Bürkert valves help BBC science presenter with 360 degree swing 15 April 2013

BBC science show Bang Goes the Theory, which recently tested the childhood quandary over whether or not it is possible to push someone over 360 degrees on a park swing, was helped by valve specialist Bürkert.

Initial calculations by the show's inventor-engineer-presenter Jem Stansfield concluded that to move a 75kg person would require more than a tonne of pressure.

The propulsion system had to be smooth enough not to injure the occupant when it kicked-in, while also delivering a measured continuous push that would send the person on the swing around just once.

Having decided on a water rocket to provide a short, but controllable burst of thrust, Stansfield and the team needed a method of releasing the pressure valve on the compression tanks smoothly and reliably.

That's where Bürkert's Type 6014 direct-acting solenoid valves came in. The pressure tanks chosen were old American fire service breathing tanks, filled with 4.3 litres of water at 250 bar. The water exited from the jet pack via twin 5.5mm nozzles to create an estimated 240hp of thrust.

The Bürkert solenoid valves were used to actuate the main high pressure water valves. Having tested the swing with straight bars, a catch net and a dummy weight, the presenter then strapped himself in for a brief, but spectacular jet-powered ride on a park swing.

To see the video, click the link below.

Brian Tinham

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