Embedded Files
CAD of Final Design
Final Assembly
Overview of Final Design
The final design of the system features various components among two major sections: the testing chamber and the sample loading chamber. The testing chamber consists of all components to the left of the gate valve, as the gate valve will remain closed during testing to isolate the testing chamber. The sample loading chamber consists of all components to the right of the gate valve.
Thermocouple Manipulation
Utilizing a linear manipulator, the thermocouple actuator allows for the thermocouple to be placed in contact with the sample and for the thermocouple to be removed between sample exchange. Utilizing a stainless steel thermocouple wire grabber, the thermocouple can be manipulated with ease.
CAD of Thermocouple Grabber
Stainless Steel Thermocouple Grabber
Thermocouple Manipulation
Zoomed-in Thermocouple Manipulation
Quartz Pedestal
The quartz pedestal allows for the samples to remain in the same location during different tests. Made from quartz, it can withstand the 1100 C temperature imposed on it by the infrared heater.
CAD of Quartz Pedestal
Quartz Sample Holder
The quartz sample holder allows for the samples to be transported but remain untouched by the grabber. The quartz sample holder can be manufactured to different sizes depending on the sample size.
CAD of Quartz Sample Holder
Grabber
Utilizing a forklift design, the stainless steel grabber transports the samples from the sampling loading chamber to the testing chamber. The grabber was manufactured by ProtoLabs.
CAD of Grabber
Stainless Steel Grabber
Grabber Opening and Closing
Grabber Extending
Elevator
The elevator is the storage method for the sample holders. Sitting in the sample loading chamber, this stainless steel elevator is attached to the storage actuator. There are 8 slots that each hold a sample holder. The geometry of the slots was designed so that the grabber can slide into the slot and retrieve the sample holder easily.
Elevator CAD
Elevator Assembly
Quartz Tube
The quartz tube is where the TDS testing occurs. It is made from quartz as it is in the direct heating zone. At the end of each side is a CF flange that allows the tube to connect to the rest of the system.
Quartz Tube Render
Support System
Because the system is over 8 feet in length and in height, a table was designed to support the system. Additionally, there are various support structures to hold the components within the system.
CAD of Final System with Supports
Summary of Project Performance
In testing of the final assembly, not all components had arrived. All quartz components and the sample transporter had long lead times. In place of the quartz pieces, acrylic models were used. Additionally, a shorter manipulator with the same DOF as the final sample transporter was used.
Overall, the grabber worked well and was able to open and close as well as extend and retract. However, the temporary sample transporter had weak magnetic coupling, leading testing to be difficult. However, with the final sample transporter, this problem will not be present. A full report of the performance and suggestions for improvement are located in the final report.
The sample loading system includes 8 sample holder slots. With each sample testing taking 1 hour each and sample loading taking 15 minutes per sample, 8 samples can be tested in 10 hours. Because only 1 sample was able to be tested in a day, this loading system increases the sample throughput in one day by a factor of 8.
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