Slide 1

Detection of glycerides in biodiesel 1 Team Members: Ben Wilson Matt Yourek Megan Templeton Mentor: Dr. Tom HessClient: Dr. Dev Shrestha

Slide 2

Design, fabricate, and test a handheld biosensor that uses a modified pH meter combined with an immobilized enzyme electrode to detect the amount of free and total glycerol in a sample of biodiesel. 2

Slide 3

Currently biodiesel makers use a gas chromatograph to measure the amount of glycerol within their biodiesel. While the GC provides a very accurate measurement, it is a time consuming process to prepare and test a sample. 3

Slide 4

Blood glucose meters Blood pressure sensors i-Spec Q-100 - uses impedance spectroscopy technology, which is similar to infrared spectroscopy 4

Slide 5

Small Light Fast response time Simple to use Accurate Easy to calibrate Reusable Strong/Durable Inexpensive Sensitive to small changes in pH User friendly 5

Slide 6

Dimensions 8x 6x 5 Weight of about 2 lbs Response time of 10 minutes or less Able to test four samples in one hour Error margin of 5% of concentration measurement Can withstand repeated drops from 5ft Does not bend or flex Storage for electrode Result is automatically displayed in large numbers Total of five buttons or less Visual or audio signal when measurement is complete Audio signal on button push Large buttons that take < 3.5lbf to push Matte/textured finish for added grip Battery operated Takes user < 5 minutes to change electrode Automatic zeroing upon button push Visual or audio signal for low battery One electrode can be used up to 50 times Costs less than $300 to fabricate 6

Slide 7

Pros: Very similar to pH meter Easy to store membrane Cons: Higher chance of damage to electrode Could experience bad connection between electrode and instrument 7

Slide 8

8

Slide 9

9

Slide 10

Pros: Simple to use Doesnt need to be held 10 Cons: Would need to be more durable/sealed More complicated to wash and store membrane

Slide 11

Gelatin-Lipase membrane - cited in literature research paper PVA membrane - found during membrane research PVDF membrane - found during membrane research 11

Slide 12

Gelatin-Lipase Membrane Pros: Easy to make Similar testing published in papers Cons: Published paper does not include all information Membrane falls apart in storage buffer and water Does not give reliable mV readings 12

Slide 13

PVA Membrane Pros: Mechanically strong and flexible Resistant to oil and solvent Has ionic conductivity that allows easy flow of electrons Used in a biosensor to detect glycerides Cons: Complex process to create membrane Water-soluble, so it might dissolve during reaction 13

Slide 14

PVDF Membrane Pros: Resistant to acids, bases, and solvents Mechanically strong Low cost Cons: Requires very advanced equipment/techniques A detailed process to create Used for the growth of neurons, not typically used with a biosensor 14

Slide 15

Tested both pure canola oil and a biodiesel sample using the gelatin-lipase membrane The following graphs are the results of millivolt change during the testing process 15

Slide 16

Pure canola oil sample 16 Peak to peak average = 22 mV

Slide 17

Biodiesel 30 minute sample (Part 1) 17 Peak to peak average = 18 mV

Slide 18

Biodiesel 30 minute sample (Part 2) 18 Peak to peak average = 18 mV

Slide 19

Using the estimated peak to peak value for each test, as well as the glyceride percent concentration we can obtain the following two point calibration 19

Slide 20

Arduino UNO with ATmega328 Pros: Easy to use/program Comes in design kits Lots of memory LCD screen comes with wiring instructions for Arduino Cons: New programming language to learn Minimum voltage input of 6V Slower clock rate Problems could be made worse by mass of online information 20

Slide 21

PICAXE 14M2 Pros: Familiar programming language Faster clock rate Dr. Wolbrecht teaches a class that uses them Cons: Manufactured and distributed from UK Not much programming help/information Less memory 21

Slide 22

Instrument - Design 1, external electrode design Membrane - N/A Microcontroller - Option 1, Arduino UNO with ATmega328 LCD screen - hacktronics LCD screen, comes with Arduino wiring Housing material - ABS 3D printed plastic 22

Slide 23

Creation and testing of PVA and PVDF membranes Effect of multiple layers of cellulose acetate solution on reaction time and membrane preservation Relation of mV amplitude to concentration percent 23

Slide 24

Nov 30 Dec 9: Testing of gelatin-lipase membrane Dec 2: Snapshot Dec 6: Design review Christmas Break Jan 17 Jan 25: Testing of PVA membrane Jan 26 Feb 7: Testing of PVDF membrane Feb 8 Feb 24: Finishing touches on design and ordering of any parts Feb 27 Mar 9: Fabrication Spring Break Mar 19 Apr 26: Validation Apr 27: Engineering Expo 24

Slide 25

Materials for Membranes: $561 Misc. Chemicals: $500 Microcontroller: $90 LCD Screen: $11 Misc. Electronics: $50 Housing: $300 Total: $1512 25

Slide 26

Ben Wilson Mechanical Enginner Matt Yourek Biological and Agricultural Engineer Megan Templeton Biological and Agricultural Engineer 26