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This semester I was a member of the Depth vvs. s Sand Filtration team. Our goal for the semester was to understand the differences between depth and surface filtration and the parameters that determine which type of filtration occurs. We first did a literature search of existing research before designing a system to mimic both typical downflow filtration and the subsurface injection process used in AguaClara filters. Once we constructed our apparatus we did several experiments in which we varied parameters such as flow velocity, influent turbidity, and coagulant dosage.
Fall 2013 Contributions
This semester I am was a member of the SRSF Theory team. Our main goal is was to understand and parameterize the performance of AguaClara's SRSFs. To this end, we plan to design and construct We designed and constructed a new filter column that will more to accurately model an SRSF; the filter column will , which was then be used to run experiments measuring head loss, influent turbidity, and effluent turbidity. With this data, we hope to begin the process of understanding the SRSF. So far this semester I have helped design and draw up the schematic for the new filter column, and I have also arranged meetings with the design team to help us get measurements necessary for the construction of the filter column. I also set up the calculations that determined which materials we needed to order, and I visited the machine shop several times to gain assistance in the construction of the filter column.A significant challenge we faced was figuring out a system which would allow us to run the filter at a relatively constant influent turbidity; this required us to implement and adjust PID control through Process Controller. When this task was completed, we began running experiments at varying coagulant dosages and analyzing the data for consistent trends.