Fall 2008 Mid-Semester Contributions
For the Fall 2008 semester, I am a part of the Flocculation group of the Pilot Plant Team. Within the Flocculation sub-group, I have been working on both the Tube Flocculator and the Uniform Vertical Flow Hydraulic Flocculator. The members of the Pilot Plant Flocculation sub-team are Julia Schoen, Christine Barnett and I. In the beginning of the semester, the main functions objectives of the Pilot Plant Flocculation sub-team were setting up and orientating ourselves about the mechanisms of the Pilot Plant. One major delay was caused by a leak in the sedimentation tank, which was only fixed in mid-October. Once the leak in the sedimentation tank was repaired, we were able to continue our experiments.
The major goal of this semester is to create a turbidity profile for the Uniform Vertical Flow Hydraulic Flocculator. The Pilot Plant Flocculation sub-team will compare the turbidity results from both the uniform baffles and the non-uniform baffles. First, I helped to remove the non-uniform baffles from the Uniform Vertical Flow Hydraulic Flocculator and install the uniform baffles. I helped put together the uniform baffle arrangement and install them into the Uniform Vertical Flow Hydraulic Flocculator. In order to perform tests on the non-uniform baffles, the number and arrangement of the various types of baffle spacing were determined. I helped to calculate the number of baffles and the baffle spacing for each non-uniform baffle spacing section. In addition, I helped to arrange the non-uniform baffles so that they can be installed when required. In the Pilot Plant, I have helped to run the process controller and FREDA in order to determine the turbidity profile. I have also helped to install and setup the tube settlers to determine the turbidity of the raw water within the flocculator. I have learned how to operate the pump to remove excess flocculation buildup in the tank and learned the procedures for operating the process controller. Most importantly, I have learned about the general concepts and components behind the operation of the Pilot Plant.
In terms of the Agua Clara Wiki Page, I have helped to organize and create the content for the entire Pilot Plant Wiki, in particular the Flocculator sub-team. I have organized and created content for the results, construction history, design and flocculator methods and maintenance. I have contributed content to the main flocculation page, tube flocculator and Vertical Flow Hydraulic Flocculator. I have also written the group meeting minutes several times. Finally, I have added or created cosmetic changes to the Wiki to improve organization, aesthetics and performance.