Plastic (saw) dust

[Flameback Pair]

Can plastic shavings and plastic dust get into peristaltic pumps? I have some plastic tanks to drill.

--Mitchell.

 

[Nor'easter Reefer]

Are you asking if they pumps can handle if some dust and shavings get into them? I'd avoid it if possible. Anything besides liquid is going to cause more wear to some degree. Size is a big factor as well. If you asking if the shavings and dust would eventually find their way into the pumps, I'd say yes. Unless the tanks incredibly low flow, you don't stir it up, and your pickup tube is elevated above the bottom of the tank enough to avoid sucking it up.

 

[UncommonSense]

I usually drill, then use a shop vac to blow the container out thoroughly before putting it into service!

 

[Flameback Pair]

I don't know what the density of the plastic is. I've seen guys tape underneath what they're going to drill and it does catch some debris when you go all the way through. With this in mind should I use a paddle bit or hole saw?

 

[UncommonSense]

I don't know what the density of the plastic is. I've seen guys tape underneath what they're going to drill and it does catch some debris when you go all the way through. With this in mind should I use a paddle bit or hole saw?

Just drill with the tank empty/blow it out with air, and definitely use a hole saw!!

I’m sure you’ve seen how ugly paddle bit holes in wood are… it can get WAY worse in plastic!

 

[jsmkmavity]

If you can find a piece of copper pipe or thin wall metal tubing the size of the hole you need you can heat it with a torch while holding with pliers and push it through the tank.

 

[Dogeatbird]

Yes, probably will get some form of intrusion/contaminant.

Isolation of pumps outside work area, during drilling. Or drill in an area separate from pumps.

Alternatively use of an in-line filter/screen to prevent uptake into pump tubing.

 

[Johnnyracer]

I setup a ro water storage/mixing station with two 105 gallon storage tanks very much like yours, Flameback. It has an external Blueline HD 55 pump (monster). What i found was the plastic shavings left behind after drilling 2 holes in each container floated to the top. I was able to net them out. Took a couple times of filling the containers to get them all out. I never noticed any plastic shavings in my display tanks. Best of luck.