Need SS pipe for project.

[Darren]

I'm trying to make an extension for the bowl on a water separator to allow more water storage before the unit has to be drained. A piece of 3" OD SS (or aluminum) pipe with a wall thickness of 3/8" to 1/2" would work. Thicker would be better because I want to add a water sensor on the side. If I have to I can use 3" rod and bore it out but that seems like a waste.

Anyone know of a source?
Thanks, Darren

 

[RonR]

onlinemetals.com

I've ordered stuff from them. Fast service, decent prices.

(I have no connection with them, other than satisfied customer).

Ron

 

[notamustang]

RonR good link /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Funny how a custom length is almost twice as much as the pre set piece but lots of selection.

 

[Deerlope]

How about electrical conduit.

 

[Darren]

Conduit doesn't have the wall thickness I need. One end of the adaptor will need internal threads while the other end will need an external thread. I need enough material on the side to mill a flat spot and then drill a hole and tap it for the water sensor.

 

[RonR]

Understand the higher prices, but when you factor in driving to all the supply places in town, it makes it a little easier to swallow. Plus it's delivered to your front door!

Ron

 

[Darren]

I just checked metalonline's inventory and the only thing they have that might work is 3" SS bar at $116/ft. Even the sch 80 pipe ID and OD is too far off and they don't have 3" aluminum bar stock.

So, anyone know someone that has 3" SS or aluminum bar cutoffs?

 

[chim]

How does the sensor mount? The reason I ask is that you are looking for wall thickness to mount it. If it screws into a pipe thread, you could use thinner pipe with a threadolet................chim

 

[Darren]

I'm not sure what the threads are on the sensor. The threads on the filter and bowl are 2.375-10 Whitworth. With my luck the sensor thread is something equally obscure. Normally the sensor would thread into the bottom of the plastic bowl. I want to insert it into the side of the adapter a bit below the filter so the water separator can hold about a cup of water before it needs to be drained.

Metals Depot seems to have the best deal at $60 for a 1' length of 3" round aluminum bar.

 

[Gravy]

Might it be more feasible to just replace the whole assembly with something more standard, for less money and effort?

Gravy