using a lexan plate for vacuum degassing, what thickness is needed

[LeMarchand]

I am thinking of making a vacuum degassing setup using a HF venturi pump attached to my compressor and my pressure pot.

So i need to make a lid for it. I have seen the use of acrylic and lexan for this and was wondering how thick the lexan plate should be for 27-30 mmhg.

 

[racprops]

For about 25 years I have been using a 3/4 inch Lexan plate on a 15 inch tank.

Rich

 

[Eaglewood]

I was just at my local Smooth-On distributor who is helping me with a project and he has one that is 3/4 thick--works great--router a channel around the inside about 1/8-1/4 deep and fill it with flexible rubber for a seal.

 

[racprops]

In my case I had bought a 15 piece of steel pipe and took it to a machine shop which had a LARGE LATHE (size of a VW) and have them face both ends.

I started using toy clay (Toy store clay not clean clay) to help make a good seal but found out I did not need it.

So I just lay it on top of the tank and pump down.

Rich

 

[LeMarchand]

thanks for the responses. The 3/4 " plates you mentioned, are those acrylic or lexan (polycarbonat).

 

[racprops]

Lexan.

 

[Rebelscum]

Lexan.

3/4" Lexan would be more than enough for sure, but you could also use 1" acrylic on a large opening or even 3/4" on a smaller opening and it would be cheaper.

My local smooth-on dealer sells a 5 gallon chamber that has 1" acrylic on it. I put 1.5" on mine as as the time I wasn't much difference in cost and my opening was fits a 5 gallon paint bucket with 2" room around it.