The class just came back from Spring Break. During the break, we conducted a couple experiments to test the bioreactor models. We put both strains of algae in their respective bioreactors and simulated the experiment over a week-long span.
One immediate observation we noticed is that once the solution was added to the bioreactor, it was much heavier than anticipate. It was so heavy that the bioreactor was unable to spin. After much effort, we were unable to fix the problem before break. Therefore, for the experiment, we manually spun the bioreactor to simulate the motor spin.
The first couple of days were successful, however, the algae soon began to leak out of the bioreactor. First, only one quadrant would fail until eventually the whole bioreactor leaked. We are currently devising solutions to improve the spin of the bioreactor and the sealant.
One immediate observation we noticed is that once the solution was added to the bioreactor, it was much heavier than anticipate. It was so heavy that the bioreactor was unable to spin. After much effort, we were unable to fix the problem before break. Therefore, for the experiment, we manually spun the bioreactor to simulate the motor spin.
The first couple of days were successful, however, the algae soon began to leak out of the bioreactor. First, only one quadrant would fail until eventually the whole bioreactor leaked. We are currently devising solutions to improve the spin of the bioreactor and the sealant.