Week One

Week One Updates:

Objectives:

• Group Formation
• Obtain Information about Heating Pipes
• Form a List of Materials
• Begin Discussing Design of Pipe 

Detailed Description:

All objectives for this week's lab were met.  The formation of the group was decided prior to the beginning of class, consisting of Liam Cummings, Kimberly Leyzerzon, Quinn Meadowcroft, Shawn Mengel, and Mark Rad.

The main focus for this week's lab was to obtain information about heating pipes.  More specifically, what liquid would be best to use as the working fluid, how much liquid should be used, what metal would be the best at conducting heat, and what shape and size the heating pipe should be.  Given predetermined parameters of the pipe being heated to a range of 250 - 500 degrees Fahrenheit, a substance must be able to stay in a dynamic equilibrium between the gas and liquid phases.  As well, the pipe must be able to withstand this temperature range and remain a solid.  With these parameters in mind, water will be the liquid being heated and it will be enclosed by a copper pipe.  In total, the materials that will be used in this project may include, but are not limited to:

• Water
• 3/4 inch galvanized plug
• 1 inch x 3/4 inch copper adapter
• 1 inch copper nonstop coupler
• 3/4 inch galvanized coupling
• 1/2 inch x 12 inch air chamber (2)
• 1 pound copper mesh

The design of the pipe was discussed in a rudimentary fashion; however, a basic idea was formed for the building of the pipe.  Theoretically, it will be fully closed on one end and have the ability to open on the other end.  The plug will be welded on the pipe and will act as a pressure stabilizer. The mesh will act as the wick on the inside of the pipe.