FILENAMES: pr_fig.gif DESCRIPTION: CAD drawing of an idea for a pressure intensifier which hopefully could be used to boost a pressure washer's output to a level to cut balsa wood. Posted by Arne Chr. Jorgensen . Arne provided the following description: ================================================================= The pr_fig, is a test drawing for use in a user group. -- The following snipped from related discussion on the list server CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@ONELIST.com -- If we could just double the pressure, - we would be able to cut balsa, styrofoam, and stuff. Here is some of the named parts: 1 - inlet pressure from pressure washer 2 - valve 3 - exhaust ports 4 - plunger 5 - spring 6 - nozzle. The inlet pressure will press water into the pressure chamber, but the face of the plunger is designed so that it will push the whole plunger in. After it has moved a bit, the exhaust ports will be open. This is importent, as you want the pressure washer to supply a constant volume of water, and not open the "over" pressure valve on the pump. ( The exhaust water, can be collected in such a way, that it will not make a lot of water spill at the cutting head. ) Because the area is smaller in the high pressure side, - you will have an increase in pressure, but at a smaller flow rate. The unit will genereate pulses, but there is many ways to make it more like a steady flow. You also may need an "air chamber" - but I am not sure. Here is place for a lot of improvements. You could make a unit as a push-pull design, add more stages, or put them in paralell. Here I just wanted to show a very simple design, - and hear your comments. The idea, is that this should oscillate, and in principle, it would be like your ignition coil in your car, bringing the 12V up to 20.000volt. ( I know about the secondary winding, - but you get 1000V or so on the primary - and that is exactly the same principle ) I don't have the tools to make this, - yet. So if anyone wants to experiment - do so ! But, I would suggest to just use some simple pipes/parts, use air as the fluid, - or tap water. The idea is to just work with low pressure, and just make the thing crude and simple. If it turns out that you can get a pressure increase, - then we are on to something. Made simple enough, it would have a lot of applications.