Automated Chemical Doser

This research is focused on designing an automated chemical doser that can automatically adjust the headloss in the chemical dosing system in response to plant inflow changes. Currently plant chemical dosing is determined based on plant inflow and turbidity. The automated doser will eliminate the need for plant operators to dose for inflow, reducing the number of variables and therefore opportunities for error.

One main reason for the focus on this doser is that it will allow the AguaClara plants to be more flexible. Plant inflow is largely variable with weather, both seasonally and hourly. In Honduras particularly there is a high frequency of late night rain storms, which appreciably increase plant inflow. Ideally the automated chemical dosing system will allow plants to respond to these weather-driven changes without an operator's presence.

Subteam Goals

• Complete prototype
• Test prototype
• Develop calibration procedure
• Create plan to implement this in an AguaClara water treatment plant in Honduras during the January intersession or provide detailed info for the AguaClara team in Honduras to fabricate and install it during the fall semester.