Has anyone come across an infusion valve, similar to the function of the MTI hose or the VMS2 but something that is in-line (eg compatible with 10mm hose) as opposed to placing in the tool? I have a thick infusion with pipes coming straight out of the tool at various locations so cant use an MTI hose for example.
Thanks
What do you want to do, I did not really understand what you want to do. Maybe we can help you and offer a solution to you.
Im giving a local business a bit of assistance in thick carbon infusions - they’re going well but theres always room for improvement. See the attached drawing: A thick stack is being infused in a tool where the infusion takes place from the top and suction takes places from the bottom of the stack. There are a number of suction points leading to a resin trap. Due to variances in thickness and lay-up, we have a good bit of manual control in opening and closing suction lines. so, I was wondering if its possible to place a valve within the suction line, eliminating the need for a catch pot and the manual control of lines. the lines are currently 6mm although we can easily change the diameter of them. Something the physical shape of an MTI valve but performing the function of an MTI hose.
Just a thought, perhaps the next big product from DD Compound 
I might be missing something here but, if you are using poly tubing for your inlet and exit points, couldn’t you just kink the line(s) that you want shut off? I would think that a valve would quickly fill with resin and need to be cleaned or replaced. Are you just trying to control flow rate? could you use smaller vacuum lines?
Also, Why would you want to get rid of your catch pot? Yes it can be in the way or add a step but they are about the best insurance policy we have to protect our vacuum system, lines and fittings. We have 5 gal pots on wheels (so they move around the shop or follow molds easily) and outfit them with push through fittings which have proven to be simple and efficient.
Sorry, my mistake - yes I could do that and thats what we currently do. However, Id like to continue drawing air without drawing additional resin
I don’t have or use a catch pot. I will make a resin trap that allows me to leave vacuum on after the infusion is done. I basically make a strip of material, usually fiberglass, say 3"x24" or some length. Maybe one piece that’s folded over so it’s a couple plys thick. Then I’ll put the piece into a small bag fitted for it with an intake and vacuum port. I then plug this little guy into the vacuum port on my part. once the infusion hits the end of the part, i’ll close up the resin inlet and just leave the pump on. Any extra bleed from the part will get stuck in the little trap. You can do a few test pieces to see how long of a trap you might need but, usually i’ll do about 12" or so. The resin doesn’t usually flow well through the little trap but, air does. One of my coworkers told me about this idea. He said that is what they did on their rocket parts at shop he worked at. You can make them ahead of time. I"d even use my heat sealer to make them and just use poly film so you don’t have to wast bag material or sealant tape.
I can make one and take a picture if this is hard to understand.
I like this because then I can use my small pump and not have to use a catch pot and I can keep the pump running.
Thanks Sammy, thats exactly what I did actually, I put some VMS 2 inside a bag in-line before the catch pot. Great minds think alike!! The only thing I was worried about was that Id have to make 10 different mini-bags before each infusion which I didnt want to do. It may be the best solution though.
hahah… i guess we’re all slowly moving onto the same road!
Yah, it’s kinda of a pain making a bunch of them but, its probably easier to make them in one go. Still a pain i’m sure. A heat sealer might work to make it easier, haven’t tried doing that yet but, it should work. Still it would save on having to have a bunch of catch pots. THough you could route multiple vacuum lines to the one mini catch bag… or whatever you call the little tails?
Not sure what exists out there for a through bag disposal type vacuum connector? I usually use the little plastic Ts. I’ve though about 3d printing something but, havent’ really needed to as I haven’t done any infusion for some time now.