M. Rivai, Masaji Suwito, Peter Chondro
May 20, 2015
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Journal
2015 International Seminar on Intelligent Technology and Its Applications (ISITIA)
Abstract
Ethyl alcohol (ethanol) is one of the most common organic compounds used in medical and industrial applications. Because of its human amiability, ethanol has become a perfect solvent for organic matter with varying concentration levels for different purposes. Nevertheless, ethanol has a unique character that makes it evaporates at a level of temperature, which is called flash point. Storing ethanol above its flash point would reduce its concentration as well as its functionality. In this research, a device has been developed to control ethanol concentration in water. The concentration of ethanol is measured based on the signal of a square wave oscillator connected to a cylindrical aluminum capacitive sensor. Thus, the output frequency is imputed to a microcontroller programmed as a PID controller to produce the control signals that are used to operate two peristaltic pumps connected to two reservoirs containing non-denatured ethanol and distilled water, respectively. Magnetic stirrer is added to improve the dilution process. Overall, the designed sensor is able to identify various levels of ethanol concentration from 0.0-0.9 m3/m3. Furthermore, the implemented controller is capable to maintain the volumetric concentration of ethanol with set point ranging from 0.0-0.5 m3/m3 within 90% of success rate.