Chemical Dose Controller

Overview

The AguaClara Dose Controller is a critical piece of the technology. It has evolved steadily with major advances every year. The ability to accurately and predictably control the alum and chlorine dosages without using electricity sets the AguaClara technology apart from previous technologies. Our Dose Controller technology that couples plant flow rate and chemical dose is novel.

Figure 1: General Schematic of Chemical Dose Controller

In the latest design, the Non-Linear CDC makes it possible for an operator to set the chemical dose without referring to any tables. This could be a significant advantage. The disadvantage is that this design is more complex and thus we will need to work this carefully to ensure that the CDC technology is sustainable.

Current Research Team

Summer 2010 CDC Research

• The summer research team will serve to validate the Nonlinear Chemical Doser by measuring both precision and accuracy. A battery of tests will be performed to determine the best manufacturing techniques, document surface tension issues and to determine if material selection plays a role in accuracy or precision.

• The team will also investigate various materials and determine the most appropriate components to use. The team will document and standardize these components so that end users can either obtain them locally or understand when parts may need to come from an outside source with the idea being to limit the parts coming from outside sources.

Future Research Goals

Fall 2010 CDC Development

• This research team will continue to improve on the design of the Nonlinear Dose Controller (NDC) that was developed during the Academic Year 2009/2010. This team will continue with validation studies completed during the Summer 2010 term. The fundamental design of the NDC will be changed to accommodate dosing all process chemicals. Additionally, as the design and components are finalized, this information needs to be incorporated into the Automated Design Tool.

Past Research Teams

Academic Year 2009/2010 Nonlinear Chemical Doser

• Redesigning a chemical doser with a precise nonlinear chemical dose response to changes in plant flow while also minimizing aeration in an attempt in prevent surface foams.

Summer 2009 Research: Surface Foam Formation

• Trying to model the surface foam formation that takes place at the end of rapid mix in current plants and come up with a retrofit design that will minimize air entrainment.

Linear Chemical Dose Controller

• The linear dose controller uses major losses to adjust chemical doses to the plant as raw water flow rates change.

Nonlinear Chemical Dose Controller Fall08-Summer09

• Major losses cannot be used to adjust chemical flow rates when flow in the dosing tube is turbulent. Therefore, a chemical doser with a precise nonlinear chemical dose response to changes in plant flow is being designed.

Rapid Mix Chamber Design Program

• The design of the entrance tank for high flow rate plants such as Gracias.