Hello,
I am working on a school project where I am designing a simple low-pressure piston accumulator prototype. I am considering using the BR watertight enclosures. I understand that the specified maximum depth rating of the enclosure does not apply when dealing with internal overpressure. However, I would like to know if there is any available analysis or data regarding the maximum allowable internal pressure for the locking aluminum tubes in combination with the aluminum end caps.
Hi @jobrav -
Blue Robotics doesn’t provide an internal pressure rating, because we’ve not tested with internal pressure and recommend strongly against it - storing energy in air in an enclosed cylinder can lead to catastrophe!
Typically, the locking cords can shear and the enclosure open like a cannon with only a few PSI internal pressure. Please use caution!
Hi @jobrav .
I absolutely second @tony-white ‘s concern. The thing would explode when the plastic locking rings shear. It’s a really good idea to put pressure relief valves on the tubes of the ROV so that sitting on the jetty in the sun doesn’t cause just this kind of problem.
Without knowing the details of what you want to do, are you able to reformulate your project as a partial vacuum problem rather than a pressure accumulator. The very first “steam engines” used vacuum rather than over pressure after all.
Hi,
Thanks for the quick response! Yeah, the endcaps shooting off was also what I was afraid of, but I didn’t fully understand how the locking cord worked. I’ll look into a more traditional solution. I appreciate the warning to be extra careful when working with pressure—I’m aware of the dangers and will approach this project carefully.