VACUUM LID FOR PROPELLANT MIXER

Christine Rial has put together information regarding a standard Vacuum Lid. Below is the McMaster Carr part numbers for the parts that used in creating this airtight lid. Other sources may be available like Home Depot, Lowes, or Tractor Supply.

Use this as a reference in creating your own lid, things like the vacuum gage is optional but it's nice to have when your trying to trouble shoot your setup. Plus knowing how much vacuum you're pulling might be useful if you are trying to create a vacuum chamber. The quick disconnects are useful in separating the lid from the pump, making it easier to transport, and the valve helps to break the vacuum when the propellant starts to rise too fast. When you order your part just make sure the parts you get are rated for vacuum.

No assembly instructions are needed, just look at the photo. Click for a larger version.

ITEM
 DESCRIPTION & NUMBER
VACUUM PUMP
Ebay or ANYWHERE
At least 2.5 CFM vacuum to draw 29" of Mercury
12 FOOT VACUUM RATED AIR LINE
5245K11
The coiling keeps the hose out of the way.
QUICK-CONNECT HOSE COUPLER(S)
1077T11
Make sure you get the correct M/F fitting

QUICK-DISCONNECTER
6534K16
Make sure you get the correct M/F fitting

LEVER VALVE
4912K7
Not required, but it make life a lot easier

VACUUM GAUGE
3935K21
Not required, but it is sure nice to have

1/4" to 1/8" PIPE REDUCER
50785K65
Required for vacuum gage

4 WAY CONNECTER
50785K233
1/4" pipe tread sizes

PIPE NIPPLE
50785K152
Needed to hook up 4 Way to bulkhead

BULKHEAD PANEL MOUNT THRU FITTING
50785K273
You will need an O-Ring to make it air tight

LEXAN POLYCARBONATE SHEET 12" x 12"
8574K31
*** At least 3/8" thick, any thing thinner will crack under vacuum

OIL RESISTANT BUNA-N-RUBBER 3/32" x 12" x 12" (not shown)
5727T72
Gasket for lid to make it air tight
or
CLOSED CELL HIGH DENSITY FOAM WEATHERSTRIPPING (shown)
Lowe's Part Number# 66682