SANDY CURTH
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Bioreactor (designed by Laura)
The foam generation system uses compressed air to push
a foaming agent/ water through a pressurized chamber
filled with steel wool.
System Components
In order to use MICP during the additive deposition process,
we need to maintain and monitor ideal conditions for the
bacteria. To do so we are thinking of making a diy bioreactor
that supplies the bacteria to one of the inputs in the auger
system through a push to connect tube fitting.
A bioreactor is a system that supports a biologically active
environment. For S. Pasteurii we would need to monitor
temperature and pH. pH is particularly important since a
range of 9-10 will let us know that the bacteria is alive and
active. We are also considering mixing the bacteria with the
cementation solution in the same tank. This requires the
incorporation of a hydrofoil impeller to ensure that any
crystals in the solution are fully incorporated.
Another key part of the system is the integration of a
peristaltic pump to control flow. The pump can be controlled
with a NEMA 17 stepper motor to ensure accurate
measurements at the scale of ml/min.
The first step in constructing this component will be to
build and test the peristaltic pump design.
References
[1]Paul Mueller Company Engineering. “How to Choose the Right Impeller.” Paul Mueller
Company, 2018, de.paulmueller.com/akademie/how-to-choose-the-right-impeller.
[2]Verder. “How Do Peristaltic Hose and Tube Pumps Work?” Verder Liquids, 3 Sept. 2020,
www.verderliquids.com/us/en/how-do-peristaltic-pumps-work/.
[3]Greatscottlab, director. Peristaltic Pump || DIY or Buy. YouTube, YouTube, 18 Feb. 2018,
www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMiXme4bMUk.