Fabrication of Flow Down Matrix and Condenser
Date: 4.7.18
Location: Logan HS
Time: 2 hours
Goal: Create a flow down matrix for the evaporator side of the Desalination Machine (DS) and finish up the condenser.
With the condenser almost finished, work began on the flow down matrix which is going to be used to evaporate the saltwater. We had some materials donated that were helpful in the fabrication of the matrix. We estimate that we need three layers to evaporate the saltwater being sprayed down and over it. We are unsure of how the tubing we have will work. The sidewall is thicker on the 3/8" clear tubing which will effect the amount of heat it radiates. Thinner sidewall tubing seems to bubble up and was difficult to keep stable. We hope to have most of this unit assembled next week and would like to test air and water flow the following week.
Our next goal is to finish the matrix and then begin work on the supply reservoirs that are needed for the condenser and evaporator. Much time has been spent in local hardware stores looking for the proper fittings to connect all the different hoses and pumps.
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| Paige is putting on silicon to seal up the radiators we will use in the condenser unit. |
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| Trouble...the 3/8" tubing is kinking when we make a bend. We need a solution. |
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| We ordered some stainless "U" pipes that will help us make the tight turn we need without kinking. It seems to work well without taking up much space. The shorter we keep the tubing, the less heat/cold loss we will have. |
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| Support material is a plastic grid that was donated to us by Mr. Foye. It was marked to the size of the 8" Tee then cut on the bandsaw. |
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| The 3/8" hose is being spiraled around the grid and then zip tied down to secure it. |
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| One layer of the matrix is made with a stainless "U" to keep the hose from kinking in a tight turn. The next layer will be placed on top of this. |
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| Sketch of the possible locations of reservoirs, controls and sensors. |
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