Ideas
The AguaClara Entrance tank needs to be redesigned to allow more space for the inlet pipe, for a system to reduce turbulence, and for a trash rack system that can easily be cleaned while preventing any debris from entering the plant during a storm event.
Vertical flow flocculators with limited channel width are unable to handle high flows. Create the design algorithms to scale horizontal flow hydraulic flocculators. The algorithm should be able to handle flows from the maximum flow for vertical flow flocculators (around 180 L/s) to the largest flows required by cities. The equation that describes the transition from vertical to horizontal flow is
For higher flows the horizontal flow flocculator will work because He (horizontal distance between flow expansions) can be increased without limit to ensure that H/S is greater than 3 (remember H is now the channel width!). The flocculator can use masonry walls for the baffles. There may be other options to explore as well.
Design a CDC for flows above 100 L/s. Determine when a larger float valve is required and locate an appropriate option. Identify the largest dosing tube that can practically be used. This will depend on the maximum length of straight wall that is at an appropriate location for the doser in a large plant. Determine the number of dosing tubes that will be required as a function of plant flow rate and estimate the maximum plant size for which the CDC is appropriate. Explore alternative dosing systems that will follow the plant flow rate and will not require electricity. Keep in mind that we are seeking a solution for a 430 L/s plant!
- Pick a pesticide that is present in Honduran surface waters.
- Find information on the partitioning of this pesticide between activated carbon and aqueous phase
- Estimate the mass of activated carbon required per liter of water treated
- Compare options for powdered vs granular activated carbon and recommend the best option
- Estimate the cost per million liters of treated water
- Recommend either next steps for research or a design that could be piloted at Zamorano University
- Develop the design algorithm for UV disinfection units that takes into account UV absorbance of the water and target UV dosing.
- Determine the equivalent energy input in J/L and as meters of elevation
- Estimate the cost per million liters of treated water and compare with chlorine
- Compare performance based on expected public health outcomes.
- Design new geometry for built in place sedimentation tanks based on what we learned during the summer of 2019
- deeper floc blanket
- shallower tube settlers
- New method to control floc blanket depth
- Bahir Dar University in Ethiopia
- Pilot project in Colombia
- Pilot project in Cambodia
- 10’ x 40’ container plant
- Design a compact AguaClara plant in a container. Consider fold out walkways and a tent style roof. This would be for the US market and for rapid deployment.
For plants with flows above 120 L/s it will be very attractive to simplify the internal geometry of the sedimentation tanks. Devise a system that would ensure floc blanket formation, hydraulic sludge removal, and uniform flow through the sedimentation tank. Explore options for fabricating the bottom geometry that would start with a flat concrete tank floor. Draw your proposed design using Onshape and develop equations for the important dimensions using Python. This design will also be applicable to upgrades for facilities that have conventional sedimentation tanks. Consider designing an upgrade to the Cornell Water Filtration Plant to add floc blankets and tube settlers to their sedimentation tank.