Rachel Philipson's Individual Contribution Page

Summer 2009 Contributions

During summer 2009 I am working on the Plate Settler Spacing team. I am currently running experiments to test the robust-ness of the plate settler geometry. An ideal geometry is being subjected to non ideal conditions by changing the alum dose. I am also graphically analyzing the data collected from these experiments to attempt to develop a relationship with influent conditions and effluent turbidity. I have also worked on the velocity gradient calculations in mathCAD. We are attempting to figure out what the critical velocity and diameter of a particle would be to cause it roll up the plate settler and into the effluent. This critical velocity is also being determined experimentally using a ramp function (slowly increasing the flow rate over time) which allows us to see exactly where the critical velocity is. I have also been working to design a filter foam experiment which will even out the flow between the settlers in plants in Honduras. Preliminary experiments are currently being performed.

Fall 2009 Contributions

During Fall 2009 I am working with the Plate Settler Spacing team. I am currently running ramp state experiments to experimentally determine the critical velocity at which particles in the effluent will begin to roll up the tube settler. I am graphically analyzing these results to determine this critical velocity. I have also been working on the velocity gradient mathCAD file to analytically determine the relationship between this critical velocity, the tube diameter, and the particle size. The results from these calculations are being compared to the data from the ramp state experiments to see how the theory holds up in reality. I have also assisted in running experiments with the Floating Floc team to run saturated water through the plate settler spacing apparatus, and have been continuing to work with the filter foam experiment that was started over the summer.

Fall 2010 Contributions

This semester, I am working on the foam filtration team. We are currently preparing our experimental apparatus to run an experiment to determine the head loss across the foam column both with clean water running through it and when the foam fails and collapses due to particle buildup on the top layer. Additionally, the foam filtration team is working on designing a point of use foam filtration unit that will be submitted the the EPA P3 competition this semester.