Catherine's Individual Contribution Page

Summer 2010 Contributions

This past summer, I worked with the Foam Filtration Team in order to determine the feasibility of implementing a foam filtration unit into AguaClara's small-scale water treatment plant. . 

I worked with four other group members to conduct research on foam filtration. We ran multiple experiments using different parameters (pore per inch count, raw water approach velocity, foam depth, alum coating, etc.) in order to determine the optimal parameters for maximum performance and least effluent turbidity. After realizing that not much work has been completed on studying the effects of foam filtration, we decided also to write a thorough research paper on our findings. Essentially we discovered that foam filtration units are not appropriate for use on a large scale. But rather, sand filtration may work best with AguaClara's water treatment plant. Hence, we have decided to begin focusing our efforts on foam filtration as a point-of-use system. . 

Fall 2010 Contributions

I am currently working again on the Foam Filtration Team. This time, we are focusing our efforts on designing a point-of-use foam filtration unit. . 

My part consists of designing the middle of the unit, the foam holder body itself. After combining my and my teammates designs (inlet + body + outlet), our group hopes to finalize a design for this unit and run experiments to determine its effectiveness as a point-of-use system. .