Automated Design Tool
The AguaClara Automated Design Tool (ADT) is the key to AguaClara's continuing scalability. The designs generated by the design tool, in conjunction with professional engineering review, enable the construction of new plants with little to no overhead cost from engineering firms. Since the designs are used by engineers in Honduras, the ADT is bilingual (Spanish and English), and will support additional languages in the future.AguaClara's ultimate goal is to provide communities around the world access to free, effective water treatment plant designs. We encourage communities in need, as well as interested readers, to download the AguaClara design tool. Instructions and download links are available on the Download Design Tool page.
How it works
Using a large set of equations that depend on pipe and tank dimensions (among other parameters), the ADT produces a spreadsheet of all variables relevant to the plant design, and the values assigned to each of them. These include pipe diameters, wall dimensions, and baffle dimensions and placement, to name a few. The ADT also produces text-based code of AutoCAD commands to create a complete, three dimensional design of the entire plant and its subcomponentscomponents. This code is imported into AutoCAD, which produces a drawing of the plant. For an interesting visual summary, see the demonstration of the Automated Design Tool in the video at the bottom of this pageSee the design tool in action in our YouTube video here. Or, you can skip to the end to see the complete water treatment plant design.
The AguaClara ADT is written by students using engineering calculations in MathCAD. The MathCAD software produces the commands that are sent to AutoCAD, and a plant is created! . Experience with these pieces of software, and the integration of theoretical and empirical engineering equations with design software has proved incredibly valuable to the students on the Design team—it provides realistic professional experience and an effective connection between coursework and actual engineering design.One of AguaClara's ultimate goals is provide communities around the world access to free, effective water treatment plant designs. We encourage communities in need, as well as interested readers, to download the AguaClara design tool. Instructions and download links are available on the Download Design Tool page. See the design tool in action in our YouTube video here. Skip to the end to see the complete water treatment plant design.
Engineering Review Process
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