...
Red Dye #40 Flow Visualizations
Experiments with the introduction of Red Dye #40 into the flow through the rapid mix tube were begun recently and are still in progress. The goal of these experiments is to provide a good visualization of the flow of the dye, which represents alum, through the tube, allowing us to see the different stages of flow and mixing of alum with the water in the rapid mix system.
Preliminary experiments have indicated the need for an accumulation chamber to feed the rapid mix tube display in place of a direct siphon line from the dosing tank. A direct siphon line creates a lot of mixing in the upper portion of the tube, negating the visual effects of the display. Thus, to create a 'calmer' flow into the rapid mix tube, we will introduce a chamber, directly fed by the siphon that will provide a steady flow into the rapid mix tube and allow for better visualization of the chemical mixing processes.
Photos of the dye flow through the system will be posted as soon as they are taken after further experimentation.