Hello friends and welcome back to another update on EvapoGATOR!

This week, we had the first presentation/check-in to review our progress this semester in the form of QRB1. Our team tried to include enough meaningful and relevant information to convince the judges that we are on the right track with this project. For example, in the presentation, we included:

• a list of parts already purchased (specifically, three main process units)
• observations from initial testing on units
• the progression of the vacuum evaporator’s CAD model
• an up-to-date Bill of Materials (BOM)
• plans for assembly and testing
• possible risks and their accompanying mitigation strategies

With this solid amount of information, EvapoGATOR believes we made a strong case with our progress and detailed plans for finishing the project on time. The judges gave feedback on a few things, and our team immediately addressed those concerns.

So QRB1 was the main event of the week, but we completed some great milestones too! This week, EvapoGATOR also:

• worked on part sourcing the 200+ components for the new system
• placed a purchase order for 50+ components
• continued integrity testing on the main process units
• finalized the outsourcing of the frame welding job (one of the concerns from QRB1)
• created a solution for the condenser connections

With all of this good progress, our team will continue testing the parts we have, planning for future assembly/testing, and finalizing the BOM and CAD model in February. Now we are preparing for QRB2 on Feb. 28, at which point we want to have received/tested most (if not all) individual components. Additionally, we plan for the frame to be welded, and we want to have the main process units attached. EvapoGATOR thinks these would be appropriate milestones to have achieved and to share during QRB2.

Until next time, please enjoy a selfie of our team with the purchased phase separator tank.