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The system detailed on the main page was used as the bench-scale apparatus to test plate settler performance. The Spring and Summer 2010 team chose tube diameters of 6.35 mm (1/4"), 9.53 mm (3/8"), 12.7 mm (1/2"), 15.875 mm (5/8"), with a 25.4 mm (1") control case for "successful" performance. All tubes were thought to be fixed at a capture velocity of 0.12 mm/s; however, an error int he in the model resulted in the team switching the fixed capture velocity value to 0.1 mm/s in order to salvage data. A more detailed explanation of the theory, model error, results, and future plans is included in the Final Reflection Report. The procedure followed by the team in designing this experiment can also be viewed in the final reflection report or on the Spring 2010 page, Exploring the Effects of Velocity Gradients on Settler Performance.
A corrected velocity gradient model and materials list is provided.
Results and Discussions
Final Reflection Report Pending..Report The final report contains all the results collected this semester, along with a description of the velocity gradient model error and the adjusted values the team plans to run next semester. The document also records the current progress of the plate settler dynamics model including descriptions of the results, problems, and goals.
Reflection Report V Report V reiterates velocity gradient theory, applying it to the aluminum tube experiments. This report includes initial results for the aluminum tube experiments. Progress on the Plate Settler Dynamics model is reported. At this point, the model needs further debugging since the results indicate that either all or none of the flocs hitting the wall will roll-up. Analysis of dual PI ratios is included. The team believes that dual PI ratios would be a good quantifier of uncertainty.
Reflection Report IV Report IV summarizes the team's results for the PVC clay velocity gradient theory. Progress on the Plate Settler Dynamics is reported. The main issue for the dynamics model at this point is random, unexplainable movements of flocs indicating that further debugging necessary.
Reflection Report III Report III provides a description of the team's progress. While the team attempted to collect data, errors in Process Controller method rendered the data unusable. This report also contains information about the development of a Plate Settler Dynamics model aimed at quantifying the processes affecting plate settler performance. An image of the ERB is included along with a description of a macro the team developed to facilitate data analysis.
Reflection Report II Report II provides a description of the team's decision to include more tubes in the clay velocity gradient experiments, descriptions of the planned natural organic matter velocity gradient experiments, along with results of the tube replicates planned in the first report. The entrance region blob phenomenon (ERB)is mentioned; however, no new information has been gathered.
Reflection Report I Report I provides a detailed description of the planned research and a summary of previous team's work, along with the initial results obtained from the Fall 2010 experiments.