Design Improvement to a volatizer (heat exchanger) to vaporize ethylene oxide

• Client & Funding: Johnson & Johnson,MedTech, San Angelo, TX
• Student: Fernando Alvarez, Ismael Cecilio, Rafael Mendoza​
• Duration: SM 2021 - Fall 2021 (MENG 4279 and MENG 4380 ME Senior Design I and II)

Abstract:
As part of the Mechanical Engineering program assessment for graduation at Angelo State University, senior-level students partnered with Ethicon Inc., to design as an improvement to the existing a volatizer (i.e., heat exchanger) to vaporize ethylene oxide, for sanitation purposes, located at their facility in San Angelo, TX. Two critical objectives were defined by the client relating to the new design. The first objective was that the new volatizer must be easy to maintenance. The current volatizer clogs with an unknown polymer forming in the system, likely formed by water entering the system in some way. The second objective is a more stable temperature control of the volatizer, because the existing volatizer has no form of controlling the temperature. Overall, the existing system presents copious inefficiencies that are addresses by the newly designed volatizer. The solutions were focused on implementing reliable heat exchanging methods while improving the technology. By utilizing mechanical, electrical, structural, mechanics of materials and industry design knowledge and theory, a new design was produced that meet the requirements of the client. A new design in the form of a vertical shell and tube heat exchanger that is easy to clean and who’s axillary components allow for better temperature management and control. Los Tres Ramgineers developed the proposed solution with the aid of Angelo State Universities faculty, industry professionals at Ethicon Inc. as well as fellow peers at Angelo State University.

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