Michelle Bowen's Individual Contribution Page

Spring 2013 Contributions

This semester I was a member of the Depth vs. 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 was a member of the SRSF Theory team. Our main goal was to parameterize the performance of AguaClara's SRSFs. We designed and constructed a new filter column to accurately model an SRSF, which was then be used to run experiments measuring head loss, influent turbidity, and effluent turbidity. 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.