Project Summary
Objective:
To design a non-electronic, self-operating valve system that acts as an adapter for standard pool vacuum hoses. The goal is to resolve the issue of air being trapped in the vacuum hose when connecting it to the pool intake, which results in a loss of pump prime.
Current Problem:
- Connecting the hose directly to the intake traps air inside.
- Manually removing the air is slow, inconsistent, and unreliable.
- The device should be floating on the pool’s water.
Proposed Solution:
- A device that integrates:
- A check valve to bleed trapped air.
- A diverter valve to maintain water flow during priming.
- A priming mechanism that operates without electronics (e.g., a self-actuated or manual-primed system).
Calculations
Assume 150 Gallons per minute = 0.0094 [Cubic meters per second]
d = 0.0190 [m]
Area of hose= pi x d ^2 = 0.00114 [m^2]
v= Q/A = 8.2456 [m/s]
Dynamic pressure = 0.5xDensity x v^2 = 0.5 * 1000 * (8.2456) ^2 = 33994 [Pa]
The required force is needed to keep the valve open:
Force F = P. A = 33994 * 0.00114 = 38.7N
Valve Selection
Consideration:
Price – control – size- no electricity- Anti-chlorides
Two different valves will be used:
- First Ball 3-way diverted Valve with Pneumatic Actuator – Threaded Air-Driven Diverting Valve above 600$ The purpose: close when pressure drops (That means the air is entering the valve)
- Air-vent valve with float The purpose: Allow air to vent while and will forbid water from getting outside with air. Now will make sure the air will be vented without water entering.
Design
We developed Hull’s boat shape for the outer design to ensure its buoyancy, and the check valve as the shape of a Cheminy’s boat
- We used PVC components for their resistance against water and Chlorine, light weight, and costing.
- Snap-fit joints were used to join two 3D-printed parts together for prototyping.