Application of Automated Systems to Improve Data Quality of Long Durations Biomass-to-Fuel Reactions
Department
Chemistry
Major
Chemistry-Premedicine
Research Advisor
Gerald, Rex
Woelk, Klaus
Advisor's Department
Chemistry
Abstract
The microcontroller-based pH auto-sampling apparatus is designed to improve the data quality of long term biomass to fuel reactions by using small sample sizes and operating autonomously. The apparatus is designed specifically to monitor the conversion of glucose to 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural. This reaction takes up to twelve hours and requires constant monitoring. If the pH falls outside an acceptable range, the intended reaction will be disrupted, giving a low yield. Reaction conditions prevent in situ pH measurements. Conventional pH measurement techniques require samples to be measured outside the reaction chamber. These samples represent non-negligible portions of the reaction mass. In the apparatus, a microcontroller reads a pH sensor that requires very little solution, allowing many pH readings to be taken without significantly affecting the amount of solution available for other types of analysis. The microcontroller operates autonomously, but alerts the operator if the reaction leaves acceptable bounds and action is required.
Biography
Robert Block is a freshman studying chemistry with a premedical emphasis. He has been working with Dr. Woelk's and Dr. Gerald's research group for a year and a half. During that time, he has worked with biofuels, solar cells, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Robert often designs systems for use with research projects and helps instruct researchers on the proper use and care for nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers.
Research Category
Engineering
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Document Type
Poster
Location
Upper Atrium/Hall
Presentation Date
16 Apr 2014, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Application of Automated Systems to Improve Data Quality of Long Durations Biomass-to-Fuel Reactions
Upper Atrium/Hall
The microcontroller-based pH auto-sampling apparatus is designed to improve the data quality of long term biomass to fuel reactions by using small sample sizes and operating autonomously. The apparatus is designed specifically to monitor the conversion of glucose to 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural. This reaction takes up to twelve hours and requires constant monitoring. If the pH falls outside an acceptable range, the intended reaction will be disrupted, giving a low yield. Reaction conditions prevent in situ pH measurements. Conventional pH measurement techniques require samples to be measured outside the reaction chamber. These samples represent non-negligible portions of the reaction mass. In the apparatus, a microcontroller reads a pH sensor that requires very little solution, allowing many pH readings to be taken without significantly affecting the amount of solution available for other types of analysis. The microcontroller operates autonomously, but alerts the operator if the reaction leaves acceptable bounds and action is required.
