CYCLONE FAILURE!!!

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daveO	15/12/2011 16:50:54
250 forum posts 32 photos	OH GUYS After talk and ideas of improvements to my collector, this morning I removed the inlet pipe and replaced it with one that was cut square ended. The intent of this was to try and stop the light dust reaching the filter by creating more of a "swirl" inside. So on completion I again emptied the bin on the shop floor and went to clean it back up as a test, when almost finished I must of either almost or completely had the suction nozzle flat to the shop floor. There was then an instant bang, the resulting reason is shown below. Yep the bitch imploded. Now I recall reading about this on the cyclone central web site, in the "be aware" notes they do warn of this problem, in that they state that there kit is designed to work with low pressure extractors, and if connected to HP gear it could cause implosion of the main vessel in the event of an inlet blockage They then go on to say that if you wish to connect to HP extractors that the following should be observed. To bore a 6mm dia hole in the lid of the dump bin or in thr top of the cylone, then securely tape a piece of cling film over the hole, then in the event of blockage the film will split and allow air in thus reducing the vaccum build up. So airing on the side of caution I did this but used a 12mm hole covered and taped the film and guess what , yes under blockage the bin imploded again the cling film still in tact. I even tried with no film at all leaving the hole open and the side still pulled in. So as I speak the only way i can get the unit to work is to have two pieces of steel box section bonded halfway down the inside of the drum at ninety degrees to each other to act as bracings and to leave the vent hole open at all times, then under partial blockage the unit stands up to the vaccum. can anyone please come up with a solution to the relief valve sanario and prefrably a cheap one bearing in mind that up to now this whole project has cost me three quid cheers dvae
Ron Davis	15/12/2011 20:15:46
1619 forum posts 201 photos	Hi Dave, at 14.7 pounds per square inch there must be several tons pressure on your drum when you suck the air out, so it is not surprising that it was sucked in! I think the 6 and 12 mm holes are not big enough to allow the air to go in at the rate it is sucked out, one way would be to have cut outs on the suction nozzle, or a brush that comes with the vac, and then you should avoid the sealing of the end which caused your problem, as you say it still happens then I can only think you have a blockage in the flexible pipe, my favourit trick there is to push a broom handle through it. Looking at your earlier photo, I thought that if the cutaway was placed so that the dust hit the side of the drum then it would fall down quicker because when the dust hits the wall it loses energy and drops. Good luck with it you really do not need any more expense this side of Christmas! Ron
daveO	16/12/2011 16:34:29
250 forum posts 32 photos	ron thanks, i had considered making the hole in the bin equal size to the inlet pipe and then using the cling film idea- but then thought that if they are equal posibly the slightest of restriction would blow the film, and I would be forever replacing it,what do you think?. With the inlet I assume you are meaning to turn it at 180 dergrees so the dust hits the wall I will try that,and now thinking about it I think that is what steve h was suggesting as well dave
Ron Davis	16/12/2011 19:48:10
1619 forum posts 201 photos	Hi Dave, yes turn the pipe to the side and it should work better. The problem with collapsing the tub is that you completely block the inlet, so if you can allow some air in then the tub should be ok, look at the tools with a vac and you will see that they have some means of allowing air even if the nozzle is blocked. Ron
Paul Jones 4	17/12/2011 00:49:56
45 forum posts 1 photos	How about trying to convert what you have to something like this. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6j-psU1aWs&feature=fvwrel If it does fail, it will fail at the weakest part, that being the plastic cup construction. Paul
daveO	18/12/2011 17:21:03
250 forum posts 32 photos	ron have made the mod and yes it does work better theres now bearly any residue on the filter, I also increased the hole in the drum to 25mm and used the cling film idea and it now fractures if the tube is blocked so cheers for that mate paul thanks for the link I think if it fails now I will convert it back to a water buith with a built in overflow thanks all for the advice dave Edited By daveO on 18/12/2011 17:22:15
Derek Lane	04/01/2012 17:07:53
Moderator 3219 forum posts 1004 photos	A little late for this but I found this which may help some of you HERE you will need to read a little to find the dust collection box. Look in the box marked Overview and click on MORE there is a link there for plans of a dust collection box.
Ron Davis	04/01/2012 20:07:21
1619 forum posts 201 photos	Thats the point I was trying tomake, the inlet and out let on the barell circulate the dust and chippings. Great to have someone like Derek on the forum Ron
New Brit Workshop	31/01/2012 17:47:48
11 forum posts	Dear Dave I have a possible solution for you... I have designed a pressure relief valves which you can make in minutes for under £1. You can find a video showing you what to do on YouTube. Visit my channel at... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNBxce-HeCw Make sure the magnet is the right strength - mine has a 1 kg pull. Also, test it to ensure that it is right for you - just in case. Let me know if this helps. Peter
Ron Davis	31/01/2012 19:35:41
1619 forum posts 201 photos	Thanks Peter, that should do it Ron
daveO	01/02/2012 16:53:55
250 forum posts 32 photos	peter well done,first i watched the video and then got to work, job done works every time thanks peter regards dave Edited By daveO on 01/02/2012 16:54:42
New Brit Workshop	02/02/2012 10:34:54
11 forum posts	Dear Dave Fantastic and thank you for letting me know that it worked. Let me know if you need help again. Peter