Rachel Proske's Individual Contribution Page

Fall 2012 Contributions

This semester, I worked on the Low Flow Stacked Rapid Sand Filtration (LFSRSF) project.  My team and I tested and improve the performance of a prototype system.  My tasks within the project were as follows:

• Collected data from students who previously built the prototype filter to learn about the methods behind this design.
• Researched head loss calculating methods for flows through sand as well as bends, tees, expansions, and constrictions.
• Assisted in head loss and flow calculations in MathCAD to determine the locations of maximum head loss and possible modifications.
• Updated the MathCAD file as the prototype LFSRSF was modified.
• Assisted in determining the actual flow through the system by timing how long it takes the system's flow output to fill up a certain volume.
• Ordered parts for fabrication and assisted in modifications to the LFSRSF (switched spring valves on the outlet pipes to swing valves, added a ball valve on the outlet side of the filter, and replaced the 1" diameter backwash pipe with a 1.5" diameter pipe.
• Ran hydraulic testing with and without sand to determine actual head losses experienced through the system.
• Organized and analyzed results from performance tests, which showed that the filter can achieve up to a 99% removal rate.

The Fall 2012 LFSRSF Team created a working model of the LFSRSF that was tested in Honduras January 2013.

Spring 2013 Contributions

This semester, my team and I worked on making improvements to the Low Flow Stacked Rapid Sand Filter based on feedback received from the engineers and operators in Honduras.  A major design change was strengthening the connections of the slotted manifolds inside the filter.  Also, a sand drain was designed to allow operators to easily remove the sand from the filter.  My team and I also built a small-scale LFSRSF for EPA's P3 Sustainability competition.  The filter was created as a hydraulically working model with clear acrylic pipe to allow judges and the public see how the filter and cleaning of the filter works.

My contributions this semester were both hands on and managerial.  I assisted with the design of the manifolds, the head loss calculations through the small-scale filter to determine adequate sizes of piping, and the construction and testing of the small-scale filter.  Additionally, I kept communication flowing within the group and other parties, including EPA, team leaders, and our lead mechanic.  I was also in charge of ordering materials for the small-scale filter.  The filter at the competition worked very well.  There were many people interested in the LFSRSF.