Problem Statement

1
Fermentation Vessel Automation
Dec 06-07
Abstract
A mock fermentation vessel is available for use
by senior chemical engineering students to
conduct experiments in their final laboratory
course.  This vessel currently uses archaic
methods to collect the data from the equipment. 
An automated method needs to be developed to
collect the necessary data for the user. This
project will develop the proper system for
collecting this data.  The system will involve
the use of a data acquisition card to interface
with the current lab equipment, and LabVIEW
software will be used to collect the data.  A
user interface will be created that is simple
enough for most users to operate, and will be
dynamic enough to display the appropriate
information to the user as well as store the
information to a file for later analysis.  By
creating this easy to use automation software,
chemical engineering seniors will be able to
collect more data, and conduct far more complex
experiments.
Introduction
Approach and Considerations

• Problem Statement
• To collect data from the mock fermentation vessel
  users are currently using archaic methods. This
  is very inefficient use of the users time, as the
  purpose of the lab is data analysis. To solve
  this problem an automatic data collection system
  will record the data for the users and display
  the real-time results on a computer.
• Operating Environment
• Located in 2059 Sweeney
• Temperature controlled environment 60-80 F
• Intended Users
• Senior level students of the Department of
  Chemical and Biological Engineering
• Intended Uses
• Automated data collection of mock fermentation
  vessel
• Yield data in a real-time display
• Save data for future analysis
• Assumptions
• Only one experiment will be conducted at one
  time
• Environmental stability will be maintained
• General knowledge of computer usage by
  intended users

• Proposed Approach
• Gather oxygen concentration over RS232
  connection interface
• Measure 0-5V voltage signals, representing
  torque, speed, and gas flow
• Apply signal conditioning to voltage signals
  to ensure accurate data
• Acquire and display data in a real-time
  graphical interface using LabVIEW

Proposed Graphical User Interface (GUI)
Hardware Data Flow

• Technologies Considered
• LabVIEW (required by client)
• Signal conditioning
• Benchtop oxygen concentration meter
• Data acquisition card

• Testing Considerations
• Individual equipment testing
• Overall system testing
• Client beta testing

Estimated Schedule and Resources
Personal Effort
Financial Resources
Laboratory Apparatus
Project Schedule
Project Requirements

• Design Objectives
• Easy to use, real-time graphical user
  interface
• Adjustable automatic data collection
  parameters
• Functional Requirements
• Collect measurements of speed, torque, gas
  flow, and oxygen concentration
• Obtain measurements every five seconds
• Store data in an Excel file format
• Develop the graphical user interface (GUI) in
  LabVIEW
• Design Constraints
• Software environment is LabVIEW
• Measurements record every five seconds
• Maximum gas flow 6 Standard Liters per Minute
  (SLM)
• Maximum motor speed 600 RPM
• Measurable Milestones
• End-product design April 23, 2006

Summary
A mock fermentation vessel is available for use
by senior chemical engineering students to
conduct experiments in their final laboratory
course. This vessel currently uses archaic
methods to operate the equipment and to collect
data. The objective of this project is to design
an automated system to collect the necessary data
for the user. This system will involve the use
of data acquisition cards to interface with the
current lab equipment, and LabVIEW software will
be used to collect the data. When completed, the
entire system should allow end users complete
access to data collection from all laboratory
equipment. This will ensure a deeper more
complete understanding of the fermentation
process, and will culture a better environment
for learning.
Team Information
Client Stephanie Loveland Department of Chemical
Biological Engineering
Faculty Advisor Dr. Degang Chen
Team members Andrew Arndt EE Brad
DeSerano EE Adam Daters EE Austin
Striegel EE
Website http//seniord.ece.ia
state.edu/dec0607/