SAI™ HELIUM BUBBLE GENERATOR
MODIFIED MODEL 5 CONSOLE

The SAI™ Modified Model 5 Bubble Generator provides a compact and unique tool for visualizing complex airflow patterns. Helium-filled, neutrally-buoyant bubbles of uniform size, adjustable from 1/32" to 3/16" in diameter, can be generated simultaneously from one or two outputs. These bubbles are capable of tracing intricate air motions without bursting or impacting on objects within the airflow.

The Modified Model 5 Bubble Generator is packaged in the same configuration as its predecessor “The Model 5 Console”. The difference, however, is in the valve configuration. There is a set of metering valves for each output instead of toggle valves. This arrangement gives the distinct advantage of precisely controlling each constituent to the Plug-In Head on each output. This, in turn, allows you to obtain a very uniform bubble production from each output.

The Console operates up to two Plug-In Heads, each driving a device that is called a "Mini-Vortex Filter". The Plug-In Head and Mini-Vortex Filter combination represents the most advanced means for high generation rates of "good" bubbles within a compact space.

The Plug-In Head consists principally of a concentric arrangement of two stainless steel hypodermic tubes, one inside the other, attached in a cantilever fashion to a cylindrical manifold base or body. Within the Head, helium passes through the inner hypodermic tube and "Bubble Film Solution" (BFS) through the annulus between the inner tube and the outer tube to form the helium-filled bubbles at the tip. A much larger, concentric jet of air, in turn, blows the bubbles continuously off the tip.

DIAGRAM OF THE SAI™ MINI-VORTEX FILTER AND ASSEMBLY WITH PLUG-IN HEAD

Some of the bubbles generated are too heavy and some, too light. The Mini-Vortex Filter removes these "bad" bubbles. Basically, it is a clear, plastic cylinder which utilizes the jet of air from the Plug-In Head to set up a rotational or cyclonic motion inside. The resulting radial forces then cause the bubbles which are not neutrally-buoyant to separate out.

Within the case, the Console is mounted to the left and the Mini-Vortex Filters with the Plug-In Heads attached, in the middle. To the right, space is provided for storage of outlet tubes and tubing for the Filters, as well as other miscellaneous items.

The Console accurately meters the flow of the helium, air and BFS to the Plug-In Heads. The helium and air are connected to external supplies. The BFS, though, is stored in an internal PVC cylinder. This solution is driven by pressure tapped from the helium circuit through a check valve.

The requirements for external sources of helium and compressed air are quite modest. A cylinder of compressed helium with a 0 to 30 psi pressure regulator is adequate. The helium flow rate is less than 200 ccm for each Head. Air may be from any source which is capable of delivering 1.2 cfm, per Head, at 30 to 60 psi.

INDIVIDUAL SPECIFICATIONS -

SAI™ MODIFIED MODEL 5 CONSOLE

Bubble Generation Rate: 300 - 400 bps / Head

Bubble Diameter: 0.050” - 0.150”

Bubble Life: 1 - 2 Mins

Minimal Spatial Resolution: 0.025” - 0.075”

Helium Operating Pressure: Regulated @ 20 psi

Air Operating Pressure: Regulated @ 30 psi - 60 psi

BFS Cylinder Capacity: 250 cc

Recommended Bubble Film Solution: SAI™ 1035 BFS

Helium Flow Rate: 200 ccm / Head

Nominal Air Flow Rate: 1.2 cfm / Head

Nominal BFS Consumption Rate: 50 cch / Head

Input Lines: Two 10’ x 1/4” O.D. Black Flexible Nylon Lines, each w/ a Male 1/4” NPT Fitting at one end for hook up to the respective Helium and Air Regulators, and 1/4” Quick Connect Fitting, at the other, for connecting to the Console Panel

Console Panel: Painted 1/16” Thick Aluminum w/ Epoxy Lettering

Console Panel Fittings: Stainless Steel, Chrome Plated Brass

Console Case: Rugged black A.B.S. Case w/ Heavy Wall Aluminum Valance and Take Apart Hinge for Cover removal

Dimensions: 22” L x 13.5” W x 11” H

Overall Weight: 20 Lbs

SAI™ PLUG-IN HEAD

Materials: Black Anodized Aluminum, Stainless Steel

Weight: 21 Gms

Head Body: 0.63” Dia x 1.50” L

SAI™ MINI-VORTEX FILTER

Materials: Acrylic, Delrin, Stainless Steel

Weight: 649 Gms

Overall Dimensions: 4 3/8” Dia x 7 3/8” H

Mounting: Threaded 10-32 UNC Insert In Base

Outlet Fitting: 3/8” I.D. w/ Knurled Nut

Output Tube(s): 6 3/4” L x 3/8” O.D.

Output Tubing: 15’ L x 3/8” I.D. Clear Flexible Vinyl Tubing