Open Student Projects

The identified methods for are: 1. Research and Analysis: Conduct an exhaustive review of existing membrane technologies, materials, and production techniques, with a specific focus on the challenges and constraints in low and middle-income areas. 2. Material Innovation and Development: Experiment with new polymers and composite materials that could enhance membrane performance while being cost-effective.This includes synthesizing and testing new materials in a laboratory setting. 3. Production Process Improvement: Refine production processes for better industrial scalability, considering environmental impacts and resource utilization. This involves adapting techniques for larger-scale machinery. 4. Laboratory Testing and Evaluation: Rigorously test the membranes for filtration effectiveness, longevity, and overall performance, encompassing both laboratory experiments and collaborations with external partners for comprehensive assessments. 5. Performance Testing and Optimization: Assess the membranes in real-world scenarios, focusing on their performance in different environmental conditions typical of low and middle-income areas. 6. Industrial Upscaling: Develop and optimize production strategies for industrial-scale manufacturing, maintaining high quality and cost-effectiveness. This includes process refinement and quality control for mass production. 7. Environmental and Economic Impact Assessment: Evaluate the environmental sustainability and economic viability of the new membrane technology, ensuring that it aligns with Openversum's mission and the targeted communities' needs. This master’s thesis presents an opportunity for significant contributions to sustainable water filtration technology, with a focus on addressing the critical needs of underserved populations. It offers a blend of material science, chemistry, mechanical engineering, and practical application in a global health context.

The thesis aims to refine and enhance Openversum's existing membrane technology, focusing on improving its efficiency and cost-effectiveness while tailoring it to the specific requirements of low and middle-income settings. This includes exploring new materials and production methods that are both financially viable and environmentally sustainable. The primary objective is to develop a membrane that not only meets high filtration standards but is also practical for mass production and distribution in the intended regions.

For more information, please contact Dr Olivier Gröninger at o.groeninger@openversum.com

The identified methods are: 1. Design Refinement and Innovation: The student will engage in the creative process of designing new filter models and improvements. This includes adapting the filter for high-capacity use in educational and healthcare facilities, and conceptualizing a combined filtration and temperature-modulating dispenser system. 2. Simulation and Modeling: Utilizing advanced simulation tools, the student will evaluate the performance of various filter designs under diverse operational conditions. This analytical phase is crucial for ascertaining the practicality and efficacy of the proposed design innovations. 3. Prototype Development: Based on the simulation outcomes, the student will develop prototypes of the most viable designs. This stage involves hands-on work, possibly in collaboration with Openversum's manufacturing team, to create functional models of the new filters. 4. Laboratory Testing: The prototypes will be subjected to comprehensive laboratory testing to verify their performance, longevity, and operational efficiency. This crucial step ensures that the prototypes adhere to quality and performance standards prior to their real-world implementation.

This master’s thesis project is focused on advancing the efficacy and scope of Openversum's water filtration technology. The aim is to refine the existing filter design for higher efficiency and adapt it for broader applications, specifically in larger institutions such as schools and healthcare centres. Additionally, the integration of a cooling/heating dispenser-like system within the current filter model is considered. The overarching objective is to contribute to global efforts in providing accessible, clean, and safe drinking water in diverse settings. The overarching goal is to significantly contribute to the global initiative of providing universally accessible, clean, and safe drinking water in varied environments.

The student will have the unique opportunity to collaborate closely with Openversum's team of specialists, gaining access to cutting-edge facilities and resources. This project represents a chance to make a tangible difference in the field of global health, while gaining invaluable experience in water filtration technology, product design, and international development. It intersects various disciplines such as material science, chemistry, mechanical engineering, and practical application in a global health context. For more information, please contact Dr Olivier Gröninger at o.groeninger@openversum.com.

The goal of this project is to develop a proof of concept of a simple technical solution that allows HDPE to be separated from PET. Plastic chips have to be first mechanically separated by size and, later through a chosen mechanism, separated by type to the highest achievable purity. The purity limits will be determined by other master's students throughout the project.

In the course of the project, the student will be responsible for: - Developing a simple mechanism based on a sieve to separate plastic chips by size. - Designing and developing of a mechanism of choice to separate plastic chips of one size by type (HDPE, PET). - Testing the setup for purity of the final, sorted product.

This research looks for a master-level mechanical engineering student with skills in mechanical design and construction, prototyping, experimental measurements, and interests in plastic recycling. Interested and qualified candidates are invited to contact Dr. Jakub Tkaczuk (jtkaczuk@ethz.ch).

The goal of this project is to build a mock-up of the pasteurizer (at scale) and test its capability of fecal sludge disinfection based on the measurements of E.coli reduction. The technical solution will be tested at ETH.

In the course of the project, the student will be responsible for: - Optimizing the thermodynamic processes of the pasteurization cycle. - Constructing the pasteurizer mock-up in the workshop. - Testing the pasteurization efficiency in the laboratory with cow manure spiked with E.coli.

This research looks for a master-level mechanical engineering student with skills in mechanical design, thermodynamic optimization, and prototyping. Interested and qualified candidates are invited to contact Dr. Jakub Tkaczuk (jtkaczuk@ethz.ch).

In cooperation with ERZ a method to clean the bio-waste containers directly during the collection tour needs to be investigated and a prototype for such a device should be the outcome of the project.

During the project, the student will be responsible for: - Analyzing the current state in which the containers are placed back to their locations and document possible troubles. - Evaluating available cleaning solutions and their possible implementation for this project. - Developing and prototype suitable design(s) for cleaning the containers (automation desired). - Testing and evaluating the developed design(s) at site with the workers of ERZ. - Making recommendations for ERZ.

We are looking for a Masters-level mechanical engineering student with skills in design, hands-on production, data collection and analysis, as well as an interest in sustainable energy and organic waste management. Interested and qualified candidates are invited to contact Dr. Jakub Tkaczuk (jtkaczuk@ethz.ch).

As part of the master’s thesis, a concept for monitoring the coastal water quality around Mahé and possibly also around other inner islands such as Praslin and La Digue is to be developed. Possible infiltration of pollutants by rivers, surface and groundwater and other sources, as well as seasonally changing current regimes of the coastal sea must be taken into account in order to make reliable statements. Where possible, the spread of pollutant inputs should be modelled on the basis of conceptual considerations and measurements (water flow, direction). The master’s thesis also includes a pilot study on water quality based on the monitoring concept. The water analysis includes, among others, e-coli/total coliforms, oxygen, ammonia, nitrate. The Master’s thesis should inform environmental policy.

The methods for this work include: - literature review; - expert interviews; - conceptualization (modelling); - water testing.

This master’s thesis is open to students from USYS, BAUG, MAVT. The ideal candidate has experience on water sampling/analysis. Teamwork of two master’s students is possible. This master’s thesis is conducted in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment. Interested and qualified candidates are invited to contact Dr. Pius Krütli (pius.kruetli@usys.ethz.ch).

The goal of this study is to investigate the impact of impurities on plastic recycling (remolding) and propose a washing process to remove the impurities and mitigate their impact on the final product.

In the course of the project, the student will be responsible for: - Producing plastic samples with variable contamination level and source. - Test mechanical properties of plastic samples and their evolution over time with growing mold. - Design and document the cleaning process to remove the contaminants. - Confirm the efficiency of the cleaning process by testing the properties of cleaned plastic.

This research looks for a Master-level mechanical engineering student with interests in process engineering, sustainability, and plastic re-use. Interested and qualified candidates are invited to contact Dr. Jakub Tkaczuk (jtkaczuk@ethz.ch).

The goal of this work is to develop and prototype a dryer, which can be built locally, is technically simple in operation and maintenance, can rely mainly on reliable energy sources (PV or thermal solar) and ideally is low-cost. The dryer should be able to dry 100-150 kg of fresh larvae per day.

In the course of the project, the student will be responsible for: - Study of scientific literature and study of specifications of available dryers to establish suitable temperature-time functions to specify key parameters of the required drying process. - Compile different dryer options with specifications as well as pros and cons of each solution to aid in the decision-making of the solution to pursue. - Design a larvae dryer according to specifications developed above. - Prototype this larvae dryer and test the drying process with real larvae.

This research looks for a master-level mechanical engineering student with skills in thermal engineering, thermodynamics, heat and mass transfer, food processing, mechanical engineering. This work will be conducted at ETH in collaboration with Eawag. Interested and qualified candidates are invited to contact Dr. Jakub Tkaczuk (jtkaczuk@ethz.ch).