Download PREPARATION OF TECHNICAL REPORTS:

Finally, our entire test-rig will be integrated as a system into the engine test bed at the
designated location as shown by Figure 11. For compatibility, the material used in building our
test-rig will be stainless steel T304L (same material as the existing pipes in the engine) or other
metals like aluminum with similar properties. The entire rig will fit into a length of 0.384 m
(15.125”). A rough picture of how our system will look like is shown in the following figure.
Clamps to join
flanged pipes
Pipeline diameter
1½” (38.1 mm)
Remove both clamps
to expose catalyst
To temp.
signal
transmitter
To velocity and
temp. signal
transmitters
To temp. signal
transmitter
Thermocouple 1
Catalyst
brick
72 mm
OD
Exhaust
flow in
14.76” (0.375 m) heating element
To electric circuit, power
supply, connected to
signal transmitters for
thermal control
Exhaust
flow out
3” (0.0762 m)
Thermocouple 2
Hot-wire probe
Thermocouple 3
15.125” (0.384 m) – test-rig system
Figure 16. Sketch of full catalyst test-rig system integrated into engine test bed
The estimated cost breakdown of our test-rig system is summarized in the table below. Clearly,
we will exceed the budget of 400 USD. It may be necessary to modify the selection of some of
our components in order to reduce costs. However, at the same time, we must not overlook the
importance of certain client requirements such as the degree of accuracy in the measurements.
Thus, it may be necessary to increase our budget to accommodate the more expensive
instrumentation that will meet the stringent process requirements.
Sub-system
Heating system
Pipe insulation
Housing material
Thermal sensors
Thermal controller
Gas flow meter
3
4
Estimated cost (in USD)
150
40
100 3
105 4
500
400
This is an estimated budget we decided on to account for any special customization we may require from suppliers.
Price of three thermocouples at 35 USD per piece.
45