Quasiturbine Académique Inc. - Demonstration Quasiturbine

Occasionally available on www.ebay.com - Search for "Quasiturbine"
Price : 1890,00 $US in America or 1890,00 Euro elsewhere (equivalent of 40 students at 50 $-euro each! )
Money rate conversion at http://fr.finance.yahoo.com/m3
Attach an accepted copy of the present pages with your purchase order.
(For completely assembled engine, see http://quasiturbine.promci.qc.ca/QTdesireacheter.html)

ARE YOU A TEACHER IN SEARCH OF A STUDENT PROJECT?
LET THEM INVOLVE IN THE
"QUASITURBINE STUDENT INTERNATIONAL CHALLENGE"
IT IS FUN AND HIGHLY EDUCATIONAL !

SET OF BASIC PARTS (PARTIAL KIT)
FOR CONSTRUCTION
OF A DEMONSTRATION PROTOTYPE OF A
QUASITURBINE PNEUMATIC ENGINE
(Air motor)

Quasiturbine Académique Inc. offers a set of educational basic parts (partial kit),
from parts similar (but not as powerful) as those used in commercial Quasiturbine QT75SC-Pneumatic models.

It is the buyer and/or operator responsibility
to comply with all applicable national and local laws and rules,
including those on security and pressurized products.

The Quasiturbine technology is under development and the prototypes are still experimental.
These prototypes only have an academic-educational vocation,
and consequently do not seek to meet high standard of performance or durability.
Although functional, these sets of basic parts are not intended for commercial practices.
They are not intended to produce useful power, nor for steam or hydraulic use.
Once supplemented and assembled, these pneumatic-academic prototypes of demonstration turn under the effect
of compressed air or nitrogen at a pressure as low as 0,3 bar (5 psi)
and must not exceed 1500 RPM and/or 2 bars (30 psi) at the pressure gauge (About 1 HP flow-in).
However, don't anticipate a perpetual loop motor-compressor-motor,
nor to extract 1 HP out of a 1 HP compressor, this motor will not do this kind of magic !
To make a success of this project, it is essential to have good knowledge in mechanics.
External engine size is about 19.8 cm (7 7/8 inches) in diameter
by about 6.4 cm (2 1/2 inches) thickness.

Well constructed and assembled, well lubricated and operated within the limits,
these prototypes can generally totalized several hundreds of hours without significant breakdown and/or weariness.

Includes a simplified differential and a central shaft.
For educational purpose, it is suggested to observe the rotor turning by the openings on the axis of the side covers.
These prototypes do not use lateral seals,
sealing being only assured by tight side tolerance with the assembly and by the lubricant used.

1) A set of 4 pivoting blades slightly oversize in thickness.
2) A steel stator slightly oversize in thickness, whose interior surface is already rectified and polished,
and including 4 radial windows (two intakes and two exits, standard NPT 1/2").
3) A set of 4 slightly oversize contour seals and their associated springs
(seals which have to be slightly rectified to accommodate the contour).
4) 4 cylindrical supports and 4 axes for the pivoting blades.
5) Two central cross arms (no suitable as power takeoff).
6) A suggested drawing to help making the lateral side covers.
7) Includes a simplified differential and a central shaft.
7) A Guide of indicative instructions for assembly and construction.

1) Two lateral circular side covers including the tracks for the rollers supporting the pivoting blades.
2) 8 central rollers supporting the pivoting blades and their needle bearings.
3) The connecting holding bolts.
4) Ports of admission and exhaust compatible with NPT 1/2" standard .
5) Final correction, settings with the dimension, selection of the tolerances, polishing, adjustments, assembly...
6) The foot for anchoring the engine to a table (essential to build it).
7) The tools, abrasive pastes and the facultative antifriction pastes.
8) The pin-hole pressure gauge, the tachometer and compressed air or nitrogen (neither the compressor, the bottle, nor the regulator).
9) The static or dynamic rotor balancing has not been verified.
10 - Includes a simplified differential and a central shaft.

- Familiarize yourself well beforehand with the Quasiturbine technology (see the associated site quasiturbine.promci.qc.ca).
- Always make it turns gradually (without abrupt acceleration).
- In phase of running in, reposition the rotor before each starting by making turn the rotor by the central shaft.
- Always ensure that the rotor is adequately lubricated (pneumatic tool oil).
- Ensure that the hoses and fasteners (particularly the flexible) are of quality and well anchored.
- Use a good pressure regulator to limit the maximum pressure and place a pressure gauge close to the engine intake.
- It is recommended not to exceed 1500 RPM and/or 2 bars (30 psi) at the pressure gauge (About 3 HP flow-in).
- The use of a tachometer (with magnetic pick up, like the one used on bicycle ?) is also recommended.
- Once in use, the engine will progressively break-in and rotate better and better,
the fact to later dismantle periodically the engine may require a new running-in period every time...
- Never exceed the recommended limits.

An high efficiency pneumatic motor does not guaranty the high efficiency of the entire pneumatic system.
All gas heat up during compression and cool down during relaxation.
The cooling effect must not be under-estimate. As an example, a typical 200 bar (atm.) cylinder
empty adiabatically (without thermalization to ambient temperature) gives at the end an air so cold
that its volume is then a 1/4 of that of the air once back to the ambient temperature (isothermal relaxation).
In those temperature conditions at the entrance of a pneumatic motor, the efficiency is catastrophically low
and the lubricant solidified, increasing considerably the internal engine friction...
Generally, the reversibility of the compression - relaxation cycle reduces with an increase in pressure,
which favours for high efficiency consideration the use of the lowest design pressure possible.
The measurement of the exhaust temperature gives generally a good indication of the efficiency,
since the minimum of energy lost into the environment correspond to
an exhaust temperature equal (neither inferior, nor superior) to the ambient temperature.
This condition can be achieve by a slight heating (solar) of the gas before its entry into the pneumatic motor.
Since the Quasiturbine rotates from pressure as low as 1/10 of atmosphere (bar) (one psi !),
one understand why the Quasiturbine is so well adapted to high efficiency system...

- These prototypes must be supplemented, assembled and operated under the constant supervision of qualified adults.
- Anchor the prototypes well on a table before each start-up.
- Never exceed the limits and suggested conditions of operation.
- Wearing safety glasses, mask and fastener hair is recommended.
- The demonstration room must be well ventilated.
- Check the tightening of the bolts and adapters. Be wary of the rupture or the decoupling of any of the flexible hoses.
- Have a distant valve allowing to cut the air flow (nitrogen) as needed.
- Particularly during grinding under compressed air, it can happen that the rotor be at a dead point,
and refuses to turn when the pressure is applied.
This situation is unstable and call for urgent pressure release.
Then and in absence of pressure, slightly turn the rotor with the central shaft and pressurize it again...
- During the demonstration, nothing should approach the central zone of the rotor
and makes the observations at a distance of 50 cm (20 po.) or more.
- Always remain vigilant!
- Includes a simplified differential and a central shaft.

GENERALITIES
- Sale and operation is restricted to adults only.
- Sale priority goes to schools, colleges and universities.
- Use for academic demonstration only (commercial modification is not suitable, nor recommanded).
- Pneumatic air-nitrogen prototype only (less than 2 bar - 30 psi),
no steam conversion attempt must be made (could be very dangerous).
- Prototypes intended for demonstration of short durations.
- Additional parts of replacement can generally be ordered by those having acquired the kit.
- The Brief Instructions Guide suggests data and methods only as indication,
and it is up to the purchaser to make sure that he-she understands well the steps and the details of his project.
- To make a success of this project, it is essential to have good knowledge in mechanics,
in machining technique and assembly.

CONDITIONS
- The Purchasers release Quasiturbine Académique Inc. of all responsibilities relative with the use.
- Sold without specification, nor guaranteed of performance or durability (variable according to the quality of the assembly).
- Guaranteed of the seller (Quasiturbine Académique Inc.) is limited to the replacement of the parts with manufacture defect.
- The prototype can not be used to make research on the Quasiturbine technology,
neither to make reverse engineering, or to make copies.
- The purchasers must have read the present page as part of the purchase order and invoice,
and declare themselves satisfied with it.
- Sales are assumed done in Montréal, Québec Canada.
- The present document and conditions will be transferred to the chain of future owners of this prototype.
- If there is intellectual propriety risk, the seller can simply refund and not deliver.

PRICE AND SHIPPING
- The set of basic parts (partial kit) is sold on www.ebay.com (search for "Quasiturbine")
at a starting price depending of the monetary zone of 1890,00 $US or 1890,00 Euro (equivalent of 40 students at 50 $-euro each! )
- Attach an accepted copy of the present pages with your purchase order.
- The price includes the applicable local sale taxes if required, but not the shipping costs.
- Approximate Weight of the parcel is 5 kg (12 lb).
- The insurances (mandatory) and customs fees are the responsibility for the purchaser.
- As possible, shipping will be made in the 3 weeks following the reception of the payment,
or according to the production capability of the moment (to be notified when ordering).

SET OF BASIC PARTS (PARTIAL KIT) FOR CONSTRUCTION
OF A DEMONSTRATION PROTOTYPE OF A
PNEUMATIC QUASITURBINE ENGINE QT75SC

It is the buyer and/or operator responsibility
to comply with all applicable national and local laws and rules,
including those on security and pressurized products.

Notice - This document is written to be used by a mechanic experienced with the said techniques.
If you do not understand well some sections, you are invited to consult a professional mechanics.

Follow attentively the instructions and read again at each later dismantlement and re-assembly.

I - Attention: The rotor is a deformable assembly articulated in square and lozenge.
OUT OF THE STATOR, NEVER FORCE THE DEFORMATION
OF THE ROTOR PASS ITS LIMIT
nor strikes the pivoting blades to articulate the rotor
(what could distort the pivots and the grooves of the contours seal).

II - Attention: Abrasive grinding paste, only if necessary to use,
ALWAYS USE IT IN "VERY SMALL QUANTITY"
(hardly visible quantity) abundantly diluted in a lubricant.
Avoid the formation of a film of paste on surface to be polished.
NEVER ADD GRINDING PASTE TO THE ASSEMBLED ENGINE
Once finished, always clean well with solvent all the parts and the tools contaminated with the paste.

III - Attention: If the rotor does not turn freely by hand,
DO NOT PRESSURIZE IT, NOR INSIST.
DISMOUNT IMMEDIATELY to find and correct the defect,
otherwise irrevocable grooves can occur on the interior face of the stator or elsewhere.

IV - Attention: Foreign bodies
WARN INGESTION
OF FOREIGN BODIES IN THE QUASITURBINE
A way is to use screen and make sure the intake line goes from bottom up.

V - Attention: These prototypes must be supplemented, assembled and be operated under the constant supervision of qualified adults.
It is recommended not to exceed 1500 RPM and/or 2 bars (30 psi) at the pressure gauge (About 1 HP flow in).

OTHER SAFETY MEASURES
- These prototypes must be supplemented, assembled and operated under the constant supervision of qualified adults.
- Anchor the prototypes well on a table before each start-up.
- Never exceed the specifications and suggested conditions of operation.
- Wearing safety glasses, mask and fastener hair is recommended.
- The demonstration room must be well ventilated.
- Check the tightening of the bolts and adapters. Be wary of the rupture or the decoupling of any of the flexible hoses.
- Have a distant valve allowing to cut the air flow (nitrogen) as needed.
- Particularly during grinding under compressed air, it can happen that the rotor be at a dead point,
and refuses to turn when the pressure is applied.
This situation is unstable and call for urgent pressure release.
Then and in absence of pressure, slightly turn the rotor by the shaft and pressurize it again...
- During the demonstration, nothing should approach the central zone of the rotor
and makes the observations at a distance of 50 cm (20 po.) or more.
- Always remain vigilant!
- Includes a simplified differential and a central shaft.

VI - The the rotor and the stator thickness fit. These parts are delivered slightly over-dimensioned.
Do not use electric tools or motorized grinding stones.
It is recommended to make this dimension setting by hand
with the already encased pivoting blades ones in the others (Always match the pivot numbers - Facing the one or two dots)
by using sandpaper posed on a plane surface, the rotor being then caped also by a plane object.
The rotor must have good parallelism in its two extreme lozenge positions. It is then recommended to deform it while lapping.
Control the rotor thickness for different geometries by squeezing it in-between two flat surfaces.
Attention not to déburer (to round the edge) at the stator interior, which would increases the leaks.
For the compressed air, it is suggested a minimal difference in thickness of 0,002"(maximum 0,005")
between the rotor and the stator, and check free rotation once assembled
(the numbered surface of the rotor should be on the same side as the arrow grooved in the stator),
like while moving under pneumatic in order to taking into account a possible heating dilation of the pivots.
Multiple tests will guide you towards the optimum value.
Multiple resumptions of the dimension settings of the stator and rotor are generally possible.

QT75SC Pneumatic (the simplified differential and its shaft actually replace the central cross).
(Rotor average diam. 6 in. by 2 in. thickness)

VII - The interior surface of the stator. This surface was already brought to the dimension and reasonably polished.
It is necessary to avoid deteriorating this critical surface, because it would be so to speak be non reparable. ..
This surface required a complex polishing equipment - Do not attempt to re-grind this surface.

VIII - The fitting of the grooves and the contour seal . Each pivoting blade comprises a contour seal
which must move freely in his groove. It is suggested not to sandpaper or grind the interior of this grooves,
but rather to notch it using a blade of wished width,
typically 3,18 mm (0,125") with square and sharp ends.
The back and forth of the end of this blade should be enough to form the grooves.
The set of parts includes slightly oversize seals,
the length must be brought back to about 0,003" shorter than the thickness of the stator.
Once at the right dimension, the contour seal inox sleeve (when present) must be slightly squeezed
with its contour seal inside to insure the best movement with minimum of friction.
The edge of the seal in contact with the stator contour must be round on a stone to avoid gripping,
and the opposite edge must be grinded down in order to leave a reasonable play in the rotor.
Undulated springs to place behind the contours seals are provided
but the tips must be smooth out not to grip into the seal, neither scratch the lateral covers.
(Notice that rotation in excess of 1500 RPM may provoke early fracture of the springs).
Always check the unrestricted passage of these seals during the rotation of the rotor.

IX - Supporting blade rollers axis and the simplified differential. These parts are provided
and already assembled in the pivoting blades and the rotor at delivery. If need, it is possible to dismount them and put them back up again.
They do not require any intervention other than checking the length to ensure a sufficient gap in the between lateral side covers.
Lubricate well all the parts, and periodically the flat part on the shaft.

Simplified differential : The components on the left, the shaft at the center, and a view once the left parts are assembled on the right.

X - Central supporting rollers and bearings of the pivoting blades. These parts are not provided,
because they must be made according to the residual tolerances measured between the rollers on the rotor
and the supporting track in the lateral side covers. It is strongly suggested to mount these rollers on bearing (e.g. Torington B56),
and their external diameter will be close to 0,780" in order to allow a free movement of the lateral side cover tracks in and out of the rotor.
Polish the sides of the rollers on bearing and make an initial generous lubrication
to avoid wear against lateral sides covers and the rollers supporting shaft support .
Important : It is not acceptable to force the side cover tracks into the rotor
and if that is the case, it is necessary to under-size the external diameter of the rollers supporting the pivoting blades.
If needed, the central 1/2" diam. hole of the blade supporting wheel-bearing
must be slightly enlarge to make sure the bearing casing (type Torington #B56) moves freely axially in this hole.
Attention : Do not attempt to rotate the rotor without the 8 wheel-bearing well in place on the supporting tracks.
These wheel-bearing are as important as the bearings in the pistons engine,
and an attempt to rotate without them shorten the engine live time to a few minutes !

XI - The lateral side covers. These lateral side covers are not provided because they can take several external forms
(square, rectangular, circular. ..) to suit the local needs. They do not present however an particular difficulty of realization.
Although the commercial versions require a quality steel, the demonstration versions are well served with ordinary steel.
Aluminium is not suitable unless a flat steel sleeve is added and an steal ring insert is used for rollers tracks.
The lateral side covers can be cut in the mass in only one part, or be made of two pieces welded together.
The following suggestive drawing present a possible distribution of the positioning of the bolts. Notice the protuberant track.

It is important to precisely position the holes of the bolts, because their location are also used for centring the stator.
The central circle on the lateral side cover drawing is the maximum diam. suggested for that opening.
A smaller diameter hole would improve the cover rigidity
(as for example a 1" diam. only to accept a needle bearing type Torington #B128).
One of the lateral covers may have 10-24 threaded stator holes to conveniently avoid using nuts !

XII - Connecting holding bolts. These bolts are not provided.
It is suggested to use 3/16" (10-24) bolts of sufficient length, and quality nuts.
The cheap steel bolts elongate with time and are not adequate. Use only forged steel bolts grade 9 or higher (Allen head).

XIII - The centring of the stator. This centring is important, and it is made in reference to the connecting holding bolts.
Before closing the cover, it is recommended to extend the rotor fully in the diamond configuration,
and to make sure all four contour seals are equally extended.
Angularly, make sure that the stator is in the wanted position in relation to the lateral side covers orientation.
Ensure that the bolts are straight, or substitute some by rigid rods at the lateral side covers assembly time.
Use external appropriate spacers at top and bottom, and on the left and the right, in order to hold the stator correctly.
Tighten the bolts well, because they must immobilize the stator in place.
The standard academic stator has no privileged direction of rotation, which is not the case for the
rotor direction of rotation : In between two successive contour seals, localized the jointure interstice,
which should be head of the rotation when the rotor rotates.
Note : Due to the in-out port symmetry of the academic stator,
the air motor can be assemble without at that stage considering the rotor direction of rotation,
which direction being later defined by examining the jointure interstice through one of the ports,
which ports will then be assign as in or out according to the rotor preferential direction of rotation.
In this case however, the engine base support may not be on the desired side for a given direction of rotation.

XIV - Assemble and test one step at the time.
Place the rotor without its seals and neither its rollers in the engine casing and tide all the bolts
(important to avoid the deformation of the lateral side covers). Ensure that the rotor move freely.
Put it apart, add the contour seals and bolt it again to check the free rotor movement in between the two lateral side covers.
Keep doing that way for each assembly step.
This way to do is crucial not to damage the components of the engine.
A resumption of the thickness of the rotor and stator are generally possible,
but it should then be made sure that the 4 axes, 4 supports and 8 rollers of central pivoting blades
do not exceed the total thickness of the stator.
Check the lateral side covers with a ruler for deformation.
Excessive torque on the contour bolts or the insufficient lateral side covers rigidity may lead to spherical cap deformations.
and make impossible the proximity leakproof rotor condition with the lateral side covers.
If needed place 4 cylindrical spacers, diam. 1/4" and having the same length as the stator thickness,
near the engine attachment holes on the external perimeter. Control again the external planitude.

XV - Use of anti-grip past : This paste is not essential, neither recommended,
but it can facilitate the start-up by decreasing the risk of damaging the parts,
particularly on the pivoting blades, the grooves and contour seals,
like on the interior surface of the stator when use for the first time.

XVI - A hand key tool to reposition the rotor by hand. For checking the assembly
and before each start up by compressed air, it may be useful turn the rotor by hand.
For that, it is recommended to used a hand key tool fitting on the shaft.
Before concluding that the engine is difficult to turn, it is recommended to move the hand key tool alternatively in both directions.
The central simplified differential has a slot
to insert the flat part of the shaft of 3/4" diam. (thickness 3/16").
For a better holding and self centering, a different shaft could have its flat section extended
such as to enter also in the opposed side cover bearing, and even further extend outside the engine where it could be lock-in.
The simplified differential efficiently smooth out the engine torque but is not as robust as an industrial units.
Attention : Be carefull to always remove the hand key before running the engine !

XVII - A foot for engine support. The engine can produce violent kickback,
and as it has a substantial weight, it is imperative to immobilize it well before each use.
It is thus essential to build a solid and adequate holding support.
Take care of the engine attachment method in all circumstances :
Important : Always attach the engine by only one of the lateral side covers (the one on the power takeoff side)
using short bolts in peripheral holes,
in order not to add undesirable pressure in between the 2 side covers, which could deform the engine casing.

XVIII - Periodic lubrication. During the first 2 braking-in running hours,
periodically add oil in the feeding air line to help exiting the braking-in particles.
Later, use moderate oil quantity and no more than necessary to wet the chamber walls.
Furthermore, since the rotor lateral leakproof is only assumed by the lateral side covers proximity,
a generous periodic lubrication help to complete the leakproof.
This engine is not particularly demanding on lubrication,
but the materials chosen for these prototypes require nevertheless a periodic lubrication.
Every hour of operation, add some pneumatic tool oil drops in the intake manifold
(motor oil emulsions, oxides and crystallizes under adiabatic cooling, so it is not recommended).
Do not allow excessive oil or liquid accumulation in the central engine area
to avoid a blade fatigue by hydraulic lock of the micro pivots cavities.
Periodically, dip the flat section of the shaft in oil (use air tools oil only) to lubricate the central power grip zone.

XIX - The operating temperature. Air expansion produces a powerful cooling.
These prototypes are intended for demonstrations of short durations
of 30 minutes or less. If the prototype must go for uninterrupted longer periods,
monitor the temperature of the lateral side covers and stop at once if it does increase even slightly.
This prototypes has no dilatation provision for use with steam - Do not try hot.

XX - The static or dynamic rotor balancing has not been verified
and is generally not required for demonstration.
Everyone is free to improve the balancing at will if desired.

Instruction for the
Purchase Order (PO)
for a partial kit of academic Quasiturbine prototype