Automated Design Tool
We don't design each plant from scratch. Instead, we do research to understand the fundamental processes of water treatment and invent scalable, reproducible tools that can be combined to form a complete water treatment plant. Then, our Automated Design Tool does exactly that. The ADT is free software that allows users to receive customized AutoCAD plant designs based on inputs like flow rate and region of the world.
Design Philosophy | Why Open Source?
Accessing the 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. 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. Detailed instructions, system requirements, and download links are available on the Download Design Tool page In keeping with AguaClara's philosophy of open design the Design Tool source is now available for use via an online interface here. You will need updated versions of AutoCAD in order to use the files that the Design Tool will send to you.
How it works
The ADT provides an interface for the user to input the desired flow rate and geographic region for their plant design, with the option to add additional parameters if specific geometric constraints are known (for example, if a longer, thinner plant geometry is required). The Design Tool then sends a request to the AguaClara server to produce 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. The ADT uses these variables to scale plant components in AutoCAD to create a complete, three dimensional design of the entire plant and its components.
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The AguaClara ADT is written by students using engineering calculations in MathCADMathcad. The MathCAD Mathcad software produces the commands that are sent to AutoCAD. 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 design team---it provides realistic professional experience and an effective connection between coursework and actual engineering design.
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