IV Bags and Pumps

Specific gravity of saline solution=1.008. Specific gravity needed for algae=1.019. Translation: we must empty all of the IV bags, mix a new batch of sea water solution, and then get that solution and the algae back into the bags.

So far we are optimistic. During a brief meeting we ran some tests with the pump we currently have. For our final piece we have ordered a pump with four out puts, rather than one. We plan to create a system of tubes and splitters in order to spread bubbles throughout our algae array.

Pump/IV bag test:

Though very exciting, the only real success here was fitting the two tubes together. If this were to continue much longer, the bag would be full of air and we would have to squeeze it out like you see in the beginning of the video.

To fix this problem we snipped the tip of off the other tube and stuck more tubing through until it reached the air at the top of the bag.

The curvaceous nature of the tubing caused us a little bit of worry. In order to keep it from moving back into the solution we added a coffee straw into the middle of the tubing.

Next, we need to get the splitters into action and see if we can get bubbles flowing through a series of bags. Until then I will be making preparations for the arrival of the algae. The rigid Michigan weather may prove a threat to our tropical friends, we will soon see. Also, we need not forgot that in the gallery we will need a way to keep the algae in darkness for a twelve hour cycle.

Our panels will be cut later this week at which time we will have the information needed to complete our motorized moving mechanism.

The count down continues!