Darryl Keil Last Activity 2025-02-12 2:48 PM
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Howard

Posts: 24

Joined: 2007-01-15

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Subject : Leaking Frame Press
Posted : 2007-06-25 2:40 PM
Post #33875

I built a vacuum frame press that has a leak and have been having a heck of a time finding the source of the leak The frame is 2 by 6 feet and is constructed off 1 ½ square aluminum tubing welded at the corners. The membrane is 1/8 silicone rubber that is held in place on the top of the frame with and an inverted aluminum U channel screwed to the frame. The gasket is ½ by ½ inch closed foam neoprene. I am using a Vacu Press standard/profession pump and when the pump is set in the cycling mode it will continuously cycle at about 25 cycles per minute.

I have sprayed colored water at the gasket to base joint, the gasket to frame joint, and the membrane to frame joint but found no indication of leaks at those locations. I also spread colored water over the membrane but again found no indication of a leak.

I thought that the gasket might be permeable and coated it with a flexible silicone sealant.

Any ideas as to what to do next would be greatly appreciated?

With the pump cycling about 25 times per minute can anyone guess at the size hole I am looking for?

Thanks

Howard



 
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Don Stephan

Posts: 825

Joined: 2003-07-18
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio

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Subject : RE: Leaking Frame Press
Posted : 2007-06-26 8:36 PM
Post #33887 - In reply to #33875
Okay, so it's a stupid suggestion, but disconnect the vacuum line at the frame press, tape the end shut, and try the pump.

Then can you connect the vacuum line and tape over the opening on the inside of the frame press? This will eliminate leaks from the pump into the frame press.

Is the frame press presently empty? Some materials will hold lots of air (like mdf) and discharge slowly enough for a vacuum pump to cycle on and off.




 
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Howard

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Joined: 2007-01-15

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Subject : Leaking Frame Press
Posted : 2007-06-26 8:45 PM
Post #33891 - In reply to #33887
Thanks Don

I checked the vacuum line and connections and they are fine. The base is Formica so I don’t think there is an out gasing problem.

I order a leaking detecting stethoscope and will go over the entire unit, hopefully that will permit me to locate the leak.

Howard



 
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Howard

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Joined: 2007-01-15

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Subject : Leaking Frame Press
Posted : 2007-06-26 8:49 PM
Post #33892 - In reply to #33891
Ops

Make that a leak detecting stethoscope

Howard


 
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Don Stephan

Posts: 825

Joined: 2003-07-18
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio

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Subject : RE: Leaking Frame Press
Posted : 2007-06-26 8:52 PM
Post #33894 - In reply to #33892
Would have been fun to use a leaking stethoscope, though.

Have you tried putting some clamps around the upper and lower parts of the frame to see if the gasket is not sealing tight? That kind of cycling rate suggests to me there is lots of leakage somewhere, not just a pinhole or two.


 
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Darryl Keil

Posts: 1454

Joined: 2003-05-22
Location: Maine

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Subject : RE: Leaking Frame Press
Posted : 2007-06-26 8:49 PM
Post #33893 - In reply to #33875
Howard,

It difficult to asses your frame without knowing how its built and not being able to see it. A leak at the rate you have ought to be heard hissing but it sounds like that's not the case. If your gasket is not completely closed cell you should be able to put a piece up to your lips and suck air through it.

One thing I will say is, cycling this often is not good for the motor of your vacuum pump. I would avoid using the frame with the pump under these conditions. Once a minute is OK but 25 cycles in not.

Sincerely
Darryl Keil
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