Relief Valves

[Blacksheep]

There is one thing I am very concerned with: safety. Believe it or not, I'm quite safety-minded which is why I play paintball (I could probably do underground fighting, but how safe is that?).

So, on to topic:

I'm working on a launcher. I need a relief or safety valve or something like that in case my regulator completely fails. I do not like the idea of blowing myself up, pretty dumb way to die in my opinion.

That being said, I need a safety/relief valve.

Now, the problem is, I do not know how to do this. Sorry to say, I have no clue whatsoever about these valve and how to attach hardware to them. Are the valves a single, long tube or does hardware need to be attached in a jutted-out position, any good ones at a reasonable price, are they re-usable after one blows, and what threads do they have, if any at all?

[Speedballer109]

wait what kind of design you goin for? Shoulder style or like a far away "stand alone" launcher

[FlameboyC11]

I would go research a bit before building something like this. Pneumatic machines are some of the most dangerious types (hi-pressure hydrolics excluded) and are not something you really want to mess around with. However, if you specify what pressures and what exactly you are making, I might be able to help you out. My guess is that you are going to use Co2, and in that case, you need to be prepared to spend some cash in order to make whatever you are making safe.

Edit: I Just checked your profile and you aren't the person I expected (13 year old boy w/ some pvc pipe). Feel free to ask and I'll do my best to answer them. I've worked and am working on a few custom pneumatic setups right now so I know a bit more than the average pber.

[Blacksheep]

Looking at an under-barrel "single-tube" design if at all possible, probably with an operating pressure of 250psi, I guess the relief valve should blow somewhere around that.

[Rugrat]

You could always install a burst disc on the pressure chamber side of the reg. Only problem is burst discs shear at 1200 PSI so you'll have to rate all your system at 1300 PSI.

You could also check Control Devices Inc. line of Check Valves which function like a burst disc but have lower PSI ratings and reseal after venting. Model #M2525 opens at 250 PSI and requires a 1/4 NPT port at a cost of around $7.

Just be carefull even 250 PSI can be dangerous.

[Blacksheep]

I'll look into those ASAP, thanks Rugrat!

[FlameboyC11]

For a majority of the parts I have used, I've bought off of http://www.mcmaster.com/ . They have basicly everything you need for a system. They call a burst valve a pop valve. Here's a part # for one: 48435K71. It comes in a bunch of different sizes 1/8" to 1" pipe fittings and don't cost very much. You can customize when it releases, and it can be used as many times as you want (it uses a spring system instead of a piece of brass bending).

[wanabe TOSA]

omg yesterday i saw somthin like ur talkin about - this guy brought in this huge freakin like boozka (shot like 20 balls every time) it was hella tight (i wish i took a picture) the guy made everything on it himself......w/ the help of home depo.....the only PB bought on it was the regulator

it was asome

[Blacksheep]

Thanks for the site, think I may have some good ideas forming.

[Forest Spyder]

Glenn Palmer has exactly what you need.

He sells PRVs with springs set for different pressures.

The plus is that they're 1/8 NPT threaded.

http://www.palmer-pursuit.com/images/fittings/fitting-bleed-valve.jpg

Here's the catalog
http://www.palmer-pursuit.com/CATALOG/fittings.htm