Portable Vac Pump

General Composites Discussions Equipment Talk
#1

Apologies, I know there are loads of vac pump threeads but couldnt find this info: Im after a portable vac pump for moisture removal prior to composite repairs. So, needs to be a strong vacuum but the primary concern is portability - it will be sloshed about while running so Im assuming it would need to be a dry rotary vane pump. It also needs to be as light as possible.

eg this: http://www.buschusa.com/products/product-portfolio/seco

Any thoughts appreciated as to manufacturers or general recommendations.

Preferably suppliers in Ireland or the UK but open to any suggestions for a good product.
thanks v much

#2

just actually found out that the dry vane ones arent generally made in portable sizes, is that right? Apparently only go down to about 30mbar as well

#3

Try Cliff from Vacmobile - NZ, their Micro 8/2 system!.

http://www.vacmobiles.com/shop/vacmobile-vacuum-systems/MICRO.html

John Hayes
www.bladerunneroutriggers.com

#4

If you talk to the Vacmobile guys I’m sure they will be able to design a system for you.

#5

Check this video they apparently have a portable
http://rtmcompositestv.com/video/plaque-mold-tutorial/
They are in the USA It look professional and strong enought

#6

For moisture removal, use an airco evacuation pump. Dirt cheap, and very portable.

#7

Thanks guys, apologies for the delay in reply. I should have stated, when portable I meant something you could swing on your back for turbine blade repair :slight_smile:

Herman, do you mean an airconditioning pump for a car or something?

Sent Vac mobiles an emabil there too

#8

I often have to use vacuum to remove moisture prior to repair work to do this I often use a venturi vacuum generator. If you have a ready supply of compressed air this would be both small (not much bigger than a cigarette pack ) low cost £50-100 and lightweight with the added bonus any moisture can pass through it with minimal worry. and will work any way up. If the facility has a large industrial compressor system its also a very safe, plug in and forget way of applying vacuum for extended periods.
A electric vacuum pump would not last long if it gets moisture inside it. You would need to also fit a water/resin type trap to prevent this. Have also used with a small portable air compressor which will cycle in and out as required.

#9

Below 20 mbar water turns to vapour at 20 degrees C. Water vapour is not harmful for vacuum pumps as long as they are reaching their operating temperature.

For large evacuation projects, such as the water logged kerfs of scrim cloth foam which can be found on below-par built boats (the kerfs should be filled with putty) it can occur that large amounts of liquid water can enter the system. In that case a trap can be handy.

#10

I normally stick a bucket under my venturi which can fill up quiet quickly at times.

One of the problems with removing water/moisture this way is you do not necessarily know where the source of the water is or how much water has been absorbed. However what can be deduced is that many laminates and I will include high quality laminates (epoxy prepreg infused/autoclave) must be of a porous nature for the water to travel from one part of a hull to another anything with foam core can be a challenge. I would say it is often only the paint system on composite (non gel coat) craft that keep them afloat. Bearing in mind outer hull surfaces will have been peel plyed.

#11

Yes, I agree with the fact that the portable electric pumps arent going to be too favourable to water being passed through them. This is a tricky one, but you’re right about the compressed air. That probably would be a worthwhile solution but I dont think there are any in turbine nacelles. But ill check and see how easy compressors could be raised, etc. thanks v much

#12

findhan in action:

Anyhow, in your case I honestly would choose for a very cheap airco evac unit. I usually offer them for 125 euro or so (new!) so even if they only last for a couple of months, their small size and weight is great.

#13

Nice one Herman, thanks, have you a link for them?

#14

I guess I found it by typing in Google “wind blade repair” or wind turbine blade repair. Then click “images”. Google is very powerful with that.

I think what you do is amazing. I already am afraid of the height when standing on a newspaper…

#15

that’s a nice job. I was always jealous on the riggers up in the mast, when I was laying in a cramped stinking impossible place in a boat, with a bucket of goo. On the other side, done some maintenance work in a steel mast of a fishery vessel, with a crappy hydraulic hoist, and a polish guy yelling “me no like this”, with strong winds.
I don’t like steel, I don’t like babysitting polish guys, and I didn’t trust the hoist. I failed half an hour after I was done…