Science, a discipline that is typically held in the highest regard due to its influential role in modern society, offers countless opportunities and insights. For an engineering scholar the path is perhaps even more arduous with grave academic challenges compounded by a plethora of practical experiences. This time, our quest has lead us deep into the lab where we got to try some very enlightening tests. Some of the remaining ones are Smoke Point Determination, Density Measurements and pH Determination, Distribution Coefficient & Flow Rate. We looked at each of these experiments almost like a fun event and it became more interactive education not just monotonous teaching.
SMOKE POINT DETERMINATION
The study of Smoke Point Determination is important in differentiating the thermal properties of numerous substances, usually fuels and oils.
Smoke Point: When the oils or fats begin to smoke, this is termed as Smoke point. This is one of several experiments that are part of a series used for determining the thermal quality and usability features associated to fuel in various uses. By way of example, a higher smoke point is associated with an oil that can take more heat before it produces unhealthy oxidation and burning. In the course of the experiment, we heated each sample with caution and noted when smoke started showing up - this is how we determined their smoke points.
DENSITY MEASUREMENTS
Density is a basic characteristic, which indicates how much mass fits in a specific volume of any substance.
Density Measurements : This experiment was concerned with the calculation of density using different substances by weighing their mass and volume. This is very necessary in plastics, as proper material selection enables better designing of structures and components alike-one essential facet for engineering. We are able to determine how well materials will work for specific applications by measuring their densities with high precision and comparing them. Thousands of samples later, the enthusiasm built as we meticulously weighed and measured their volumes to calculate exacting densities.
DISTRIBUTION COEFFICIENT
Distribution Coefficient in chemical engineering is a means to ascertain the concentration ratios of a compound in two non-miscible solvents which are mixed and set for equilibrium. This coefficient explains the behavior of a substance and how it distributes between two phases, which is very important for processes such as extraction or purification. We carefully mixed the solvents and compounds until equilibrium was established, at which point we measured the concentrations in each phase. The experiment discussed in the paper revealed some interesting behaviour of substances under different environment conditions.
FLOW RATE MEASUREMENTS
Flow Rate Measurements are so important when it comes to fluid dynamics and engineering applications related to transport of fluids. This aiming of our experiment is monitoring the flow velocity in a certain cross-sectional area according to water was flowed through pipe or channel. When designing piping systems, pumps and other equipment handling fluids the need to accurately measure flow rates is critical. The problem was to set up the apparatus so that fluid could flow through different channels, and measure how much volume flowed for every time unit. Calculating and making measurements of flow rates hands-on were a great experience that was both enlightening as well as exciting.
PH DETERMINATION
This is the most basic and very important experiment in chemistry for understanding PH of a solution regarding its acidity or alkalinity. The pH level is measured on a scale of 0 to 14 and occurs when values are less than seven which means it is acidic, if more than there will be alkaline. This experiment consisted of measuring the pH levels in different solutions using a pH meter or indicator. pH is an important parameter for many things from water treatment to biochemical processes. Our solutions were prepared with special care and pH meters have helped us know their respective chemical values.
To wrap up, the lab day was enjoyable and educating. Every experiment gave us a hands-on feel for an essential component of engineering principles. This practical experience has also given us confidence and strength to overcome the hurdles in the engineering field. Your beginning as an engineering scholar may be tough, but certainly never devoid of wonder and learning.
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