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Author:
banterer (CA)
Hello, I am trying to create an airtight pressure chamber out of 3" PVC or ABS pipe or a combination thereof. I would like a ball valve on one end and a threaded cap or plug on the other. How can this be done?
I want to use a ball valve because I have to be able to put things in and take them out.
Thanks,
Jorge
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Author:
packy (MA)
you need....
the appropriate length of plastic pipe
one 3 inch PVC female adapter
one 3 inch PVC threaded plug
one 3 inch PVC ball valve
one can PVC primer
one can PVC cement
one can pipe dope for the plug.
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Author:
North Carolina Plumber (NC)
I'd suggest a rubber test cap for one end, that would make opening and closing much easier and you wouldn't have to redope the plug every time.
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Author:
banterer (CA)
Thank for both replies but I am going to make the end with the plug permanent and just use the ball valve as my opening, so I would only have to seal the threads once. This would be airtight and would eliminate the screwing.
I'm experimenting with trying to re-pressurize balls, handballs specifically.
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Author:
sharp1 (IL)
How much pressure are you going to use? Plastic pipe should not be used for air or gas as it could explode sending chunks flying all over.
Why not just consider a small portable metal air tank such as used to air up tires?
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Author:
hj (AZ)
Why not just glue a cap on the end so you do not have to deal with possible thread leaks?
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Author:
hj (AZ)
quote; Why not just consider a small portable metal air tank such as used to air up tires?
Reply To This Message
He said he wants to put items inside the tank. Hard to do with a portable air tank, (very small tank opening).
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Author:
steve_g (CA)
I agree with Sharp that you should use something other than plastic for compressed air. Perhaps 2" galvanized. The ball valve would be expensive, so you might consider using a cap during the experimental phase. You could bush/reduce the other end to 1/4" and put a schrader valve in it (a tire valve) for filling it with air.
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Author:
banterer (CA)
I am not using much pressure 40-50 psi but there is a product out there and they say all you need is 20. I am using 3" pipe because the balls are about 2.5" diameter. I got a 3" ball valve from Amazon and it seems to be working fine. I glued a cap at the end of 3" abs pipe with the tire valve in the cap.
I planned on using the plastic because on the glue it said you could test it up to 180 psi and I wasn't getting anywhere near that. They do sell some units specifically for doing this. They are plastic containers with what looks like a 3" screw on lid and kind of pump. The kind of pump you'd find on a bug sprayer that you walk around with. Those units go for about $250 (http://www.strictlytennis.net/ballcharger.htm)
Here is one guy's solution: [projects.xief.net]
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