StaRS Filter Theory - Spring 2015

Theresa Chu, Nick Coyle, Alexandra Schwab

Abstract:

The Stacked Rapid Sand Filter Theory team designed and built an apparatus to induce clogging and test the head loss across a slotted pipe, which allows the water to flow directly into the filter without sand leaving the filter. Experiments were run with high turbidity and coagulant doses to clog the slotted pipe and determine which influent conditions led to clogging and high head loss. Slotted pipes as an injection system for the stacked rapid sand filters have proven to be problematic due to clogging. Results show that floc build up of coagulant clay increased head loss and clogged the slots.

Humic Acid, Kaolin, Floc/Sed Model - Spring 2019

Matthew Lee, Walter Guardado, Carolyn Wang

Abstract:

This semester, samples of HA at 5 mg/L, 10 mg/L and 15 mg/L and concentrations of clay at 10 NTU, 100 NTU and 100 NTU are tested separately to find the respective absorbances. The individual absorbances recorded are used to compare with the mixture of different concentrations of clay and HA to find the additive aspects of the mixture. The results of these tests will investigate how absorbance and spectrophotometry can be used to quantify the concentrations of humic acid and clay in water mixtures. A mathematical model that relates the concentrations of clay and humic acid to the stream's absorbance and turbidity will be developed. This model will increase the capabilities of AguaClara plants and technology in measuring the dirtiness of nearby water sources. The model will also give insight on how efficient and effective current processes are in removing humic acid from water