Should bagpipes be fitted with a pressure release valve?

Question

I am worried that excessive pressure inside bagpipes could cause an explosion. A safety valve, set at say, 5 bar, would solve this.

Answer 1

Yes and just in case you blow it from another orifice (which does indeed seem likely) there should be a line to an elevated vent say 20 ft high and 30 ft downwind.

Don't forget, of course, that bagpipes should be made only by coded machinists to BS 007, one important provision is high resistance of materials of construction to alcohol vapour and acidic liquid in the event the blower has a technicolour yawn. A mousehole should be incorporated to enable specially trained Scottish wee moussies in full protective suits and breathing apparatus to carry out periodic cleaning. Hazardous waste recovered as a result of cleaning should be disposed of safely.

Answer 2

The pressures which can be generated in a bagpipe is less than 1 bar.

If bagpipes were routinely inflated from a compressor, say at the garage, then you are correct, and over-inflation preventative device should be fitted.

You may have seen the signs on the garage airline that bicylcle tyres are not to be inflated using that airline. It is because the bicycle tyre is not designed to cater for possible over-inflation from the garage airline.

Likewise, if it was recommended that unmodified bicycle tyres were to be inflated from the garage airline, then they too should have a pressure relief valve fitted as standard.

Modern bagpipes should carry the "EC" marking, which means that the device complies with the European Union machinery directive.

This directive does not ensure that the bagpipes would be explosion proof, but it would ensure that the necessary warning labels were correctly placed to warn against over-inflation.

Incidentally, it is against the law in the European Union to sell any piece of machinery without an operator's handbook. It should also be stated clearly in this handbook what the correct method (and amount) of inflation should be. It should also warn against incorrect and over-inflation. Perhaps if the energy released during a potential explosion was high, it should state "Danger of Death".

Answer 3

You can use PRV(pressure release valve) for the sake of safety.

A bagpipe minimally consists of an air supply, a bag, a chanter, and usually a drone. Some bagpipes also have additional drones (and sometimes chanters) in various combinations, held in place in stocks—connectors with which the various pipes are attached to the bag.

The most common method of supplying air to the bag is by a blowpipe, or blowstick, into which the player blows. In some pipes the player must cover the tip of the blowpipe with his tongue while inhaling, but modern blowpipes are usually fitted with a non-return valve, an innovation that eliminates this need.

You can also employe pressure switch or pressure transmitter to maintain the pressure or back-pressure valve can serve the purpose of safety.

Answer 4

I can't believe this is a serious question. Do you know of anyone who could blow up a leather bag to 5 bar? I'll bet you work for the government.

"Modern bagpipes should carry the "EC" marking, which means that the device complies with the European Union machinery directive."
What rubbish this is ! By the way, the marking is "CE".

Answer 5

Yes,good idea, I lost an eye after after a bagpipe explosion....the man next to me was killed.

Answer 6

No, they are fine the way they are.

Answer 7

A silencer would be better!