. This can give you the experience of building up a whole system to spec now, and you won't have to learn it during the pressure of build season. If you can, work with a local team to borrow a few parts.

[Avrum Goldman]

Originally Posted by Pendulum^-1

Avrum,

A few more tips:
1) You should have minimal line losses. If the pressure drops too fast after you shut off the compressor, check for leaks. Put a little liquid dish soap in a cup of water, and spread the soapy water on the joints. Bubbles will appear at the leaks.
a) For brass-brass joints, snug them up a bit more. CAREFUL: The same quality (malleability) that makes brass good at sealing joints, makes them susceptible to ruining them through catastrophic deformation. Happens when you twist too hard with steel wrenches.
b) For plastic line joints, be sure the lines are cut clean and square, and inserted snugly into the quick-disconnects.
c) For the M7 fitting at the solenoids, be sure to use an allen wrench in the center of the quick disconnect. (AM website: "Fastening method: Internal hex (use allen wrench)")
d) At any threaded joint, you may need to use small strips of teflon tape. Be very parsimonious on using teflon tape, as pieces can break off and get into the valves.
2) Recommend that you build the pneumatic system as close to the FIRST system as you can, including the compressor control system with pressure switch and relay hooked to a cRIO. This can give you the experience of building up a whole system to spec now, and you won't have to learn it during the pressure of build season. If you can, work with a local team to borrow a few parts.

Jim,

Thanks for the tips. We have "thin" teflon tape, which is a god-send. I will definitely work my way up to connecting the cRIO for control.

AG

[Avrum Goldman]

Originally Posted by orangemoore

Have you considered putting something over the air tanks in case of shattering?

I wasn't aware that this could be a problem! I am definitely interested in safety. Would a plexi-glass sheet be sufficient?

AG

[Pendulum^-1]

Originally Posted by Avrum Goldman

I wasn't aware that this could be a problem! I am definitely interested in safety. Would a plexi-glass sheet be sufficient?

AG

Read this:
http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprogr...-safety-notice

Also, there was a picture posted (somewhere) of the plastic tank remnants. I have been unable to locate said picture. Also, there were a few threads posted on CD, commenting on the FIRST safety post.

[Avrum Goldman]

Originally Posted by Pendulum^-1

Read this:
http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprogr...-safety-notice

Also, there was a picture posted (somewhere) of the plastic tank remnants. I have been unable to locate said picture. Also, there were a few threads posted on CD, commenting on the FIRST safety post.

The safety bulletin suggests that the tank should not be stressed, and in our installation it is securely mounted to the board. However, As weight is not a problem on this test bench, I will build either a plywood or sheet metal cover plate.

Thanks once again for the safety tip!