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Carbon Capture Internship

June - Sept. 2023

 

I participated in Heirloom Carbon's internship program as a mechanical engineering intern. I worked as part of the research engineering team and closely with the research science team. 

NOTE: an NDA was signed

  • Pneumatics

  • Product Design

  • 3D printing

Goals:

  1. Build a vertical forced air setup to study its affects on carbonation rate of calcium hydroxide

  2. Design a minimally disruptive sampling tool for the research science team

  3. Test a new method of powder conveyance to explore its pressurized behavior

What I did:

  • Built a vertical forced air carbonation setup with a VFD to vary vacuum strength, a vacuum gauge, and a powder/water trap for easy cleaning. Results: 

    • ​90% reduction in carbonation time

    • 20% increase in carbonation extent

    • 80% reduction in water usage

    • Increase in 28 W electrical power usage 

 

  • 2. Designed a sterilizable, easy-to-use tool for the research team to consistently pick up a vertical 0.12 g sample of powder without disturbing the powder bed

    • Tested many methods of powder collection​ through rapid prototyping and selected a working design

    • Designed an ergonomic grip and made 6 tools for the research science team

    • Make it out of plastic and metal for easy manufacturing and cleaning (important for sampling)

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  • 3. Tested a new method of powder conveyance

    • Determined it provided a mixed mass-funnel flow​​

    • Verified it had no difficulties with our most problematic material 

    • Identified that it was not a great pressure break, only being able to hold 0.3 psi. 

    • Provided the team with a number of tests I would like to have run if I were to not end my internship and leave for school

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  • 4. Upgraded the company's 3D printers (in down time)

    • Built a third 3D printer to increase prototyping capabilities

    • Implemented remote monitoring and control to all printers to enhance team productivity and safety

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What I learned:

  • I excel in brainstorming and prototyping, but still need to work on knowing when it is time to slow prototyping and work on refining a final design

  • How to spend more money (compared to the $150 project budgets I'm used to for class projects)​​​​

  • Learned a lot more about piping, tubing, and filtration

  • Recognized the importance of an EHS team and workplace safety precautions

  • Practiced making assembly drawings for the machine shop to make (more specifically welding symbols)

  • How motivating and energizing it is to work with like-minded coworkers

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