Late to this party and I have not been a member of this forum...at least not for a very long time... However, I have been a long time member of the Lister Engine and Micro-Cogeneration forums. I was also a Scout Master for many years (Boy Scout Troop 455, Renton, WA) and have two Eagle Scout sons. Anyhow, if you are interested in DIY water work projects (e.g., cross flow turbines, hydraulic ram pumps, pipe/pump systems, water wheels, etc), you may want check out the free DIY design software on our website:
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[While we appreciate the link and any possible help, our new member rules state no outside links, sorry. You are free to PM it to a member [perhaps Bob G] so they may repost. As a fellow scout I trust you'll understand the rules. Bruce S.]
We also have free DIY software for accomplishing building cooling/heat load analysis, engine isolation stand design, hydronic radiant floor heating design, passive solar heating design, pipe/pump system design, pulley system design, psychrometrics analysis and several other areas that may be of interest and value to members of this great forum. Please be sure to carefully read the instructions for each specific DIY calculator that you intend to use. If you still have questions, please feel free to use the Contact Us on our website, mention that you are from this forum, and someone will assist you.
Keithturtle, our cross flow turbine design software is largely based on C.A. Mockmore/Fred Merryfield, "The BankiWater Turbine", which we also reference in our software instructions. We have refined the reference methodology to allow designing from a desired turbine speed. We also added additional parameters to facilitate the fabrication process.
Hydrosun, relative to your bearing problems, we highly recommend using acetal plastic for water machine bearing shells in conjunction with SS shafts. This will result in much longer life than the often recommended ceramic, nylon, or oil impregnated hard wood bearings. Acetal plastic is also a pleasure to machine. Acetal plastic round can be obtained from OnlineMetals.com in several convenient diameters.
Bob G., hello and I trust all is well with you in Kansas!
I am very busy these days so I don't know that I will have as much time as would like to frequently hang out here. So best regards everyone and enjoy!
Bob B.