Looking for small tubing manifold
Looking for small tubing manifold
(OP)
Hello,
I'm working on a project where I need to connect 20-60 small diameter tubes (ID 1/16", OD 1/8") made of PTFE (or similar). I run compressed air through it at a pressure of 3-10 bar.
I'm trying to find a company that would sell or manufacture a manifold for my application (manifold with barbed hose, or something similar). I have currently have one for 20 tubes, made with barbed fittings on a threaded manifold (through mc master carr), but I'd like something more compact and if possible with more connections per manifold.
Any hint on companies I could contact / product similar to what I'm looking for?
Thanks,
Tom
I'm working on a project where I need to connect 20-60 small diameter tubes (ID 1/16", OD 1/8") made of PTFE (or similar). I run compressed air through it at a pressure of 3-10 bar.
I'm trying to find a company that would sell or manufacture a manifold for my application (manifold with barbed hose, or something similar). I have currently have one for 20 tubes, made with barbed fittings on a threaded manifold (through mc master carr), but I'd like something more compact and if possible with more connections per manifold.
Any hint on companies I could contact / product similar to what I'm looking for?
Thanks,
Tom





RE: Looking for small tubing manifold
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Looking for small tubing manifold
RE: Looking for small tubing manifold
The only limit is how deep they care to drill the central lumen.
Last I heard, Clippard does do specials; at least some are subcontracted.
Their hex brass manifolds with 10-32 fittings can easily get to 20 ports.
The only problem I have with their 10-32 fittings is the default rubber gaskets, which harden and crack too soon. I don't use 'em at all; I use Loctite PST instead.
Push-to-connect fittings are a dream to assemble. They work best with nylon or polypropylene tubing. That's what I would suggest for your application, unless some unstated requirement dictates something else.
Barbs work best with polyurethane or heavily plasticized pvc. At your pressures I wouldn't use them.
PTFE doesn't work well with any connector The least awful connection for it is a heat-formed 90 degree flare used in chromatography. Expect a high scrap rate and low production rate if you go that way. Also a lot of burned fingers.
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Looking for small tubing manifold
RE: Looking for small tubing manifold
RE: Looking for small tubing manifold
http://www.johnguest.com/Home/literature-downloads...
RE: Looking for small tubing manifold
About the Manifold, I found a company called Memco that does specialized manifold, especially one catched my eyes: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B-8jLWfdkWpIZjQ3an...
That's exactly the kind I'm looking for: very compact manifold
If you know other designs close to that one, feel free to share.
Thanks,
Tom
RE: Looking for small tubing manifold
Burn some to check.
If you're planning to push anything as slippery and as stiff as PTFE on tightly clustered barbs, expect a lot of hand injuries. ... and a lot of small leaks where it loosens, and a lot of bigger leaks where it splits.
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Looking for small tubing manifold
So I'm continuing in this direction right now, until I have other issues. I tried some PFA tubes too which worked well. But I have to do further pressure/temperature cycling to see which one works the best for me.
Thanks for your remarks Mike
RE: Looking for small tubing manifold
*thanks Mike AND btrueblood
RE: Looking for small tubing manifold
RE: Looking for small tubing manifold
I know plastic is not the best for the job, but it's a temporary solution. I need to find replacement for the long run, but that's not my priority right now, I need to find an expert in tubing and connection :)