As part of our lab’s research, we often utilize a gas chromatograph (GC), which is an analytical instrument that helps analyze the content of various components in a sample. In our case, we use this instrument to measure the oil content of a given sunflower variety. We typically run about 5,000 or more samples per year. Here is a sample output from the GC for five varieties:
In order to prepare the numerous samples for gas chromatography, the samples must be individually crushed in their respective packets before continuing on to lab prep. Up until recently, we had been using a simple rubber mallet to do this, which was both tiring and inefficient. Our lab intern, Keegan Jones, who is an engineering student, designed a pneumatic crushing machine to better address this step of GC prep. Our lab is so lucky to have Keegen in our lab, and his machine has already helped greatly. Check out his invention below!!
We would also like to thank our welder, Robert Faulkner, for creating the machine’s frame!