Free Experience Report Report Sample

The main focus for last term was to finalize my initial design and modelling of my project. Previous work was just preliminary and there was a need for further update, evaluation, simulation and finally construction of the pilot scale. This involved drawing of the detailed designs and layouts of the assembly using solidworks and also to finally perform simulations using a software called UniSim. UniSim was chosen because of its simplicity. Previously, I had encountered challenges while trying to use solidworks to draw the VMD system. However, this term, I overcame the challenges I had encountered previously. A number of factors contributed to my proficiency in the use of solidworks. It was after I sought extra learning materials, set extra time to practice, and continuously consulted with my colleagues that I finally managed to master the details of using the software. Right now, I do not have any problem using the solidworks software and I can use it to draw very complex designs such as the VMD assembly. In fact, during the Expo that took place on 31st Mach 2015, I used the software to draw VMD assembly which was part of the contents in my poster presentation.
Part of the major task in the term was also updating the design and construction of the pilot scale. This was also one of the most challenging and exciting part. It was a time to apply theory to solve real life challenges. Sizing of various parts involves the use of theories such as calculations of the most ideal size for every part and also selecting the appropriate one from those available in the market. I updated a large section of the work including performance of VMD, effect of temperature, effect of membrane size, effect of pressure, effect of energy, and vacuum multi-effect membrane distillation (VM-EMD). The project also requires a good background in material science especially during the selection of materials used to make the pilot scale especially considering the fact that the process was going to be applied in a harshly saline environment. The UniSim program used for optimization does not give the exact values of the parameters that had to be used to construct a pilot scale. This therefore necessitated the need to further conduct optimization based on physical tests on a pilot scale. Construction of the pilot scale involved assembling all the required parts in position to obtain a small scale representation of the actual VMD system. That was also challenging since it required fabrication of parts that fits exactly as designed. The solidworks drawings used to design the system contributed a lot in interpreting the sizes of parts and also fixing them in the correct positions.
Testing the pilot scales was done after it was fully assembled. The testing process involved subjecting the system in conditions similar to that which was going to experience in the actual waste water treatment at the site. There were many things that I learned during the testing process. The first thing I learned is that no matter how accurate the calculations and simulations, things may still fail to work as anticipated. Overall, the pilot scale test was successful and it was very important in understanding the necessary modifications needed for the final assembly.
This project has given me a great learning experience. Right from initiation and conceptualization of the project to literature review, design, simulation, and finally testing, I have learned a lot of things from the project. It has afforded me the opportunity to use my innovate skills to solve a real life problem. The project has also sharpened my research skills and design of engineering systems that can be put to practical use. Most important is also the opportunity to participate in a task that require the conversion of theory learned in class to practical things in life. The successful assembly of the pilot scale is a product of convergence of knowledge gained in the various subjects of the engineering program and also application of other skills such as communication skills.