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Laminar Flow Water Jet for Under $25.

by scottrevoman333 on August 30, 2010

Table of Contents
Laminar Flow Water Jet for Under $25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Intro: Laminar Flow Water Jet for Under $25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 1: Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 2: The Nozzel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 3: Nozzle Cont. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 4: Inserting the Nozzle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 5: Main Body Part 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 6: Main Body Part 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 7: Main Body Part 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 8: Main Body Part 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 9: Finally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 10: Before cranking up the Pressure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 11: Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 12: Optional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Related Instructables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

http://www.instructables.com/id/Laminar-Flow-Water-Jet-for-Under-25/

Intro: Laminar Flow Water Jet for Under $25.

This instructable is for everyone who has ever wanted to build a Laminar Flow Water jet, it sounds complex but it is actually very simple. You will need some PVC pipe,
some brass pipe, about 300 straws, 4 test plugs, and some sponges. So lets get started!!!!
Here is a link to my second instructable that shows how to add lights to the water jet.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Laminar-Flow-Water-Jet-Part-2-The-lights/
If you have any questions or comments feel free to leave a comment, I don't mind if it is negative, you can always improve something when it is wrong but one its right
there is no improvement.

Image Notes
1. Entire unit standing on its base.

Step 1: Supplies
1) A foot long piece of 3 inch pvc pipe.
2) A 3 inch pipe cap.
3) A 6 inch piece of 1 inch pvc pipe.
4) A strong water proof epoxy or similar glue. (i.e. Marinetex)
5) A 6 inch long 3/8 inch brass (or copper) pipe with somewhat thick walls.
6) 200+ straws (if they are the bendy ones it doesn't matter)
7) 4, 3 inch test plugs.
8) Some 5 x 3.5 x .25 sponge/scrubbing pads. (if they are wider then that is fine, you want them to be thin though.)
9) A razor blade or even better a small bandsaw.
Tools)
A small razor or exacto knife,
Superglue
Sand Paper (light and heavy grit)
Garden Hose
Drill bit that will fit snug into the 1 inch pipe.
Optional)
Duct Tape
A band saw.
Electric drill
3 inch hole cutting bit(helps to round the 1 inch pipe)
Glue mixing supplies ie. Mixing board, stirring stick, applicator.
Various size brass pipe (for making different nozzles)
Extra 3 inch PVC Caps(these are a little expensive so i just used one.

Step 2: The Nozzel.

Chosing a nozzel can be difficult, but for a 3" PVC pipe a 3/8" brass pipe works very well.
To start you will want to start with a somewhat thick 6" piece of 3/8"brass pipe, first if you have an electric drill it goes much faster, you want to clamp one end into the
drill and let the other end move freely. Now the important part get some heavy gritt sandpaper (80 gritt) and roll it into a cone shape with the gritt facing out, now run the
drill and slowly push the sandpaper into the end of the pipe the goal is to create an inside taper, once a fine edge is created you need some very very light gritt
sandpaper, like finishing paper, (400 gritt) then roll it into a cone and do the same thing so the inside is very smooth.
(Optional but you can also taper the outside of the pipe in the same way just reverse the sandpaper)

http://www.instructables.com/id/Laminar-Flow-Water-Jet-for-Under-25/

Image Notes
1. Nozzle Exit

Image Notes
1. Nozzel Intake (Fine Tapered end) it goes on the inside of the plug.

Image Notes
1. Nozzle In drill ready to be tapered.

Image Notes
1. As you can see the pipe was very thick hence all the tapering

Step 3: Nozzle Cont.

Now you want to cut the nozzle off about .5 inch from the tapered end. (the excess pipe can be used to make more or new nozzles) a metal pipe cutting wheel works best
for cutting it. Now you want to remove the excess pipe from the drill and put the nozzl into it with the tapered end facing inward, now you have to do the same thing to this
side only you just want to remove the ragged edge, you don't have to completely taper it. Once that is done take the nozzle out and roll a piece of fine sandpaper into a
tube that will fit into the nozzle, now take the nozzle and slide it up and down over the sandpaper tube but DON"T TWIST IT!!!! You want the sandpaper marks to be
stright in the nozzle. (see picture)

http://www.instructables.com/id/Laminar-Flow-Water-Jet-for-Under-25/

Image Notes
1. This kind of cutter works best but a hacksaw should also work just make sure
there is a level end on the nozzle.

Step 4: Inserting the Nozzle

Now take your Cap and drill a 3/8 inch hole and insert the nozzle with the fine tapered end on the inside of the cap as in the picture. Then use some super glue to secure
it. (remember it is going to be pressurized)

Image Notes
1. Inside finely tapered end.

Step 5: Main Body Part 1

First you will need a drill bit that fits well inside the 1 inch pipe, then use it to drill an offcenter hole in the bottom side of the 3 inch tube as pictured. Then use a piece of
heavy gritt sandpaper to round one end of the small pipe so it fits on like in the picture. It helps to cut one end of the small tube to the appropriate angle that way you
don't have to sand as much. Now you need the the epoxy to attach the pipe as in the first picture, i used Marine-tex to attach it but quick drying glue would be nice.

Image Notes
1. First Cut
2. After Sanding it should sit pretty level and flush.

Image Notes
1. Flush, level, and glued in place and of course it's for the water inlet.

Step 6: Main Body Part 2

Now for the inside you need to punch out the test plug so you have the side and lip left, then use a razor or saw to carefully cut the top lip off the plug so you make a
platic ring with the side of the plug. Now cut one side of the ring so you can shrink it, you then want to cut out a small protion of the ring so there is a gap in it
then when you put the ring in the tube by its self it doesn't overlap but instead the the edges of the ring should push together and hold it tightly, you then want to take a
sponge and cut it so there is a 1/2inch overlap on the sides of the tube then place it on the tube and then put the ring in it and press the ring and sponge down about an
inch past the water intake opening on the bottom of the pipe with the sponge sticking out the sides of the ring as shown. you want it to be as tight as possible in the pipe
because the sponge has to hold the straws in place and resist the water pressure.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Laminar-Flow-Water-Jet-for-Under-25/

Image Notes
1. Excess sponge wedged between the pipe and the plastic ring.
2. Bottom of the tube.

Step 7: Main Body Part 3

Now place as many straws as will fit comfortably in the 3 inch pipe (inserting the bendy part down if you have it.) Press them down to the bottom sponge (a spraypaint
can works well for this) make sure they are all about the same level in the pipe then cut out another sponge and plug and repeat the previous step 6, only push the
sponge from the top of the tube so the straws are in between the two sponges, but be careful you don't force the other sponge out the bottom!!!!!
*You can also cut a small piece out of the ring so the sides don't overlap so instead the edges push together, you can also super glue the ends of the ring together just
make sure it fits snug in the 3 inch pipe.

Image Notes
1. Sponge against the top of the straws.
Image Notes
1. There should be some space between the straws but you should try to fill the
space with a straw, but don't force it in.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Laminar-Flow-Water-Jet-for-Under-25/

Image Notes
1. Just a demo you want the bendy end closer to the bottom of the pipe.
(reversed to the picture)

Step 8: Main Body Part 4

Finally if every thing is dry push a test plug into the bottom of the 3 inch pipe and secure it but DON'T GLUE IT!! Just press fit it or tape it if you have to. Now the last part
fit the top cap with the nozzle and press it on very tightly!!!!

Image Notes
1. Pressure fit test plug (and yes i didn't use schedule 40) just regular wire ducting.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Laminar-Flow-Water-Jet-for-Under-25/

Step 9: Finally
Now with everything secure insert a hose into the 1 inch pipe (conveniently fits) and slowly open the water till you can just hear it flowing and slowly wait for it to fill up and
if everything is done right you should have a very nice laminar flow water jet, but wait theres more!!!!!

Image Notes
1. Very Clear stream you should get a mirror like surface.

Image Notes
1. Nice flow.

Step 10: Before cranking up the Pressure.

If it works good at low pressure then remove the top cap(if its stuck then sit the pipe on its base, turn the water on so there is a1 inch fountain and cover the hole until it
pops off don't worry about it spraying it won't, but be sure the bottom one doesn't come off first if that happens then you need to just try to pull the top off yourself) now
take either superglue or epoxy and put a few drops on the plug rings to attach them to the pipe(do this on both sides, top and bottom, otherwise the water pressure will
force the sponges and straws up then blow the top off and then continue out onto the ground, which isn't fun) Once the glue is secure you can reassemble, gluing the test
plug on with super glue and then just press fit the nozzle plug, very tightly!! and your ready for some serious water jets!!!
You don't want to glue the nozzle plug on in case you need to open it later.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Laminar-Flow-Water-Jet-for-Under-25/

Image Notes
1. 15' high fountain and about 30' out!!!!

Step 11: Troubleshooting

If you don't get a laminar flow and it looks like the stream isn't perfectly round then you have an obstruction in the nozzle (it may be too small to see) but just take your
light gritt sandpaper and give it a final good sanding and that should solve it.
If the stream is laminar then goes to a jet like stream then reduce the pressure and if it doesn't stop then you need to check the inside and make sure the straws and
sponges haven't moved. If they are still in place then replce the top and try again, also if you touch the nozzle while its on it can make it do that, just either run over it
again or shut the water off and let it sit for a few seconds then turn the water back on (this clears the nozzle of the air bubbles)
If the stream is laminar but it varies in height and kinds wobbles up and down then that is just a pressure problem (gonna try to find a cheap fix for that).

Step 12: Optional

I plan to add a bigger nozzle to hopefully stop the stream breaking up quickly, then i want to add a light system and a cutter which i will try to document better.
Also for info on how it works i will explain:
Water enters the bottom swirls around and finally goes through the sponge which slows the water, then the straws remove the swirling and you get one continuous
coloumn of water, then the second sponge slows it again then it fills the space to the nozzle and it settles in the space, then it is forced through a (usually precision cut
nozzle) and you have a laminar water stream!!!!
As mentioned in the Supplies section extra PVC caps can be used to create other nozzles and you can use various size brass nozzles if you have extra caps, just
remember to follow the same technique when ever making a new nozzle.

Image Notes
1. Entire unit standing on its base.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Laminar-Flow-Water-Jet-for-Under-25/

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Comments
8 comments

Add Comment

gserrano701 says:

Feb 9, 2011. 3:05 AM REPLY

Fantastic, I'll have to try it sometime

duckythescientist says:

Sep 7, 2010. 7:21 PM REPLY

Two things:
1.If the water goes through sponge-straw-sponge-nozzle, are that many layers really necessary? I would think the nozzle would be the deciding factor.
2.It is really cool, but what purpose does it serve? Even if you just made it to make it and to see if you could, that is still a purpose. I'm just wondering if you
had other reasons.

scottrevoman333 says:

Sep 8, 2010. 11:50 AM REPLY

The main reason for the layers is to hold the straws in place, the first sponge keeps the straws from falling out the bottom and the second sponge keeps
the straws from getting pushed out by the water.
As for the purpose I thought it would make a fun project and I am planning on using it as a decoration sometime when I get the chance to make a more
compact one.

rimar2000 says:

Sep 1, 2010. 6:54 PM REPLY

Very interesting! I think that pretty and clean water jet can behave as a optic fiber. I don't know where to put the led, for not interfere the laminar flow. May be
you have the response. Thanks for this very good instructable.

crapflinger says:

Sep 1, 2010. 12:56 PM REPLY

you need more detailed pictures/drawings/explanations of most of the steps. i understand the basics of what you're doing (i think we saw the same TV show)
but i'm not exactly clear on where all of the components actually go in this particular contraption you basically lost me at step 6. after reading over it about six
times, i think i get it ...you're basically just getting a smooth plastic ring...i'm not sure why. is it just to hold the sponge against the side of the pipe? then in
step 7 you're making another ring for the top end of the straws? a picture of the inside WITH the straws and such in it would be really helpful

scottrevoman333 says:

Sep 1, 2010. 1:06 PM REPLY

Ok sorry for the confusion I am currently taking and trying to add new photos, and to clarify step 6 you need the side ring from the test plug to hold the
sponge in place, you will need one sponge at the bottom top keep the straws from falling out and one at the top to keep them from getting blown out from
the water because you don't want to tightly pack the straws, the best way to pack the straws is to fill the pipe with a good handful of straws and then put
more straws on top of them and hit the tube on the sides and bottom until no more straw will fall in on their own then if there is an open space just stick a
straw i the space.

dchall8 says:

Sep 1, 2010. 8:07 AM REPLY

LOTS OF STARS!
I really like this! I'm an aero engineer and enjoy fluids projects.
Where did you get the know-how to build this???
Just a few thoughts/questions:
Is there any reason you could not use a plastic nozzle instead of brass or copper? Both of those metals could erode although under laminar flow conditions,
quite possibly they will not. Still, I would think plastic nozzles would work just as well.
Why do you taper the inside of the nozzle? Which side has the small side of the taper (inside or outside)?
Is there any reason you did not use PVC glue where it would work best? The one place it would not work is in attaching the inflow tube.
The inflow tube is obviously supposed to generate a swirl. Is that just to standardize the direction of water flow before straightening it out? I was wondering
if you could have brought the water in from the bottom using standard connectors and fill the bottom of the chamber with marbles to break the flow.
Is there any reason you did not attach a female hose connector at the input? They are available in PVC at the home stores.
Does it matter how long the straws are relative to the outer pipe? Are they slammed up against one end or the other or do they sit in the middle of the pipe?

http://www.instructables.com/id/Laminar-Flow-Water-Jet-for-Under-25/

I think the reason for the scrubbing pads is to hold the straws in place without restricting the flow. The flow is already very slow because you brought water
from a 3/4 hose into a 3-inch diameter pipe. It is like filling a bucket - slow. The scrubbers would also help stop eddy flow at the entrance and exit to the
straws. And are they plain scrubbing pads or the kind with sponges on one side?
Thanks for this. It is a very practical project that is easy for kids to do. I hope it gets some of them excited about fluid flow!!

scottrevoman333 says:

Sep 1, 2010. 11:49 AM REPLY

Ok so where to start, I first came across the design whlie watching a tv show and they explained how it flows through straws (usually a special molded
piece) but that would be very expensive then i continued to look for info on them and found a video on youtube of a man that built a very nice one but it
was much to expensive for me, as for the nozzle i use brass because its what I had on hand and it creates a very smooth flow but a plaistic nozzle could
possibly work too, also the taper creates a very fine edge and it removes any stray filings from cuting it, the edge makes it easy for the water to form into
the laminar state. As for the orientation of the nozzle the fine tapered end should face the inside of the tube so the stream is essentially "cut" by the
nozzle. The reason i didn't use PVC glue is because I need to still be able to open the tube and check it and in my other instructable I added an LED to it.
As for the marbles you would have to experiment as i figured out if the hose gois directly into the bottom then it will create a stream that move faster than
the rest of the water (esentially like sticking a hose in a pool and turning it on). The reason I didn't use a female hose adapter is because i didn't have one
on hand. (I basically used what I had laying around). The length of the straws I don't think matter but you can experiment, and they are not packed in
they are kinda comfortably sitting in it (I will post a picture as an example). Your right that the scrubbers don't really slow the flow but they mainly hold the
straws and it helps remove any streams of water as mentioned earlier.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Laminar-Flow-Water-Jet-for-Under-25/