Michelle Bowen's Individual Contribution Page

Spring 2013 Contributions

This semester I was a member of the Depth v.s Sand Filtration team. Our goal for the semester was to understand the differences between depth and surface filtration and the parameters that determine which type of filtration occurs. We first did a literature search of existing research before designing a system to mimic both typical downflow filtration and the subsurface injection process used in AguaClara filters. Once we constructed our apparatus we did several experiments in which we varied parameters such as flow velocity, influent turbidity, and coagulant dosage.

Fall 2013 Contributions

This semester I am a member of the SRSF Theory team. Our main goal is to understand and parameterize the performance of AguaClara's SRSFs. To this end, we plan to design and construct a new filter column that will more accurately model an SRSF; the filter column will then be used to run experiments measuring head loss, influent turbidity, and effluent turbidity. With this data, we hope to begin the process of understanding the SRSF. So far this semester I have helped design and draw up the schematic for the new filter column, and I have also arranged meetings with the design team to help us get measurements necessary for the construction of the filter column. I also set up the calculations that determined which materials we needed to order, and I visited the machine shop several times to gain assistance in the construction of the filter column.