Repotenciación de un sistema de secado por convección para muestras de laboratorio de bioprocesos

Abstract

CONDITION FOR PUBLICATION OF PROJECT. Tris project focuses on refurbishing a DK-42 convection drying oven, located in the ESPOL bioprocess laboratory, to restore its functionality and extend the use of its physical structure. The central hypothesis is that modernizing the control system with current technologies enhances the equipment’s performance while contributing to both academic and economic sustainability. The refurbishment involved replacing obsolete components with a type K thermocouple, a signal transmitter, electric heating elements, and a solid-state relay, all managed by a Siemens LOGO! 8.4 PLC configured with a PI control algorithm. Electrical and thermal calculations were carried out, and simulations in LOGO Soft Comfort were performed to validate system stability, safe operating limits, and the reliability of the integrated user interface. The results confirmed stable thermal control, effective protection against overheating, and a cost reduction exceeding 60% compared to purchasing a new oven. The study concludes that the proposal is technically feasible, supports institutional sustainability, and strengthens students’ hands-on training in process control. Keywords: automation, sustainability, thermal control, innovation.