Research Plan Example

Analyzing the Effect of Sodium Hydroxide Concentrations and Wind Speed on Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide Absorption

Michael O’Donnell

Purpose: The purpose of this experiment is to construct a CO₂ absorption tower to determine the effect of various concentrations of 0.1 Molar and 0.5 Molar solutions of NaOH on CO₂ absorption from the atmosphere.

Goal: Build an absorption tower to absorb CO₂ from the air. Measured remaining CO₂ in air with digital probe.

Significance:  According to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), CO₂ levels have risen nearly 20% in the last 60 years and will continue to rise at alarming rates. While green plants do absorb CO₂, their ability to absorb high levels of CO₂ is not keeping up with the excess CO₂ being produced. Since CO₂ levels are on the rise and green plants cannot keep up with the excess atmospheric CO₂, a physical or chemical process to absorb large amounts of CO₂ is required.

Procedures

1. The chemicals used in this lab will be Sodium Hydroxide
2. This chemical will be used in accordance with the MSDS while wearing gloves, aprons, and goggles.
3. The CO₂ tower containing NaOH at various concentrations will be placed by an open door in the classroom to allow for adequate ventilation.
4. A fire blanket, fume-hood, fire extinguisher, eyewash station, and shower are available for use.
5. Upon leaving the lab, hands will be washed and all chemicals will be stored in a locked ventilated chemical storeroom.

Electrical and Power Tool Safety

1. Use caution when using the electric drill, fan, saw, water-pump around water.
2. Never use frayed or cut wires when plugging in a device.
3. Never overload the outlet and use a surge protector.
4.  All electrical devices should have an emergency cut off switch or ‘kill’ switch’.

Experimental Set-up

1. Obtain a 8 foot tall PVC tube with a 16 inch diameter.
2. One foot from the bottom cut a 2 inch circle.
3. Glue and secure a 2 foot PVC pipe into the side to the large tube.
4. Place the fan near the input section of the 2 foot tube.
5. Drill a 3 inch hole in the top of the 2 foot tube.
6. Insert the CO2 sensor in the hole.
7. Place the large 8 foot PVC tube into a 32 gallon bin
8. Secure the Large PVC tube to the wall with Tap-con screws and metal strapping.
9. Place a submersible pump into the 32 gallon bin (the pump should have a fountain head height  9 feet)
10. Attach a PVC tube to the water pump
11. Run the PVC tube to the top of the Large PVC tower.
12. Attach a PVC tube to the top of the Tower.
13. Attach the Misting system (8 misting valves) to the PVC and the water pump.
14. Place another  CO2 sensor on top of the tower.
15. Place the anemometer on top of the tower to record wind speed.
16. Place a pH probe in the 32 gallon bin to record changes in pH

Calibrate and Use of the CO2 sensor.

1. Take the meter to an open field (baseball field)
2. Turn the meter on
3. Hold ‘Cal’ and ‘Mode’ to enter calibration mode
4. 400ppm and Cal on the LCD will blink while calibration is performed.
5. Wait 10 minutes and blinking will stop.
6. Press set to turn unit on
7. Meter performs a 30 seconds countdown
8. CO2  level and Temperatures are displayed
9. Enter set-up mode on the LCD screen
10. Press mode to see CO2 minimum, maximum and average levels.

1. Put on and secure all safety equipment listed above open classroom doors.
2. Add 30 liters of distilled water to the bottom of the tower.
3. Do not turn on the fan. (zero wind speed)
4. Turn on and secure both of CO2 sensors.
5. Turn on and secure the Anemometer (wind speed sensor)
6. Turn on and secure pH sensor.
7. Turn on the water pump misting system.
8. Record the CO2 levels, pH levels, and wind speed levels every 5 minutes for one hour.
9. Repeat data collection 3 time for each treatment group
10. Turn off all sensors and electronic equipment.
11. If time permits, collect solution for NaCO3 analysis through titration with 0.1 molar HCl. protocols.
12. Repeat steps 1-11 with fan to create a wind speed of 70ft/min to 80 ft/min.
13. Repeat steps 1-11 with fan to create a wind speed of 100ft/min to 120 ft/min.

1. Put on and secure all safety equipment listed above open classroom doors.
2. Add 30 liter of 0.1 molar NaOH solution to the bottom of the tower.
3. Do not turn on the fan. (zero wind speed)
4. Turn on and secure both of CO2 sensors.
5. Turn on and secure the Anemometer (wind speed sensor)
6. Turn on and secure pH sensor.
7. Turn on the water pump misting system.
8. Record the CO2 levels, pH levels, and wind speed levels every 5 minutes for two hours.
9. Turn off all sensors and electronic equipment.
10. Repeat steps 1-11 with fan to create a wind speed of 70ft/min to 80 ft/min.
11. Repeat steps 1-11 with fan to create a wind speed of 100ft/min to 120 ft/min.

1. According to the MSDS and the Flinn catalogue for chemical disposal the sodium hydroxide will be disposed of according to Method #10
   1. NaOH will be neutralized with HCL (1 molar solution)
   2. Check the pH and bring the  value of the solution to a pH 5 to pH 9
   3. Pour the neutralized solution down the drain with an excess of 20 fold of water.