Week 9 - Updates

 The remaining tasks left to be completed this week include caulking the solenoid valve, attaching multiple components to the submersible frame, and testing.

Caulk was needed to waterproof the solenoid valve.

The ballast tank, the solenoid valve and the pump were attached to the submersible frame using electrical tape. Below are pictures of the group assembling the frame and of the completed submersible.

Once completed, the submersible was tested at the Drexel Athletic Center. The first trial can be seen below. This shows that the ballast tank system holds pressure and can successfully pump water in and out.

The following video shows the submersible diving and resurfacing in the water. It also shows the effectiveness of the ballast tank in the submersible.

Week 8 - Updates

The physical deliverable for the project is still being worked on. After a discussion with one of the machinists from the machine shop, it was decided that the inner rim of the ballast tank did not need to be removed because the the pipe threading is efficient enough on its own. The ballast tank was completed at the machine shop. Below is a picture of the finished ballast tank.

The ballast tank and the PVC pipes were primed with purple PVC primer and glued together with PVC cement.

 The Purple PVC Primer is shown above and was applied using the brush attached to the inside of the lid.

 The PVC Cement Glue is shown above and was applied in the same manner as the primer.


Below are pictures of our group priming and gluing together the PVC pipes, elbows and endcaps in the submersible frame and the ballast tank.

Attaching the ballast system to the submersible frame, adjusting the motors after testing, and figuring out the ideal water level within the tank are the only tasks that remain for week 9.

 Due dates for the presentation and the final report are coming up. There were no specifications made by our instructor concerning the layout or content when discussed with her. Therefore, our group has decided to generally organize the report in the same format as the template used in our prior engineering courses.

Week 7 - Updates

The ballast tank is on the brink of completion. A trip to the Machine Shop was planned to cut the inner rim of a large PVC pipe off to ensure a smooth and resistance-free inside. The pump of the the ballast tank was tested in the bathroom sink to test if water could successfully be pumped in and out. The pump did work successfully when tested five times.

A picture of the tubing and pliers we used to get the proper length is show below.

Part 1: Testing the Pump

 

Part 2: Testing the Pump


Our next step is to fully compile the parts of the submersible together and complete its construction. After its completion, we will repeatedly test its functionality in the pool available at the Drexel Athletic Center. If problems arise from there, we will have to formulate the best approach to fix any problems within the remaining time.

Week 6 - Updates

Our group decided to withdraw the Arduino and depth sensor aspect of the project. After some serious thought, it was decided that there would not be enough time to successfully implement the component into the overall system. By the time the Arduino boards would arrive, only a few days would be left to learn basic programming and write the code needed to log the data from the depth sensor. This would leave no extra time for troubleshooting or adjustments. Instead of rushing through this aspect of the project haphazardly, the group decided that it was best to eliminate this aspect of the project. As a result, the abandonment of the Arduino and depth sensor components allows us to focus more time on the ballast tank system.

The rest of the project is moving as scheduled. The parts are being compiled and put together. Videos and pictures will be uploaded shortly, showing its progress.

Week 5 - Updates

Unfortunately, due to unforeseeable circumstances, our group did not make as much progress as hoped.

However, the small progress that was made included the delivery of parts and new information. The solenoid valve and other parts of the ballast tank was shipped in early this week and the depth sensor arrived shortly after as well. The other vital part still needed is an Arduino board. The group was hoping to secure one from by checking it out of one of Drexel's Engineering labs. However, after talking to the advisor in charge, we found out that if we decided to carry on with this aspect of the project, we would have to spend more of our funds to order one.

After a quick trip to the machine shop, the ballast system can now be assembled. A 1/2" clear tubing will be used to connect the pump valve and ballast tank. The ballast tank will be a PVC pipe with a barbed hose connection on the bottom so that it can easily be connected it to the rest of the system.