Daniel R. Riffell, JR.

Projects Coordinator

Mr. Riffell has worked at Eltron since February 1997. His responsibilities include supervision of the proper engineering design of incoming and outgoing research projects and apparatus. He is the manager of the machine and workshops and supervises any usage of compressed gas cylinders and gas delivery systems. He is also responsible for the direction of any emergency response at Eltron’s facility.

As Projects Coordinator, Mr. Riffell has been involved in the project management and design of a large variety of research programs. These programs have included research on novel anode materials for aluminum refining, catalytic removal of NOx from exhaust streams, solid-oxide fuel cell design, catalytic decomposition of rocket propellants, and many more. Several of these projects have led to patents and commercialization opportunities. Other focuses of his work include the management of the design of unique apparatus for these varied programs including rocket motors, oxygen separation systems, and sterling engines.

He is currently involved in numerous research programs and is responsible for the design of many novel experimental systems ranging from jet and rocket propulsion test stands to fuel cells to high-pressure injection molding systems. He has interests in and has constructed various engine designs including steam engines, sterling engines, and compressed gas engines. He has also designed and constructed several large-scale, high-pressure, catalytic and ceramic membrane reactors at Eltron’s Boulder facility.

Mr. Riffell received a B.S. in Biology and Chemistry with honors from Northern Illinois University in 1995 and a M.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Colorado, Boulder in 2011. His B.S.  honors research and dissertation concerned the phylogenetic analysis of Pisum based on morphological characters, and allozyme and RAPD markers. His M.S. research led to the development of a novel vector prehensor prosthetic replacement for lower arm amputees.  Mr. Riffell held a one‑year position at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory where he helped to establish safety criteria for the proton‑antiproton collider ring. He is a member of several engineering groups including the Flow Control Network and Machine Design Network.