Tube issue

[mrtim]

The glass part to the right of the metal disc has come away


Is this bonded, and is it salvageable or is new tube time? This is an LS3020...

[ncamacho2000]

Same thing happened to mine, pretty sure it was down to an air bubble in the very end of the tube. It heats up the tube and the glue comes off.

I glued it back on and it worked fine after perfectly well. I cant remember exactly what glue i used but it was two part adhesive that would withstand lots of heat. Just ensure that it is only place on the tube part around the edge so that when it is pushed on (i taped it on until dry) non of the adhesive gets on the middle of the lens on the tube.

Definitely worth a go before binning the tube off.

Hope this helps nige

[ncamacho2000]

Just looked over my post "tube falling apart" apparently i used Araldite to glue it back on.

[mrtim]

Thanks Nige. Worth a shot, as I'd be gutted to bin the tube with how little I've been able to use the machine.

Slight thread drift but on the larger machines how are bubbles dealt with, I'm assuming not lifting and tilting

[Daven]

Large bubbles at the output coupler end will do this or if the machine has a faulty water flow sensor (or none fitted like the old 3020's) so always worth checking both if you have not used the machine for a couple of days. I find keeping the tank/pump the same height as the tube helps reduce bubbles.

It also helps if you fill the tube slowly as well - the latest EFR tubes seem to be better so you don't get that bubble you can't shift

Best
Dave

[mrtim]

I always tilt to shift bubbles before use, which is all the more frustrating. I'm surprised by how many there often are having stood for a couple of days. Once I get up and running again I'll see about relocating the tank.

Are HPC supplying the EFR tubes?

[Daven]

Yes the last tube was EFR from HPC

Just looked at your picture again and yes you can see a big bubble. They are the worse to shift, turn pump off and tilt opposite way or even empty and fill very slow while tilting so that end is pointing down

Best
Dave

[Lightnin]

after years of bubble free use, I had my 1st bubble recently .. I was so proud ! lol

it was a big one , at the hot end. HPC/EFR tube, and I looked at it dancing away and pondered on ways to dislodge it.

the in/out feeds are lower than the bubble .. I thought I would have to loosen the tube and rotate it, then align it all again.

Luckily after about 15 mins it had gone, and has not shown itself again

[Daven]

You can rotate the tube carefully and put it back it the same place (use tape to mark it) and it should be fine and no realigning needed

Best
Dave

[mrtim]

Just to resolve this (machine lives elsewhere) finally got it glued up and working. Used Gorilla Epoxy which bonds glass and metal, and holds up to 93C - not sure how hot the tube/metal part gets but was the highest temp I could find.

I'm expecting it to be temporary but will return to this thread if and when it goes again for reference.

Thanks for the advice chaps!