How to make a resin trap from a paint pressure tank?

[TheCoolerKing]

Hey all,

I am trying to convert a paint pressure tank into a resin trap for Vacuum Infusion. I have it all set up except I don't know how to make a fitting for the resin outlet tube to the trap inlet, without resin adhering and plugging the resin trap inlet after cure.

For example if I connect tubing to a barbed valve the resin will adhere to the valve after passing through and I would have to replace the barb valve after each use.

Maybe I'm missing something obvious but does anyone know what fittings to use so that only the plastic tubing needs to replaced with each use.

Thanks.

 

[Compositepro]

You can modify most standard fittings by drilling them out so that the tube will pass all the way through rather than inserting only to a stop. I've always found this far easier than searching for special fittings that will also be more costly. "Heat exchanger tees" can also be used. These are tees designed to allow you to make a tube-in-tube heat exchanger from standard tubing.

 

[berkshire]

Get rid of the metal fittings and go plastic all the way into the tank.
If you get hardened resin stuck in these fittings you can very often just pry it out, and if you cannot, the fittings are cheap enough to replace.
B.E.

 

[bellx1]

Wax everything you can in the resin trap. If resin gets trapped in the barbed fitting you can always drill it out.

I had a similar question when I first started VIP. This thread helped me understand what to do.

http://compositescentral.net/showthread.php?t=3907

Hope it helps

http://www.compositescentral.net

 

[allcomposites]

The easiest way is to use an "instant fitting".

http://wideopentuning.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1364_1366&products_id=4893

You can drill the fitting so that the plastic tube will pass through it. With these fittings you dont need any extra work. Just plug the plastic tube and you are ready to go. After curing you can take out the whole tube by pressing on the external ring of the fitting.