Modifying Hospital Sterilization Boiler for Countries Overseas · a more automated steam generation...
Transcript of Modifying Hospital Sterilization Boiler for Countries Overseas · a more automated steam generation...
Modifying Hospital Sterilization Boiler for Countries Overseas
Justin Albrethsen1, Jacob Gorton1, James Gruss2, Michael Kibbe1, Jennifer Moran2
Marco Orlando2, Thomas Roache3
Mechanical Engineering1, Software Engineering2, Industrial Engineering3
Problem Statement
The stakeholder, Christian Hospitals Overseas
Secure Equipment Needs (CHOSEN), requires
a more automated steam generation system.
This system will be implement. In medical
sterilizers to be used in developing countries.
Vision Statement
To design a boiler system that will automate
both pressure and water level using minimal
electricity.
Design Requirements
Minimal electricity and technical
knowledge for operation
Capable of using variable heat sources
Constant boiler tank pressure of 80 ± 10 psi
Tank must maintain a water-to-steam ratio
of approximately 1:1
Automatic pressure regulation
Automatic water level regulation
Sight glass must have fittings greater than
NPS 1/2, have a drain greater than 1/4”, and
1” below the lowest allowable water level
must be visible (ASME)
Temperature gauge to quickly identify
internal temperature
Pressure gauge to quickly identify internal
pressure
Check valve and stop value must be present
between the water pump and boiler tank
A drain value of at least NPS 3/4 must be
present near the bottom of the tank (ASME)
Tank Schematic
Pressure Regulation Solution Regulator valve must be calibrated to stay
within pressure variance
When pressure limit is reached, valve will
open to relieve excess pressure
Steam generation will keep pressure above
lower limit
Failsafe emergency valve will open when
pressure reaches 100 psi and will stay open
until system is reset.
Water Level Maintenance Solution
Water level will be maintained through a
conductive probe apparatus, an Arduino Uno
microcontroller, and an electric pump
The pump motor will be controlled by a solid
state relay, which will be protected by a
circuit breaker
Three probes will be used: a 5V live probe, a
high level probe, and a low level probe
As water contacts a sensing probe, a circuit is
completed which sends an analog signal to
the Arduino
As water falls below the low level probe, the
pump will start; as water contacts the high
level probe, the pump will stop
Full System Diagram
Side View of Tank 1
Side View of Tank 2
Next Steps
Acknowledgements
The system has been tested and it is verified
that the regulator valve will keep the pressure
in the tank within the allowable 80 ± 10 psi
range. It was also verified that the probes
maintained the water level automatically.
Unfortunately, the failsafe emergency valve
did not open even when reaching a psi of 120.
Once this issue is resolved, CHOSEN will be
able to send these systems to developing
countries.
SEECS, Scholars of Excellence in
Engineering and Computer Science, is a
scholarship program funded by a National
Science Foundation S-STEM Award
#1153250
Pictured here is a view of the 3 water
sensing probes and their connections to
the Arduino microcontroller
Pictured here is a view of sight glass