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We had mixed results with regards to Weber's equation for filter bed expansion. At low levels of filter bed expansion, the Weber equation accurately predicted the fluidization velocity required to achieve the targeted bed expansion. As the target bed expansion increased, so did the degree of error. At 9% expansion, the degree of error was at 14%. At 38% expansion, the degree of error was at 37%.
Sources of Error
Human error:
Despite our best attempt at being consistent (by measuring and marking heights on the test tube, while also holding a ruler on the test tube wall), there will always be human error in observing the bed expansion visually.
Fix:The next expansion experiment should use a camera so there is record of the heights at each flow rate, and also tape a ruler to the filtration bed wall, rather than holding the ruler or drawing it on.
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