Week 8 Progress

Some modifications were made this week. Since it will be hard to cut and glue the small PVC pipe into 90-degree joints to grow lettuces, 90-degree elbow joints are used. All the materials needed for the planter were gathered this week, including the pump, tubing and tube connectors for the hydroponic system, and the 90-degree elbow joints.

The power of the pump was tested. The water in the tube can be easily lifted to 6’ high, so this pump can accomplish the expected performance for the hydroponic system. 

Some of the cuttings were done during the week with the help from Mr. Dustin Doss. Each long pipe was cut into a 2’1” piece and a 3’4” piece. Two 3” pieces were cut with the extra pieces to be used as the top end of the vertical planter. Three holes were cut on each of the two horizontal planter pipes. The holes were evenly separated along the pipe, and the distance between holes was about 11”. A 1” hole-saw was used to cut the holes, then the holes were ground to fit the small pipe. Six 1¼” long pieces were cut from the small pipe, and the pieces were installed in the holes.

The hole-cutting spots for the elbow joints were marked on the vertical pipes. The dimensions are shown in Figure 8. It will be easier to cut these holes because the elbow joints can fit in the 1” hole-saw holes without grinding. Holes are also needed on the lids of the buckets. These cuttings will be performed during lab next week. The hydroponic system will be built after the holes are cut, and the plants will be installed later during the week.

Figure 8. Surface dimensions (except for diameter) on the right vertical pipe (front view)