Skip to main content

Automated Shutoff System

Marah Fuller (junior in the Chemical Engineering Program) successfully installed and tested an automated shutoff system for the PyRO lab. This shutoff system will automatically shut off all of the furnaces in the glovebox if the internal temperature is too high or there is a loss of cooling. It will also interrupt molten salt electrolysis and isolate all sources of toxic gases if toxic gases are detected in the lab. This shutoff system plays an important role in ensuring the safety of the work in the lab. In building this shutoff system, Marah learned from and interfaced with electronic technicians in the electrical shop and on-campus electricians to ensure that the most appropriate electrical components were selected and wired properly to ensure a fully interlocked and reliable shutoff system.