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One of the concerns that we had with the data from previous semesters is that the tube settlers might not be a good approximation of AguaClara's standard sedimentation tanks. In order to verify the data from the tube settlers, I designed a grab sample procedure. The calculations for this procedure can be found here. The data from this procedure will be compared to the data from the turbidimeters to verify if the the validity of our testing procedures.
Also, I looked into data analysis techniques that I will use to analyze the data from the plant. The information on these programs and how I intend to use them can be found here. Unfortunately, due to the many changes that we made in plant set-up, we have not yet collected data. Most recently, overflow from the automatic flow control device has prevented data collection. I am excited to analyze data starting the week after Spring Break to observe the effects of the improvements we have made to the flocculator.
During the rest of the semester, I anticipate that I will be busy with building the sedimentation tank and analyzing data from the floc and sed tanks. Hopefully, we will be able to make a preliminary conclusion about wether a upflow clarifier-type sedimentation tank could help the AguaClara plants reach their goal of effluent water that is consistently less than 1NTU.