The final verification testing was conducted using five specific criteria on a model. All five criteria were conducted at once in a constant environment. The criteria are as follows:
- System Modularity – System is able to be disassembled and reassembled in under ten minutes. This displays the portability and ease of repair if said system were to malfunction.
- Driveshaft Functionality/Reliability – Driveshaft is able to complete five full rotations in system. This displays the functionality of the driveshaft, an important mechanical component within the system. By completing at least twenty full rotations, this would display the reliability of the driveshaft, displaying its integrity under variable amounts of force and stress.
- Friction Reduction – No audible or visible friction can be identified after thirty seconds of centrifuge rotation. This indicates that the system has low internal damage, and is reliable for long-term use.
- Flow of Fluid – At least 90% of a volume of water can pass from model compost bin, centrifuge, and to the algae tank. This indicates that the piping of the system is functional and can be used in the transport of liquid compost sludge.
- Centrifuge Functionality – The centrifuge is able to complete ten full rotations. This displays the functionality and mobility of the centrifuge.
The data of the verification testing went as follows:
- System Modularity – Disassembly and Reassembly completed in under one minute.
- Driveshaft Functionality/Reliability – Driveshaft completed twenty rotations without any functionality issues.
- Friction Reduction – No identifiable friction occurred.
- Flow of Fluid – All 50mL of water input into the model compost bin made it to the algae tank.
- Centrifuge Functionality – Twenty-five rotations were completed without any damage to the system.
The following are conclusions drawn from the data:
- System Modularity – The system displayed a relatively quick time of assembly. In a full-size model, parts would be able to be unattached and reattached without any detriment to functionality. This indicates a high modularity within the system.
- Driveshaft Functionality/Reliability – The driveshaft was able to rotate many times under many different forces and stresses. In a full-size model, the driveshaft would be able to repeatedly rotate without deteriorating. This indicates that the driveshaft is not only functional but also reliable.
- Friction Reduction – No friction was able to be visually or audibly identified. This indicates that within a full-sized model, low internal damage would be incurred. This indicates a high system reliability due to lack of internal stress/scuffing of components.
- Flow of Fluid – All water input into the beginning of the system was able to reach the algae tank. This indicates that in a full sized model, liquid sludge would be able to flow through the pipes with very little residue in the system.
- Centrifuge Functionality – The system displayed a high mobility of the centrifuge, which was able to rapidly spin as the driveshaft was rotated. This indicates that in a full-sized model, the centrifuge would exert a high amount of pressure on the compose/biodiesel (as desired). This test displays that the centrifuge is working at intended.