Talk Composites - The Forum for Advanced Composites

Vacuum Pumping Alcohol

http://www.talkcomposites.com/Topic33888.aspx

By Robert Bowen - 10/3/2019 8:49:29 PM

Hey,
I've invented an alcohol based gel fuel that I need to vacuum in order to remove bubbles obtained during the mixing process. I'm a bit worried about vacuuming it due to the strong flammable fumes that would go through the pump.

Is it safe to vacuum and if it isn't, is there some sort of vapour filter I can attach between the chamber and the pump? I have the 26L Starter Vacuum Degassing System with the DVP EC.4 Compact Composites Vacuum Pump.

Thanks
By Warren (Staff) - 10/4/2019 8:52:45 AM

The pump is NOT designed to work in environments containing flammable vapours or gasses. It is specifically mentioned as a hazard to avoid in the pump manual and documentation.  

You would need a specialist filter to extract the vapour or a specialist pump designed for use in flammable or explosive environments.