Sylvie F. Crowell – 2021 Steel Intern Scholar
This summer, I worked as an engineering intern for the Engineered Materials Group (EMG) at Parker Hannifin Corporation. As part of the EMG Research and Development team in Cleveland, Ohio, I worked on several design and testing projects for a high-purity water purification system. The usage of both commercial off-the-shelf as well as custom steel components continue to be critical for both system durability and adherence to various cleanliness requirements. The majority of the components, fittings, and piping within the system are made of 316L stainless steel, with the internal water-contacting surfaces having the additional requirement of being electropolished to a minimum of 30 Ra.
Over the course of the summer, I successfully completed several projects. Using end user feedback, I investigated optimization pathways for the steel flow path, design for structural stability, and design for incorporating new subsystems. Using Autodesk Inventor, I took these proposed design modifications and created the 3D model of the system, keeping in mind material requirements and tolerances for the manufacture and assembly of the various steel components. I also supported various subsystem testing activities by designing and assembling test stands made of the various steel components, piping, and fittings. Finally, I supported in-house prototype testing efforts for the detection of microbiological and chemical critical quality attributes. I was able to work with several other interns at Parker and learned teamwork skills based on how our different projects interfaced and related to each other.
Working on this project with Parker Hannifin helped me appreciate the research and design process as well as regulatory requirements. Even as an intern, my ideas were incorporated into improving the design and I always felt that Parker valued its interns and helped foster their development and success. Parker Hannifin truly strives to make the world a better place through its development of new technologies. I was able to observe this first-hand at my internship.
I would like to express my gratitude to AIST and Parker Hannifin for giving me the opportunity to continue gaining experience in the materials engineering field and helping prepare me for my future career. This internship has sparked my interest in research and design, and I hope to continue doing similar work after I graduate from Case Western Reserve University.