...

• Run experiments to characterize the conditions that cause floc roll-up
• Improve the Theoretical Analysis of the Velocity Gradient by including the Reynolds Number dependence on velocity and then solving fo the theoretically model and calculate the particle size that will roll up the tube settlerfor the sedimentation velocity. Use the velocity gradient to obtain an equation for velocity at the inner surface of a floc. Set those two equations for velocity equal to eliminate the sedimentation velocity (but keep the velocity term that is the average velocity in the tube) and then solve for the floc diameter as a function of the average flow velocity and the tube diameter.
• Investigate the effect of Investigating the same effect of influent parameters such as natural organic matter, pH, and alkalinity alum dose on floc performance blanket and plate settler performanceVelocity gradient studies on an influent turbidity with natural organic matter.
  We need to clarify how these experiments are similar to or different from the experiments with these parameters using the tube floc apparatus.

  Chemical Dose Controller

...

• Subteam Leader:

  Number of team members needed: 4

  Important team member skills:

• MathCAD
• Process Controller
• Fluid Dynamics

Challenges

Non-Linear Chemical Dose Controller

• Write the algorithms for the microscale mixing orifice that connects the rapid mix chamber to the flocculator for optimum energy dissipation, head loss, and float sizing. See the Rapid Mix for equations to size the orifice.
  • We have tentative results in the mathCAD file, however, we did not have enough time to optimize the functions created.

• Construct non-linear CDC and run experiments to evaluate design and ensure experimental results align with theoretical results.
  Evaluate the optimal

For additional challenges, see the suggested challenges our team did not address this semester.

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

CFD 3D Floc Tank Simulation Challenges for Fall 2009

Subteam Leader: (Wenqi has graduated, but can help with training new members)

Number of team members needed: 2~3

Important team member skills:

• Fundamental fluid mechanics
• Basic idea of flocculation mechanisms, easier to learn with fundamentals of fluid mechanics
• Rough idea about computational fluid dynamics or numerical methods, but not a must
• Previous experience with FLUENT is great, but not a must
• Basic programming skills, C is great but not a must at all (sometimes we will use C to write some user-defined-functions)

Challenges

...

This task is the centerpiece of a grant that we received from the EPA P3 program. A team of students will be presenting this project on the National Mall in Washington D.C. near the end of the spring semester as part of a competition to receive phase II funding. This team should review the proposals that won phase II funding last year to do our very best to produce a winning entry. This design is also needed asap for the water treatment plant that is being built for Agalteca.

• Write the algorithms for the microscale mixing orifice that connects the rapid mix chamber to the flocculator for optimum energy dissipation, head loss, and float sizing.

• Design and construct a full scale fully functional non-linear CDC. Prepare to go through several iterations of this design to come up with a elegant, easy to use, simple to fabricate. See the Rapid Mix for equations to size the orifice. See the Flow Control and Measurement lecture from CEE 4540 for background on the nonlinear dose controller including design of the dose scale.
• Conduct experiments to evaluate design and compare experimental results with theoretical analysis.
• Evaluate the optimal head loss used for plant flow measurement and its effect on the accuracy of the chemical dosing especially at low dosages.
• Determine if more than one stock concentration of alum is needed or if two different sized orifices could be used to accurately provide the full range of alum dosages.

For additional challenges, see the suggested challenges our team did not address this semester.

CFD Simulation

Dr. Bhaskaran serves as an advisor to this team.
Wenqi Yi (mailto: yiwenqi@gmail.com) can help with training new members h4. Subteam Leader:

Number of team members needed: 2~3

Important team member skills:

• Strong background in fluid mechanics
• Basic idea of flocculation mechanisms (see Flocculation)
• Basic idea of computational fluid dynamics or numerical methods
• Previous experience with FLUENT is great, but not required
• Basic programming skills, C is great but not required (sometimes we use C to write user-defined-functions)

Flocculator Challenges

The long-term goal of the CFD team is to characterize the collision potential of hydraulic flocculators, improve our understanding of hydraulic flocculator, suggest design changes that would improve the performance of hydraulic flocculators. The CFD team also provides the fundamental data that is used for the design of the AguaClara hydraulic flocculators.

• Develop method to obtain results that have identical inlet and outlet conditions for the flow space between two baffles. Potential methods include
  • simulations using many baffles in series
  • use a user defined function to set the inlet to a single baffle equal to the exit of the baffle at the end of each simulation
  • Use a smaller number of baffles in series, but set the inlet energy dissipation rate equal to values based on a simple model
• Create an algorithm to characterize the ratio of the maximum energy dissipation rate to the average energy dissipation rate. Monroe performed a very crude analysis of this using the color plots produced during the spring of 2009. We need to formalize this calculation because it is an important design parameter.
• More simulation for 2D performance parameter analysis: we had some encouraging results and possible future topics are:
  • Simulations with different Reynolds number to see if the results are general or if the Reynolds number has a significant impact. If the Reynolds number has a significant effect, then develop a simple model that characterizes the Reynolds number influence

• • Further analysis for the current data: change within one flocculator from baffle to baffle, etc.
  • Simulations with different Reynolds number
  • Other ways of varying the geometry: different numbers of baffles, baffle spacing, etc. encountered in design
  • Further develop the formulation of parameters
• Extend to 3D model:
  • Improve convergence, to which energy dissipation rate is very sensitive
  • Configuration of parallel computing for 3D simulations
  • Modify the mesh: check the regional convergence of the mesh, coarsen the mesh in some region
• Validation
  • Sensitivity analysis of other parameters when necessary
  • Find some experimental data to compare (or some better idea?)

Channel and Port Design Challenges,

The channels and ports that carry the flocculated water to the sedimentation tank need to be designed to have the same maximum energy dissipation rate as at the end of the flocculator.

Floating Flocs

Subteam Leader:

...

• Process Controller (can be trained)
• Microsoft Excel
• MathCAD

Challenges

Details of the experiments that have been planned can be found on the Floating Flocs Fall 2009 Tentative Experiments page.

...

• N/A

  Number of team members needed:

• Minimum of 2-3

  Important team member skills:

• Good written and oral skills
• Ability to work closely with P.R. when finding Fundraising Contacts
• Good analytical skills for choosing grants and reviewing previous budgets
• Adaptability to the different requests of different organizations when looking at Requests for Proposals (Grant Writing term meaning grant application)

Challenges

• Continue to raise funds for the Agalteca plant
• Assess the feasibility and if there are no obstacles, write a proposal to http://nciia.org/grants/sustainablevision. The proposal is due by October 16, 2009. The final draft should be completed at least 2 weeks before the deadline.
• Pursue contacts within Ford Foundation
• Submit the Ford Foundation Online Form
• Pursue contacts within Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
• Analyze former AguaClara budgets for the budget update.
• Continue working on the Grant Text Modules Page.
• Update the Grant Short List as grants are submitted

...

• Adobe Photoshop to aid graphics design
• Microsoft Publisher to create brochures and newsletters
• Effective communication skills
• Leadership skills
• Knowledge of advertisement, business, media communications
• Creativity and ingenuity
• Spanish language knowledge is a plus

Challenges

• Get more team members involved with presentations
• Create a fact sheet for presenter. Include additional AguaClara info that is not already on the slides
• demo plant suite case maintenance
• Edit the Outreach Wiki to eliminate outdated information
• Update the brochure with new projects
• Write a fall edition of the newsletter and send to the AguaClara googlegroup before Thanksgiving break.
• Enforce the standardized Wiki format by constant updating (not just at the end of the year)
• Assign specific subgroups within PR such that different types of PR can be accessed more efficiently. I.E possibly set up subgroups of PR that deal with local pr, state/national pr, campus pr, student assembly/RSO/Greek life.
• Broaden the medium for pr. I.E. radio, newspapers, magazines, journals, pamphlets, brochures, banners, t-shirts, stickers, posters, etc.
• Establish a calendar of pr events in August that seeks to promote the project itself while incorporating pr events that surround fundraising, presentations, etc.
• Draw in students from business, entrepreneurial majors, marketing, advertising, etc.