Plate Settler Spacing Team

Fall 2008 Goals

Continuing outside research and designing system Sept 15-19th

• At this point we will continue to look for papers written on plate settler spacing as well as the parameters that determine the limiting factors when decreasing the spacing
• Modifications to the apparatus are being made to improve upon the summer apparatus used
• Instead of placing the entire settling column at a 60 degree angle a vertical settling column will be used with only plate settlers at an angle
• We will be looking at the necessary conditions to form a stable floc blanket
• The flocculator and sedimentation column and all necessary components of the set up will fully operable and experimentation will begin

Determine tube diameters to be tested 9/15-10/2

• Assess potentially limiting factors: shearing, clogging, reasonable velocities, l/b ratio, materials?
• Determine material to be used: honeycomb, more rigid straws, tube-manifold apparatus?

Brainstorm ideas for apparatus 9/15-10/2

• Discuss how to establish uniform flow: cone, mesh?
• Discuss how to attach sedimentation tubes at a sixty-degree angle

Establish a preliminary sketch of apparatus and collaborate with Paul, Matt, Ian, and Professor Weber-Shirk regarding apparatus 10/2

Order materials 10/2

Document experimental apparatus 10/2-end of semester

• Pictures, diagrams, and explanations
• Document any improvements made throughout the semester

Build experimental apparatus 10/2-10/24

• Gather and connect all pumps, parts, and tubing
• Setup process control
• Trouble-shoot design issues that arise

Run preliminary experimental trials 10/25-10/31

• Learn how to create and control floc blankets
• Assess quality of system: steady flows, process control readings, water level in clay/water bucket

Run experiment 11/1-12/2

• Run three trials for each tube spacing for a period of two days for each trial
• Collection of data using process controller

Data analysis and preparation of results 11/21-12/5

Create new experiment 11/15-end of semester

• Based on results from experiment, determine next course of action: run more of the same experiment, test new diameters, vary flow rates, vary something else?

Next Semester Challenges