Fixing calcium reactor

[djmx2002]

While cleaning a old calcium reactor I've accidentally snapped the pvc for the incoming Inlet

What's the best way of fixing it?

 

[tkeracer619]

Did you buy this used? Looks like it was broken before and put back together already.

I hesitate saying just glue it back on with weldon 16 though this is probably what most people would do. I would want that union replaced by someone with the proper tools to machine it out. I'd be tempted to send it back to MRC.

 

[djmx2002]

Did you buy this used?

Yep, couple months back. This was the first time I tried to clean and water test it

 

[tkeracer619]

Yeah, that's what I thought. Unfortunately whatever epoxy they used doesn't appear to be proper and I fear it will always be prone to failure at that point. It could get messy. I would think removing the pvc completely is the only way to properly fix it at this point.

 

[djmx2002]

Yeah, that's what I thought. Unfortunately whatever epoxy they used doesn't appear to be proper and I fear it will always be prone to failure at that point. It could get messy. I would think removing the pvc completely is the only way to properly fix it at this point.

Is there any solvent that should be used to remove the PVC glue?

 

[tkeracer619]

I'm not aware of one. Typically you cut or drill the fitting out until you can peel it away from the acrylic.

 

[dattack]

I would get a holesaw and drill over and remove the pvc fitting. add uniseal instead. only problem you might have it no pilot hole. might need to make a jig to make sure it drill in place.

 

[tkeracer619]

And if doing that start with the hole saw spinning backwards. Would hate to crack the tubing trying to drill it out.

 

[dattack]

so is the pvc just tapped to the acrylic? maybe try this to remove the old pvc from union.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfezjNDNxNo

 

[tkeracer619]

nice

 

[djmx2002]

:deadhorse1: It melted the acrylic :fun2::fun2: hahaa jk

I was thinking about using one of those step drills to remove the tread fitting, I can order a new one and a new union (wish i could order a half). The only concern i have, is that once I remove the threaded fitting, will I be able to fit a new one with some pvc glue on it? or should i take the risk of trying to expend the hole a little to accomadate a uniseal?

Another thing that came to mind, is maybe to use 1/2" pipe (if it will fit within the 3/4, or maybe it's going to restrict flow too much...

 

[djmx2002]

so is the pvc just tapped to the acrylic? maybe try this to remove the old pvc from union.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfezjNDNxNo

Seems like it's tapped and has some kind of solvent around it, at least from the outside.

 

[tkeracer619]

Call them and talk to them about it. I am pretty sure MRC uses weldon16 on the threads which would make it close to impossible to do any of this. I wouldn't widen the hole with a step bit, that is asking for a crack. Acrylic needs to be scraped away not gouged away like a step bit would do. If you go that route you need to use a hole saw for the proper uniseal and drill it out. If you need a center tap you can likely come up with a bushing that would work. Keep it cool with water.

 

[djmx2002]

Call them and talk to them about it. I am pretty sure MRC uses weldon16 on the threads which would make it close to impossible to do any of this. I wouldn't widen the hole with a step bit, that is asking for a crack. Acrylic needs to be scraped away not gouged away like a step bit would do. If you go that route you need to use a hole saw for the proper uniseal and drill it out.

Thanks for the info, just sent them an email with the pictures.

 

[Jade5051]

You are moving in the right direction shouldn't be a terribly difficult fix.

 

[ca1ore]

Appears to be a pretty clean break, can you not simply solvent weld the union piece back on? I've done that a few times and it holds up fine under normal operation. Won't withstand a major blow, so just be careful. BTW, I recently clipped a TLF 500 reactor with my elbow and sheared off one of the nipples. Threaded a tight fitting piece of silicone hose through the hole and its sealed perfectly. Reduces flow obviously, but perhaps that's an option here too.

 

[djmx2002]

Appears to be a pretty clean break, can you not simply solvent weld the union piece back on? I've done that a few times and it holds up fine under normal operation. Won't withstand a major blow, so just be careful. BTW, I recently clipped a TLF 500 reactor with my elbow and sheared off one of the nipples. Threaded a tight fitting piece of silicone hose through the hole and its sealed perfectly. Reduces flow obviously, but perhaps that's an option here too.

Which kind of solvent have you used in the past? just the regular PVC glue?

It's kind of funny, when it first snapped, it didn't leak because of the pressure on the cylinder. it only leaked when i introduced some air, or when the pump was running.

I also like the idea with the silicon tubing.

 

[ca1ore]

Yeah, just regular PVC solvent cement. Silicone tube works, though in my application it's a non pressure reactor.

 

[mad.paul]

Coral glue mate try it it works a treat! !!

 

[djmx2002]

My fix failed... Going to send it out to MRC. They said they could fix it for $25 + parts