Senior Design 03-04: Team 9
Update
At the beginning of this semester, our team finalized the design requirements and made out a parts list and budget proposal. After meeting with various vendors we were able to get quotes for all parts necessary along with their recommendations. One of which was the recommendation of JR automation, to purchase our instrumentation for testing as opposed to manufacturing it ourselves. After speaking with instrumentation vendors, our team finally settled upon the Vector made by Uson. It is PC based, does both mass flow and pressure decay testing, and can handle multiple testing stations.
The Vector Instrumentation from Uson was made available for a trial period to our team, to better acquaint ourselves with the features. During this time, we were able to perform some preliminary testing on a couple CAC's using the pressure decay test, and also experimented with driving down cycle time. Team Behrly Working is currently at the integration phase of design. Parts from our various vendors are arriving, some of which are being modified.

In the interest of Behr Industry America's future, we created a modular designed test. The Instrumentaion itself allows for up to 16 different coolers to be tested off one console, given that each include their own chamber and pneumatic string.
The Final Design for the Leak Tester has the following properties:
- Pressure Decay and Mass Flow Testing Methods
- Aluminum Frame enclosed by Steel and Lexan Windows
- Pneumatically controlled connectors for each cooler
- Quick connects for ease of use and modulation
- Incline Stand for holding coolers during test
- Technical support through Uson for the Insturmentation

The framing system from Faztek has been constructed. For the side walls we are using 3/8" steel. After the steel arrived it was cut down to size and was ground smooth. To prevent rusting and for aesthetics the steel was then painted. The doors are mounted on track wheels using the Faztek framing and has Lexan windows. For safety, a proximity switch installed, will not allow the test to proceed without the doors being closed. An incline stand was designed for the best ergonomics of holding the coolers. It allows for various sizes and designs of coolers, and for easy insertion of connector plugs. Also, the stand can be removed easily if it is unneccessary for the cooler.

The pneumatics used for connectors have also arrived and are being modified for use. The two connectors are actuated using a foot pedal that will be placed below the front of the frame for easy access. The air supply for this string has a regulator for stepping down the pressure and a lock out switch for safety.