PVC pipe instead of tubing

[nicozeg]

Given the tight spacing in my case, I needed some type of elbows to avoid big loops in the hoses. Looking at the hardware store I found that 16 mm PVC conduit fittings matched precicely with the metric clearflex I'm using. (12 x 16 mm.)

These pipes are for electic intalations and not certified for high pressure water use, but are more than enough what I need. Since clearflex is a type of PVC, the pipe adhesive worked great bonding both materials.

The curves are very soft, cause are designed to make the lowest drag possible while sliding cables, also perfect for a high flow 13mm ID circuit!

Some may dislike the color, but that can be solved with paint




[/quote]

[TerraMex]

Don't those adhesives "eat" a bit of the clearflex in order to bond?
No issues there?

[killernoodle]

yeah, it does something like melt the two together, but once it is dry, you will never get them apart.

[nicozeg]

It has a very nasty solvent, that softens the surface of both plastics, but dries very fast. So fast that you have very few seconds to acomodate parts once inserted. Final hadrness is in some hours, but can be used in a few minutes.

[talcum]

Originally Posted by nicozeg

Given the tight spacing in my case, I needed some type of elbows to avoid big loops in the hoses. Looking at the hardware store I found that 16 mm PVC conduit fittings matched precicely with the metric clearflex I'm using. (12 x 16 mm.)

These pipes are for electic intalations and not certified for high pressure water use, but are more than enough what I need. Since clearflex is a type of PVC, the pipe adhesive worked great bonding both materials.

The curves are very soft, cause are designed to make the lowest drag possible while sliding cables, also perfect for a high flow 13mm ID circuit!

Some may dislike the color, but that can be solved with paint

[/quote]


Any idea what the cost in pressure drop is? It looks beautiful. Is it hard to make the connections with the rigid portions in the tubing?

[smm2k]

it look like you have enough space to get rid of the two 90 deg bends on the CPU block with:

http://www.swiftnets.com/

find Coolsleeves™


http://www.swiftnets.com/assets/imag...g%20radius.jpg

http://www.swiftnets.com/assets/imag...lsleeves/5.jpg

[nicozeg]

Originally Posted by smm2k

find Coolsleeves™

Hehe, a nice new name for a common notepad spiral.

Any idea what the cost in pressure drop is? It looks beautiful. Is it hard to make the connections with the rigid portions in the tubing?

Very low, in fact bubbles in the loop seem to travel faster than before. These curves keep a constant circular section of a bit more than 1/2" id, and since overall lenght is lower than before, the flow actually improved.

Joining pieces is very easy. Much like soldering copper pipes exept you dont need a torch In fact the adhesive is called cold weld.

[kronchev]

what block are you using? i think its pretty cool, although the orange isnt a great color choice

[nicozeg]

There's no color choice in these pipes, it's a standard. It kind of match abit's boards color.

I made this block a long time ago, but is still the best I have made. Sure is ugly, but I dont care if performance is ok.

(Pics in that thread work if you copy the url in a new window)

[bigben2k]

I think it looks just fine! But you have to get rid of the piece of tape with the barcode on it...

Otherwise, working in fine scale models, I've picked up the habit of trimming the extrusion bits (mold marks) with an X-acto knife.

[nicozeg]

The bar code is inkjet printed on the plastic, maybe some acetone could remove it.

Of course I chamfered with a sharp knife every edge in the water path

[|kbn|]

What advantage is there over doing the same thing with 15mm ID copper pipe? which clearflex fits over nicly..

I have two hetercores next to each over which need tight bends with just tubing but with copper pipe i think it will be easy.

[nicozeg]

Originally Posted by |kbn|

What advantage is there over doing the same thing with 15mm ID copper pipe? which clearflex fits over nicly..

I have two hetercores next to each over which need tight bends with just tubing but with copper pipe i think it will be easy.

Advantages? ufff

1- Soft radius. Copper curves are sharper and more restrictive.
2- Weight. heavy pipes add unnecesary stress to blocks.
3- Cost. Each of this pieces cost like US $0.06
4- Safe. no need to risk a fire using a torch.
5- Tools. almost no tools required.
6- Finish. No need to polish/protect the surfaces.

That's enough?