Calcify
This system provides a low-cost, green, and recyclable solution for reducing industrial emissions in areas close to residential neighborhoods.
Day 1 – Ideation & Problem Research (8 hours)
Date: July 14
- Discussed environmental issues related to Egypt’s industrial zones, focusing on Katameya’s Suez Cement Factory.
- Brainstormed methods to mitigate CO₂ and SOx emissions using available local materials.
- Discovered that eggshells (rich in calcium carbonate) could be repurposed into calcium hydroxide for gas neutralization.
- Drafted a system overview diagram for the 3d model.
Day 2 – Technical Research & Reaction Mechanisms (7 hours)
Date: July 15
- Studied chemical pathways for converting CaCO₃ from eggshells into Ca(OH)₂ via HCl treatment.
- Modeled the expected reaction with acidic gases:
- Ca(OH)₂ + CO₂ → CaCO₃ + H₂O
- Ca(OH)₂ + SO₂ → CaSO₃ + H₂O
- Compared efficiency to limestone scrubbers.
- Begin the first steps of the 3d model on the cad model
Day 3 – Conceptual Design (7 hours)
Date: July 16
- Sketched system layout:
- Layer 1: Pre-filtration (reusable mask filters)
- Layer 2: Neutralization chamber (Ca(OH)₂ between fibrous sheets)
- Layer 3: Regulated airflow system
- Working on the 3d model
Day 4 – Material Sourcing Simulation (7 hours)
Date: July 17
- Simulated logistics of collecting 5 kg of eggshells from local bakeries weekly.
- Estimated average yield of Ca(OH)₂ per kg of shells: ~0.35 kg
- Contacted hypothetical bakery chain for partnership simulation.
- Working on the 3d model
Day 5 – Chemical Conversion Protocol (7 hours)
Date: July 18
- Wrote detailed lab protocol:
1. Wash and dry eggshells
2. Treat with 1M HCl to release CO₂ and form CaCl₂
3. Precipitate Ca(OH)₂ using NaOH addition
- Practiced process with simulated yields and reaction times.
- Working on the 3d model
Day 6 – System Assembly Design (7 hours)
Date: July 19
- Designed box layout with airflow control using fans, valves, and seals.
- Incorporated Arduino sensor system for temperature and gas reading.
- Discussed pressure and gas flow constraints.
- Working on the 3d model
Day 7 – Poster Design & Presentation Prep (5 hours)
Date: July 20
- Designed informational poster for Calcify
showcasing diagrams, process flow, and environmental impact.
- Working on the 3d model
Day 8 – Testing & Iteration (8 hours)
Date: July 21
- Simulated air flow over Ca(OH)₂ sheets and observed modeled gas decrease.
- Measured hypothetical output vs untreated exhaust.
- Added feedback system for Ca(OH)₂ saturation detection.
- Working on the 3d model
Day 9 – Final Adjustments & Documentation (9 hours)
Date: July 22
- Finalized GitHub repository for Calcify
- Uploaded chemical reaction documentation, material sourcing spreadsheet, and system blueprints.
- Collected user feedback and summarized areas for improvement.
- Finalized the 3d model.
- Final testing and calibration documentation.
Summary Table
| Date | Tasks Completed | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| July 14 | Ideation & Problem Research | 8 h |
| July 15 | Chemical Research | 7 h |
| July 16 | Concept Design | 7 h |
| July 17 | Logistics & Material Sourcing | 7 h |
| July 18 | Lab Protocol Writing | 7 h |
| July 19 | System Assembly Planning | 7 h |
| July 20 | Poster and Presentation | 5 h |
| July 21 | Testing & Iteration | 8 h |
| July 22 | Final Touches & Documentation | 9 h |
| Total | 65 h |
Images:
simulated sensors readings:
expected results:
