M I S Y S T E M S
Water Desalination Startup
S K I L L S D E M O N S T R A T E D :
Mechanical Design of Electrochemical Systems
Fluid Systems Design, Build, and Test
Electrode Material Selection
Electrical Connection Design
Startup Mentality: Company Process Development, R&D Lab Layout, Engineering Mission Statement Writing
Early Days of an Influential Startup
When I started at MI Systems, the company was 4 employees strong, including the CEO, a Forbes 30 Under 30 List Maker. All the company had was a patent for a 99% efficient water desalination method and a mission:
1. Decentralize water treatment systems in developed countries
2. Implement fully self-sustainable systems in undeveloped countries
I assembled and led the first tests at MI Systems that aimed to replicate the CEO’s END® technology. I researched electrode connection methods to allow scaling of the CEO’s desalination method. With the guidance of the CTO, I procured, assembled, and tested the first pilot stage for the technology.
Then: 2016
Desalination Cell - Proof of Concept
Now: 2020
Full Scale Desalination Unit - Currently Operating
END® Technology
END® Technology is able to achieve higher recovery than reverse osmosis or _____ because it is electrochemically driven desalination with novel membranes, electrodes, and spacers. Water can be desalinated at low feed rates (~30 psig) and pressures which extends the life of the membranes and uses less energy than competing methods. The units are designed for TDS and other difficult ions to filter, making it a compelling option for treating process water from fracking. Additionally, the desalition cells are easily scalable due to its modular design.
My Role
I assembled and led the first tests at MI Systems that aimed to replicate the CEO’s END® technology.
I researched electrode connection methods to allow scaling of the CEO’s desalination method.
With the guidance of the CTO, I procured, assembled, and tested the first pilot stage for the technology.
Replicating CEO’s END® Technology
One of the first, scrappy proof-of-concept tests aimed at replicating the CEO’s results
Cutting the fiberglass housing of the test small-scale test cell
First step to develop the technology: replicate the patented desalination method in house. Initially, our results did not match the CEO’s, which caused panic amongst the newly hired employees. However, after thoughtful iteration, we were able to replicate similar results.
When I started at the company, the research and design space was empty. Not only was I tasked with executing the tests, but also with procuring all the necessary test equipment and data acquisition systems. I enjoyed wearing multiple hats to help the team succeed.
Electrode Connection Method Optimization
Material deposition on the cathode after electrode connection joint testing
The electrical connection joint is a large driver of the overall system efficiency. As a result, it was one of the first aspects I was tasked with optimizing during the R&D phase of the company. I tested 6 different electrode connection joints, documented results, and proposed the best choice. The electrode connection method I developed is still in use today.
First Pilot Stage
Filtration Performance Test Bench
In the last month of my internship, we had a preliminary set of materials, membranes, spacer thicknesses and cell geometry determined. Next step: develop a test bench to hone flow rates and pressures, and test filtration performance.
The CTO and I developed the test bench shown above. We used push to connect tubing to enable rapid prototyping. We were able to test four different membrane and electrode pairings in one week. I presented the results from these tests to the Board.