Distiller prototype 4 assembly

I posted yesterday, construction notes for solar water distiller prototype #4:

https://bkhome.org/news/201911/distiller-prototype-3-morphs-into-4.html

Today I assembled it, which required construction of items to hold everything together. Well, this part was constructed yesterday, the bracing bars:

...these bars attach underneath the distiller, and serve two purposes: they hold the wood frame sides together, and they are mounting points for the leg hinges.

The bars are aluminium rectangular extrusion 20x10mm and wall thickness 2mm. I bought two 1m lengths from Bunnings, at AU$6.20 each:

https://www.bunnings.com.au/metal-mate-20-x-10-x-2mm-x-1m-aluminium-rectangular-tube_p1130559

I could have just screwed them as-is (cut to 600mm) underneath the wood frame, however decided to cut indents. This only reduces the width of the solar panel by 3-4mm, but went for it anyway. The above photo shows the ends cut-out and holes drilled. The pieces of wood were epoxied in to give a flush surface.

Today I started to assemble the distiller. This photo shows the bracing bars screwed underneath, to the side wood frame pieces, the bottom piece of the wood frame screwed onto the side pieces, and the bottom glass pane has been slid in:

Next, the middle glass pane was slid in, the cloth laid on it, and the inlet pipe assembly inserted. Then the top glass pane was slid in:

The inlet assembly is two silicone tubes, 6mm OD. Each end of the assembly has a brass rod sticking out, that is latched in place -- see earlier posts. Here is a picture showing the inlet-end:

Almost finished! The top piece of the wood frame has to be pushed on, and this must have quick-release latches, so that it can be taken off. Removal of the top piece will allow the inside to dry out, which is vital if the distiller is to be taken out of service for long periods. Removal will also allow the glass panes to slide out so as to access all parts of the interior.

The quick-release latches for the top wood frame are made from 12x3mm aluminium bar, attached with screws. The bar and screws were in the garage, so didn't have to buy anything. Photo of one of the latches:

Another detail of the construction: the following photo shows the two outlet pipes, waste water and distilled water. The waste water comes out of the 16mm OD aluminium pipe, and notice the screw on top:

...that screw is 6g 30mm countersunk-head wood screw, with a 2mm hole drilled through the wood and the pipe. The screw is just long enough to reach the pipe and lock it in place, to prevent it from turning.

The final step of assembly will be the legs. I have some 6mm marine plywood that I want to use, rather than making yet another purchase at Bunnings. This will probably happen tomorrow afternoon, as a family engagement in the morning. 

Tags: nomad