Rotating pipe joint / swivel fitting

Step 6: Rotating pipe joint / swivel fitting

This part is still a work-in-progress for us.

At the moment, we have a 6" length of pvc pipe that fits snugly into the pvc connector, and - lubricated with automotive grease - this can be held in place by hand and works reasonably well. We also cut off this pvc adapter and used just the plain blue hose fed into the bottle outlet as it was an excellent fit and gave more working room.

The rotating joint is perhaps the most important part of the pump. When we've chosen the best of our designs, we will update this step with the details.

Remove these ads by Signing Up

Safanu says: Jun 19, 2012. 4:22 AM

AP- How about trying to find some Gardena hose fittings. They are waterproof and they can swivel freely . They might be a little costly but they would be much safer and healthier .

2 of these connectors on the 2 hoses http://www.gardena.com/int/water-management/hose-connectors/hose-connector-13-mm-1-2/

and 1 of these to connect the hoses to one another

http://www.gardena.com/int/water-management/hose-connectors/extension-joint/

You can find retailers here

http://www.gardena.com/int/retailer-locator/

I hope this helps I know there are similar hose fittings but I can not remember the companies name. Sorry.

chuangt2u (author) in reply to SafanuJun 22, 2012. 8:09 AM

Thanks for the links, Safanu.

I like the look of the 3/4 inch hose to hose adapter, I'll look into it if I can get one here.

Cheers

Rob

jaypublic says: Sep 14, 2011. 9:27 AM

Is this pump to be used for pumping drinking water?
If so, using automobile grease for a seal is not good.
Many cancer causing things in it.
Much better to use silicon grease, if you can get it.

Though now that I think of it, having clean water contaminated by a little axle grease is still probably safer than unclean water.

Best to you, and thanks for the instructable.

chuangt2u (author) in reply to jaypublicSep 15, 2011. 2:47 AM

We're only using grease until we can come up with a viable alternative. It functioned better than anything else on test day, but it would be no good for a pump installed for a much longer testing period than we had, or for an installation in which the swivel joint's not accessible during testing.

greenspider says: Sep 11, 2011. 8:18 AM

I wonder if you have tried an air hose swivel joint (used on air tools to keep the hose from restricting movement)?

chuangt2u (author) in reply to greenspiderSep 11, 2011. 9:29 AM

Evening, greenspider.
Never even though of that!
This looks ideal, but 1/4" is way too narrow... is it possible to get them in larger sizes?
http://www.airlines-pneumatics.co.uk/webcat/Detprod.asp?ProductCode=S010145

greenspider in reply to chuangt2uSep 12, 2011. 12:00 PM

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-2-Pneumatic-Air-Hose-Swivel-Fitting-JET-3-Pcs-JAS12-/400235013363

This is 1/2".
Will it work?

chuangt2u (author) in reply to greenspiderSep 12, 2011. 9:18 PM

Looked at your links and that or similar looks to be what we need, but in a size that won't restrict flow.

We need to find that part here in Cambodia, really - or have one fabricated here.

I'll take a photo down to the market and see if they're available locally.
Thanks!

greenspider in reply to greenspiderSep 12, 2011. 12:21 PM

http://www.ingersollrandproducts.com/accessories/catalog_pdfs/Supply_Fittings_Hoses.pdf

Ingersoll/Rand.
They have straight swivels if needed (up to 1/2")