Multi-cone skimmer -ideas

noahm · 10/31/2009, 11:35 AM

First let me say this was my first attempt at 3-d modeling, so be gentle. I was wondering if anyone has tried this and would it work? the idea was to get more surface area in the cone, without having to make the skimmer taller/bigger.

The block is the pump, and I did not include anything like bubble plates etc. because of my modeling skills. I am thinking the base would need to be made in such a way that the bubbles are directed into the cones rather than a flat cylinder, but again, no skills.

Any thoughts. Waste of time? Bad Idea? Anyone tried this?

hottuna · 10/31/2009, 12:15 PM

Somebody's thinking !!!

luther1200 · 10/31/2009, 12:17 PM

I think 1 large cone would have more surface/air interface, no? The 1 large cone would hold more volume and thats what I based my assumption on. If you could make another diagram with the same bootom and top parts, but just put 1 large cone, could the program tell you which has more volume? I don't know much about computer modelling either.

username in use · 10/31/2009, 12:24 PM

I think this could have some legs. What if you made them square cones, and placed them in a row with the bottom chamber a box, making it a lot easier to eliminate the in between spaces. i would also split the bottom chamber into two horizontally, with a riser tube going up into each cone. Have the water go into the upper chamber, bubble up the cone, and then travel down the riser tube into the bottom chamber and out the side. I would also make it with 3 separate collection cups, and you may need an inlet for each cone to make it efficient, or one cone may not get the same bubbles as the others.

noahm · 10/31/2009, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by username in use

I think this could have some legs. What if you made them square cones, and placed them in a row with the bottom chamber a box, making it a lot easier to eliminate the in between spaces. i would also split the bottom chamber into two horizontally, with a riser tube going up into each cone. Have the water go into the upper chamber, bubble up the cone, and then travel down the riser tube into the bottom chamber and out the side. I would also make it with 3 separate collection cups, and you may need an inlet for each cone to make it efficient, or one cone may not get the same bubbles as the others.

I like the square cone idea. I have seen them, but in this application it actually makes sense. Maybe 4 on a square base. I still think the single collection cup is fine and simple as it is able to hold and distribute the volume evenly and just lift off for cleaning in one piece. I don't think it would matter too much if one cone got slightly more bubbles than another as long as it was more or less evenly distributed.

noahm · 10/31/2009, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luther1200

I think 1 large cone would have more surface/air interface, no? The 1 large cone would hold more volume and thats what I based my assumption on. If you could make another diagram with the same bootom and top parts, but just put 1 large cone, could the program tell you which has more volume? I don't know much about computer modelling either.

The large cone would hold more volume, but the surface area with more smaller cones can be made larger depending on the configuration. I am not a skimmer expert, but it seems to me that the narrower neck would facilitate foam climbing into the collection chamber.

luther1200 · 10/31/2009, 01:20 PM

But doesn't volume directly influence the amount of bubbles? And therfore surface/air interface? I would think that the more volume you have the more interface you have.

username in use · 10/31/2009, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luther1200

I would think that the more volume you have the more interface you have.

But this one goes to 11!

10/31/2009, 11:35 AM	#1
noahm Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 2,736	Multi-cone skimmer -ideas First let me say this was my first attempt at 3-d modeling, so be gentle. I was wondering if anyone has tried this and would it work? the idea was to get more surface area in the cone, without having to make the skimmer taller/bigger. The block is the pump, and I did not include anything like bubble plates etc. because of my modeling skills. I am thinking the base would need to be made in such a way that the bubbles are directed into the cones rather than a flat cylinder, but again, no skills. Any thoughts. Waste of time? Bad Idea? Anyone tried this? Last edited by noahm; 10/31/2009 at 11:37 AM. Reason: forgot pic

10/31/2009, 12:15 PM	#2
hottuna Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,248	Somebody's thinking !!! __________________ HotTuna

10/31/2009, 12:17 PM	#3
luther1200 Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: NJ, shore Posts: 4,376	I think 1 large cone would have more surface/air interface, no? The 1 large cone would hold more volume and thats what I based my assumption on. If you could make another diagram with the same bootom and top parts, but just put 1 large cone, could the program tell you which has more volume? I don't know much about computer modelling either. __________________ Matt, 65G reef tank Current Tank Info: 65g reef, mix of sps, lps, few softies. Hoping to upgrade within the year.

10/31/2009, 12:24 PM	#4
username in use Sciencing Daily Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 6,560	I think this could have some legs. What if you made them square cones, and placed them in a row with the bottom chamber a box, making it a lot easier to eliminate the in between spaces. i would also split the bottom chamber into two horizontally, with a riser tube going up into each cone. Have the water go into the upper chamber, bubble up the cone, and then travel down the riser tube into the bottom chamber and out the side. I would also make it with 3 separate collection cups, and you may need an inlet for each cone to make it efficient, or one cone may not get the same bubbles as the others. __________________ Joshua "With fronds like these, who needs anemones?" - Albert Einstein Current Tank Info: multiple nano's sprinkled around the house

10/31/2009, 01:20 PM	#7
luther1200 Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: NJ, shore Posts: 4,376	But doesn't volume directly influence the amount of bubbles? And therfore surface/air interface? I would think that the more volume you have the more interface you have. __________________ Matt, 65G reef tank Current Tank Info: 65g reef, mix of sps, lps, few softies. Hoping to upgrade within the year.