Motorsport Plumbing Systems: Step 1 - Planning
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Step 1 - Planning
04.19
| 00:00 | We've covered a lot of information in this course and there's a lot of different plumbing systems and components we've discussed. |
| 00:07 | Regardless of the particular system you're plumbing on your car, there are some general similarities in the approach we take to designing, constructing, testing and installation. |
| 00:17 | In this section, we've broken the entire process down into a simple to follow three-step process. |
| 00:22 | Following this process will ensure you don't overlook any critical factors and when you're finished, you'll have some quality plumbing work that functions as intended without any leaks. |
| 00:33 | To be clear, this section isn't about teaching you anything new. |
| 00:37 | So, if anything you see has you scratching your head, check back to the relevant module for a refresher. |
| 00:42 | Again, there will be variation depending on the system we're plumbing, the scale of the particular job we're working on, and the different materials and components being used. |
| 00:52 | So, this will be a generalised approach and we'll be getting more specific in the following worked examples. |
| 00:59 | Unsurprisingly, this process starts with the planning phase. |
| 01:02 | This is where we need to gain a clear understanding of the project and what we're trying to achieve, or rather the problem we're trying to solve. |
| 01:10 | In the fundamental knowledge section, we learnt how each system works, the material requirements, heat and routing considerations, and how to size the lines correctly. |
| 01:20 | This knowledge will be imperative to a successful job. |
| 01:24 | In most cases, the mounting locations of the components we want to connect will be defined. |
| 01:30 | So, the first step will be determining the best routing for the plumbing. |
| 01:35 | For routing we need to consider the flexibility requirements between the chassis and engine or drivetrain, and avoid heat sources where possible without adding too much excess length. |
| 01:46 | If we can't avoid heat sources, then we need a way to manage the heat. |
| 01:50 | Like ducting of fresh air, and ventilation of hot air, or insulation of the plumbing and heat shielding. |
| 01:57 | Remembering the three forms of heat transfer here, conduction, convection and radiation. |
| 02:03 | Another thing to consider here is the support requirements. |
| 02:06 | It's critical to avoid unwanted contact between the plumbing and with moving parts, but we also don't want the extremely abrasive braided hoses rubbing through other parts. |
| 02:17 | Support is also a good way to prevent vibration from causing fatigue and rattles, and it generally just makes things look tidy. |
| 02:25 | With an idea of where our lines are going to run, and what'll be required in terms of flexibility, we can start to make decisions on what materials we're going to use. |
| 02:35 | Aside from flexibility, the material requirements could involve strength, abrasion and corrosion resistance, as well as chemical resistance to the external fluids, and of course the fluids being conveyed. |
| 02:47 | Additionally, weight, cost, service life and even appearance should also be considered. |
| 02:53 | The options for flexible hose will typically be fibre reinforced rubber at the more basic end, through to silicon, braided rubber hose and PTFE for more demanding applications. |
| 03:03 | The options for hard lines are usually aluminium and stainless steel, as well as copper nickel for smaller diameter plumbing. |
| 03:10 | The key differences here are the strength and integrity, but the weight, cost and difficulty to work with also need to be factored in. |
| 03:18 | Zinc plated steel is typically overlooked for motorsport use because it's not particularly lightweight and will corrode quickly when the zinc coating wears away. |
| 03:27 | It's also just not as nice looking on a quality build. |
| 03:31 | Past this, for vacuum lines and air pressure lines, it's not uncommon to use semi rigid plastic tubing and push to connect fittings. |
| 03:39 | With routing mapped out and the primary materials we want to use defined, we should be able to get a rough idea of the lengths of materials that we're going to need. |
| 03:48 | Then it's just a matter of figuring out what fittings are required to connect everything together. |
| 03:54 | Like the materials, the requirements like cost, weight and integrity also need to be considered. |
| 04:00 | In summary, the first step requires planning out the work we need to undertake, which needs a sound understanding of the function of the system. |
| 04:07 | With the requirements outlined, we can then map out the routing for the lines, determine materials and finally the fittings that connect it all together. |
