Busch Vacuum Pumps and Systems

I had not heard of Busch before going to Germany. Throughout my time there, I learned a bit more about the company, including its history and structure. The office I worked at, the German manufacturing site, worked on the main line of pumps and compressors although there were multiple other manufacturing sites, including one close by in Switzerland that focused on different types of pumps (generally the more expensive screw pumps/compressors).

My project was initially very broad, focusing on pulsation dampening for claw compressors. At first, I did a lot of basic research about the problem independently. However, thanks to my supervisor, I was able to connect with several people in the company, including the acoustics specialist and the product manager of that compressor line. By speaking with the acoustics specialist and my supervisor, we set up some experiments to test one of the compressors. With this data, I used a MATLAB simulation to compare theoretical and experimental values. In addition, I was able to try an experimental method that had not been used at Busch before, from which I calculated acoustic properties of the compressor. Although I did not actually re-design the dampener, I helped gather information that will be useful for future dampener design if it is pursued. Overall, I had a chance to work with an acoustics specialist, the product manager, the manufacturing/prototyping department, and the test department, which allowed me to get a good look at how the company worked as a whole.

This experience was definitely a positive one. Thanks to a great supervisor, I was able to do interesting and challenging work that also allowed me to experience several parts of the company. Although I have graduated and will not be returning to MIT, this was a good look at a traditional mechanical engineering company, and it was great to have learned what it is like to be an engineer or scientist in Germany.