A Rapid Compression Machine is a device used in the analysis of the chemical and physical behaviour of different fuels during the ignition process. These fuels can include leaner mixtures and lesser utilised petroleum resources, bio-fuel or hydrogen.
An RCM allows a single compression event to occur under idealised laboratory conditions within 17 milliseconds. This allows the chemical study of the effect of pre-heat temperature on auto ignition delay.
In recent years, MTL had provided assistance to the department of chemistry at NUI Galway with the repair, maintenance and modification to a Rapid Compression Machine. Since then we have designed and built new Rapid Compression Machines for NUIG and Colorado State University. In 2013 we built a third RCM for KAUST University in Saudi Arabia. Marine Technology designed and manufactured all the parts for this machine including the design of the electrical systems.
RAPID COMPRESSION MACHINE (RCM)
HIGH PRESSURE SHOCK TUBE
A high-pressure shock tube is a device that allows detailed examination of chemical kinetics. A shock wave is initiated by high pressure gas perforating a diaphragm. The resulting shock wave initiates a temperature rise which allows the study of low pressure vapour fuels and their characteristics.
Marine Technology has developed a high-pressure shock tube for the Combustion Chemistry Centre at NUI Galway and a larger bore model for King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia.
In 2016 MTL will finish the manufacture of another high pressure shock tube for the aerospace department in Georgia Tech University. All the parts for this machine have been designed and manufactured in-house by MTL.
