Senior project spotlight: Brooke Decho

Engineering Design Projects (ES 100), the capstone course at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), challenges seniors to engineer a creative solution to a real-world problem.

Engineering a Cold-Resilient Leak Detection System for Standard 55-Gallon Waste Oil Drums 

Brooke Decho, S.B. ‘26, Environmental Science & Engineering

Advisor: Fiamma Straneo

• Please give a brief summary of your project.

My senior capstone project developed a leak detection system adapted from a marine fuel sender. The final prototype was able to consistently detect leaks in 55-gallon oil drums as small as 4-5 liters. The device also functioned under extreme cold.

• What real-world challenge does your project address?

There is a lack of support for rural community waste management, especially in more extreme climates. By developing community based solutions, we are able to mitigate environmental risks without varying routine greatly. 

• What was the timeline of your project?

Deciding the design took the longest, as originally there were a few developed concepts. The project overall spanned from September to April. 

• What part of the project proved the most challenging?

Deciding the final design, and ensuring that testing conditions were as accurate as possible with the available lab equipment.

• What part of the project did you enjoy the most?

Designing the 3D cap adaption on SOLIDWORKS.

• What did you learn, or skills did you gain, through this project?

I learned how to validate and design my own tests to prove the design works. I also further developed my real world client skills, as the project necessitated specific adjustments to account for the community it was intended for.