NFPR - Um Coletor automático de amostras de baixo custo

Abstract

The evolution of automation in industrial processes has brought many benefits to humanity. The use of automatic systems has been growing and becoming more and more frequent in machines and projects. Aiming at greater production, reliability and cost reduction. Due to the high value of technological equipment, it is necessary to seek more financially viable alternatives to obtain efficient and accurate results. An issue commonly encountered in chemical engineering laboratories is the difficulty of collecting samples over a long period, eg experiments to determine adsorption breakthrough curve. Thus, this work proposes to develop a low-cost equipment, in which a liquid can be collected automatically. From a microcontroller, the Arduino Mega, it is possible to interconnect the programming technique with an open source language based on C++. Developing a command algorithm for the control and operation of stepper motors and solenoid valve. Several tests were performed for accuracy of positioning and volume collection for: 5, 10 and 15 ml. In which, the prototype presented good results defined by the mean and standard deviation of the collected samples. The implementation of this equipment tends to improve the working conditions of users, ensuring better accuracy, avoiding waste by manual collection and bringing convenience. It is observed that the prototype has a monetary value up to ten times lower than the equipment consolidated in the market. Demonstrating that it is a viable and promising proposal for laboratories that need automatic volume collection.