Design & Construction of a Liquid Nitrogen Plant
Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) System for High-Purity Nitrogen Production
Project Overview
This undergraduate thesis project focused on designing and constructing a functional liquid nitrogen plant for the Physics Department of KNUST using Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) technology. The system was engineered to provide continuous high-purity nitrogen gas and liquid nitrogen at a rate of up to 60 L/day with 99.98% purity, addressing the department's critical need for cryogenic capabilities.
Technical Skills
Construction Process
Hands-on fabrication involving metal working, precision welding, and component assembly for high-pressure systems. Complete design-to-construction process from 3D modeling to physical implementation.
Key Components
- PSA Towers with Carbon Molecular Sieve
- Scrubber & Filtering System
- 2HP Compressor with Cooling System
- Arduino-controlled Valve System
- Thermodynamic Cooling Chamber
Project Overview
The project addressed a critical need for the Physics Department at KNUST: a functional liquid nitrogen plant. Using Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) technology, we designed and constructed a cost-effective system capable of producing high-purity nitrogen (99.98%) at a rate of up to 60 L/day. The system was designed to operate with clean, dry compressed air to generate nitrogen in both gaseous and liquid states, providing a continuous supply for laboratory applications while maintaining process stability and cost efficiency.
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3D Modeling & Simulation
Used SolidWorks 3D for comprehensive component design and assembly modeling. Conducted thermal and pressure simulations using MATLAB and SolidWorks Simulation to verify the design would maintain structural integrity under operating conditions and achieve the required thermodynamic parameters.
Fabrication & Construction
Learned welding techniques specifically for this project to ensure high-pressure system integrity. Performed precision metal fabrication to construct the PSA towers, cooling chambers, and structural framework. Implemented pressure-testing procedures to verify system integrity and safety.
Electronics & Control
Designed and implemented an Arduino-based control system to manage the PSA cycling process. Programmed the timing sequences for pneumatic valve operation, ensuring precise control of gas flow between adsorption towers. Integrated pressure and temperature sensors for system monitoring and safety controls.
Project Impact & Skills Developed
This undergraduate thesis project was a comprehensive engineering challenge that developed my skills across mechanical engineering, thermodynamics, fabrication, and control systems. The hands-on experience of designing, modeling, simulating, and constructing a complex cryogenic system provided invaluable practical knowledge that continues to influence my approach to engineering problems.