ANC Control Fall 2010 Research

Introduction

At the beginning of the Fall 2010 semester the primary focus of the team, explained in our detailed task list found in Reflection Report #1, was to test the effluent recycle system proposed by the Summer 2010 team to reduce the carbonate concentration in the reactor influent. However, before any results were produced, the team received a report from AguaClara Engineers Dan Smith and Sarah Long detailing tests with poly-aluminum chloride, an alternative coagulant to alum which consumes far less alkalinity. The tests show not only that the plants perform better with PAC in terms of effluent turbidity, but also that the chemical has little impact on the pH of the raw water. Because we anticipate a transition to PAC for all AguaClara plants, acid neutralizing capacity will no longer be as serious a problem in most cases, so the ANC Control team has decided to stop research with lime feeders. We will write a final report containing all insight gained by former teams in order to consolidate the information we have for anyone who wishes to continue work on low-energy lime feeders in the future.

Reflection Reports

In Reflection Report #1 the team reviewed past semesters' work and important concepts, laid out team roles and expectations, and included a revised form of the detailed task list.

In Reflection Report #2 the team discusses the past and future need for an ANC control system for AguaClara and explains why we are discontinuing research. The report also includes a preliminary outline of our final report.