Mickey's Individual Contribution Page
Summer 2010
During Summer 2010, I worked on the ongoing Plate Settler Spacing project, to develop an apparatus, run experiments, and collect data. These experiments seek to identify the relevant failure mode controlling the spacing of lamellar sedimentation devices.
I also joined the Stacked Rapid Sand Filtration team, which during the summer of 2010 made the transition from theory to the bench-scale. We constructed the first laboratory version of the filter to demonstrate the filtration and backwash cycles and show that the SRSF is a viable concept worthy of further research.
Fall 2010
During Fall 2010, I led the Stacked Filtration team as we continued to develop the technology. We built a six-layer filter that can be run at the same flow rate for filtration and backwash, inside a clear 4" column so that bed expansion and settling can be observed. We rounded out a proof-of-concept for the SRSF by observing backwash cycles and collecting additional performance data. We have shown that a stacked filter can do everything a conventional filter can do, in a way that makes it practical for use around the world. We also began exploring flow distribution among layers of the filter using dye tracer tests.
I continued to contribute some experimental assistance to the Plate Settler Spacing team, based on my experience from Summer 2010.
January 2011
At the end of the Fall 2010 semester, the SRSF team built a transportable demo unit in a 3" clear pipe. During winter break, I traveled to Honduras with the AguaClara group, and worked with Jeff Will and Anderson Cordero to demonstrate the filter at Tamara, Agalteca, and Marcala. Our results suggest that the system is viable in the field, and we learned a number of important lessons about the practical challenges this technology will face.
Spring 2011
In Spring 2011, I once again led the SRSF team along with Anderson Cordero. Now that we had proven the basic concept of stacked filtration, there were a number of practical questions that remain be addressed as the system moved towards full-scale design and implementation. Our experiments this semester focused on design and operational issues for the SRSF in advance of its first full-scale trial.
I also continued to work with the plate settler spacing group, setting up and running experiments and helping with data analysis and organization.
Summer 2011
In the summer of 2011, Anderson and I had the exciting opportunity to work in Honduras bringing the SRSF from the lab to the field. We worked at the Tamara plant for two months to finish the detail designs of the first ever full-scale SRSF and begin the process of construction. The full-scale SRSF came online in October 2011 and began producing water meeting US EPA standards!!
In August 2011, I presented on behalf of AguaClara at the World Water Week conference in Stockholm, Sweden. Our poster was titled "Quality Drinking Water from Economically Sustainable Municipal Infrastructure: Examples from AguaClara in Honduras."
Fall 2011
In Fall 2011, I served alongside Karen as one of the AguaClara teaching assistants. I was involved in a variety of research projects, advising the Demo Plant, Foam Filtration, Plate Settler Capture Velocity, and Stacked Rapid Sand Filtration teams. In addition to this bench-scale and pilot-scale technical research, I helped with additional research on the socio-economic aspects of AguaClara with Karim Beers and Matt Fisher-Post.
I made a brief trip to Honduras in October 2011 during Fall Break, where I worked with Jeff Will and Tamara plant operator Antonio Cerrato to turn on the full-scale SRSF for the first time.
January 2012
I had the opportunity to travel on the student trip once again in January 2012. It was a real pleasure to visit some of the people that Anderson and I lived and worked with last summer, and to see the inauguration ceremony for the full-scale SRSF. I don't think many water plants are the subject of such awesome celebrations!!
Spring 2012
In Spring 2012, I was co-TA for the AguaClara class with Karen once again. I advised the Demo Plant, Foam Filtration, and Ram Pump teams, along with Stacked Rapid Sand Filtration research at the bench, pilot, and field scale. I also conducted an independent study with Dr. Marcela Gonzalez Rivas in CRP, where we developed a conceptual framework to evaluate the overall sustainability of AguaClara projects and studied the links between engineering and effective governance.
Summer 2012
I am currently working with the summer research program, advising the Foam Filtration, Stacked Rapid Sand Filtration, and Floc-Sed Optimization teams. I am also finishing some technical manuscripts related to work I have done here over the past two years.