team photo

Figure 1
project photo


Team 62

Team Members

Faculty Advisor

Zachary Pierce
Alison DeMarco

Dr. Francesco Carbone

Sponsor

Dr. Francesco Carbone

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Analyzing the Products of Flames and Thermochemical Catalytic Reactions with an Atmospheric Pressure Interface-Mass Spectrometer (API-MS)

Combustion technologies produce more than 80% of total worldwide production. It is essential that these technologies are consistently improved to minimize environmental impact. ME62 is working with a device called an API-MS, which, very simply, can analyze the components of combustion products sent through it. Before the team is able to use the device, we must design, iterate, and assemble several subsystem components within the major system. These subsystems are crucial to the success of testing the MS. They are inclusive of the catalytic chamber (with Arduino code), the burner, and the interface. The catalytic chamber is where a simple catalytic reaction will take place for the team to analyze its contents. The burner will produce our flame, and the interface is necessary to send the combustion products into the MS. This project has involved a variety of mechanical engineering challenges, including thermal management and CAD design.