Blue Robotics T100 Bilge Pump Conversion
Blue Robotics T100 Bilge Pump Conversion
bilge pump thruster I designed awhile ago so the pump cartridge just easily twists locks in place while still having a nice clean look.
Rear View
Front View
Exploded Views
I still have redesign the prop to be able to fit it to the pump. I I think a simple inserted sleeve with a set screw should do the trick. After that the next step is to see how well the parts will print and then see if the Bilge pumps will actually produce enough thrust to make these worth using.
-Steve
This is another idea I'm toying with... it's a Blue Robotics T100 Thruster converted to use a Mairfair 750 GPH Bilge Pump for the motor. If it works out it might be a cheap alternative for some MATE teams on a budget. (or anyone for that matter.) The idea is all of the parts would just be 3D printed to make for a cheap thruster. I originally hoped to just use the Blue Robotics props because they are cheap and would hold up better than a printed part but unfortunately I had to scale the design up a little in order to fit the bilge pump so the prop will have to be printed also.
After scaling up the cad files Blue Robotics provides on their web site I joined them with the I still have redesign the prop to be able to fit it to the pump. I I think a simple inserted sleeve with a set screw should do the trick. After that the next step is to see how well the parts will print and then see if the Bilge pumps will actually produce enough thrust to make these worth using.
-Steve
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- Joined: Jan 3rd, 2014, 10:04 pm
- Location: Vancouver B.C. Canada
Re: Blue Robotics T100 Bilge Pump Conversion
That looks great. Good to see you're back at it.
Re: Blue Robotics T100 Bilge Pump Conversion
Next to the printer it goes....
-Steve
Re: Blue Robotics T100 Bilge Pump Conversion
The PETG one is still a bit flexible so I'm going to test it first with the PLA version. Next it's on to printing the nozzle which might present some challenges but I think I know how to get around them..... We'll see.
-Steve
Re: Blue Robotics T100 Bilge Pump Conversion
I have to dig out the test tub and find the mount I made for testing out the Original T100 I tested a long time ago. (of course the mount might be off a bit because of the scaling on this one but I'll modify if I have to.
To be continued.....
-Steve
Re: Blue Robotics T100 Bilge Pump Conversion
Roughly.... this setup put out about 2lbs of thrust but at about 8-9 amps in forward. (reverse was about 1lbs at 5-6 amps I think ) I thought about also trying the 3 blade prop off the T200 but that would probably only increase the amp draw.
Overall it might work as a budget thruster if you have a 3D Printer... I know people are printing the stock versions modified to fit other Brushless motors but this might also be a option for those people just looking for a basic on/off control of a brushed motor. My only concern is the amp draw might be a little to much for these pumps in the long run.
Anyway It was a fun project to try though I'll have to make sure it's ok to share these modified Blue Robotics Files before I post them.
-Steve
Re: Blue Robotics T100 Bilge Pump Conversion
Hi Steve,
Nice work, but one of the problems with the Bilge Pumps is the pesky rubber seal used to seal the motor shaft and prevent water from entering the motor cavity.
I suspect that it is really not depth rated as bilge pumps are not designed to be submerged very deep in the bilge water.
Regards,
SSN626B/TCIII AVD
Nice work, but one of the problems with the Bilge Pumps is the pesky rubber seal used to seal the motor shaft and prevent water from entering the motor cavity.
I suspect that it is really not depth rated as bilge pumps are not designed to be submerged very deep in the bilge water.
Regards,
SSN626B/TCIII AVD
Re: Blue Robotics T100 Bilge Pump Conversion
Thanks.... I've actually done testing on these pumps to a simulated depth of about 200' and while the shafts didn't leak at that depth the added pressure does cause the seals to exert a lot more drag on the shaft which increases the amp draw of the motors. I think if they are used at any thing deeper than say 50' the shafts would need to be re-greased regularly.
-Steve
-Steve
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- Posts: 1
- Joined: Oct 11th, 2019, 1:05 am
Re: Blue Robotics T100 Bilge Pump Conversion
Hey Steve, I'm a new user of this site looking to upgrade my propulsion system. I was wondering if you ever perfected this design, or have an alternative design.
This is my fourth year of participation in the MATE competition, and my team would like to raise the bar this year.
This is my fourth year of participation in the MATE competition, and my team would like to raise the bar this year.
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- Posts: 160
- Joined: Jan 3rd, 2014, 10:04 pm
- Location: Vancouver B.C. Canada
Re: Blue Robotics T100 Bilge Pump Conversion
Nice design. Did you sand down your prop before you mounted and tested it? The reason i'm asking, and this might be totally irrelevant, but a few years ago we pulled out our 18' fan when it got hot one week, and noticed it wasn't blowing as strong as it used too. It was spinning fine, but I saw there was a good build up of dust on the blades. I cleaned the blades and the air flow was probably double what it was before I cleaned them. Might be an interesting experiment??