Lab Nose:
The Precision Detection System for Cleaner and Safer Laboratories

Abstract

This project aims to detect the total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) in the surrounding environment, measure other atmospheric data such as temperature, humidity, pressure, and CO₂ levels, identify and report elevated VOC concentrations that may indicate poor air quality or chemical presence, send alerts via text message (SMS) when harmful levels are detected, display real-time data on a web application for user access and monitoring, support usage in lab settings and general environments where air quality tracking is important, and produce a product affordable enough to be used in college chemistry labs. The current version of the LabNose device is capable of detecting the current levels of total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), carbon dioxide, temperature, and relative humidity. It can communicate this information through WiFi which is processed by Amazon Web Services (AWS) and displayed on a web-interface. The measured data are also displayed on a 16x2 LCD display which updates in intervals of two seconds, the same rate that sensor data is read. Ports, for communicating with and powering the Raspberry 5 Pi, are located on a removable tray located on the top of the prototype, allowing for easier development. Additionally, two venting grates with a fan on one end vent air through the body of the device for sensor accuracy and cooling.