The objective of this project is to improve the connection process of silicon tubing to a Temporary Immersion Bioreactor and to develop a remote monitoring system for the Temporary Immersion Bioreactors.
Sponsored By: PSU Chemical Engineering Department
Team Members
Grant Bonas | Andrew Messina | Joseph Coyle | Connor Switzer | Justin Gaspard | | | | | | |
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Project Summary
Overview
Dr. Curtis has been developing a temporary immersion bioreactor for the past ten years. This semester, he presented our team with a mechanical and an electrical challenge he has been facing. Silicone tubing is used for delivery of gases and water to and from the Bioreactor. The connection of the silicone tubing to the bioreactor has proven to be tedious and unreliable. In addition, the ability to monitor the environmental conditions within the bioreactor has not been possible up until this date.
Discuss the problem, needs, and constraints with the sponsor
Research previous designs and attempts at implementation
Generate potential solution concepts and evaluate their potential and limitations
Communicate plans to sponsor and coordinate access to resources
Design CAD models and review their functionality with the sponsor
Test sensors and Wi-Fi-compatible microchips in a home environment
Test and evaluated devices’ connection to WPA2 network in the lab
3-D print puncture device prototypes and test their effectiveness
Construct T-slot frame assembly station and adjust until its desired dimensions were met
Test sensor network in the Temporary Immersion Bioreactor Room
Test user interface and notification system
The new assembly station with mounted puncture devices can now quickly and reliably apply connections to the bioreactor.
Time of connection has been reduced by 4X.
Dr. Curtis can now remotely monitor temperature, pressure, watering system and lighting levels of the Bioreactor in CurtisLab.
Dr. Curtis will receive text notifications if the lighting system or watering system of the bioreactor fail.
Objectives
– The team’s mechanical objective was to develop a set of tools to streamline the procedure of connecting the silicone gas/water distribution tubes to the bioreactor.
– These connection tools must be cost effective, reliable and scalable.
– The electrical objective was to develop a system that could monitor and visualize environmental conditions data within the bioreactor on a remote online dashboard.
– The ability to send text notifications in the occurrence of a system failure or a condition exceeded a predetermined limitation was also requested.
Approach
– Discuss the problem, needs, and constraints with the sponsor
– Research previous designs and attempts at implementation
– Generate potential solution concepts and evaluate their potential and limitations
– Communicate plans to sponsor and coordinate access to resources
– Design CAD models and review their functionality with the sponsor
– Test sensors and wifi-compatible microchips in a home environment
– Test and evaluated devices’ connection to WPA2 network in the lab
– 3-D print puncture device prototypes and test their effectiveness
– Construct T-slot frame assembly station and adjust until its desired dimensions were met
– Test sensor network in the Temporary Immersion Bioreactor Room
– Test user interface and notification system
Outcomes
– The new assembly station with mounted puncture devices can now quickly and reliably apply connections to the bioreactor.
– Time of connection has been reduced by 4X.
– Dr. Curtis can now remotely monitor temperature, pressure, watering system and lighting levels of the Bioreactor in CurtisLab.
– Dr. Curtis will receive text notifications if the lighting system or watering system of the bioreactor fail.