Fabrication, 2011 Spring

Primary Author: Daniel Cohen

Secondary Author: Travis Hartway

Abstract:

The fabrication team developed fabrication methods and designs to be used at AguaClara construction sites that are feasible and economical. We worked to improve hole cutting/drilling methods, designed entrance tank components such as trash racks and an adjustable overflow weir, investigated methods to attach pipes to the inlet manifold, and sought a longer lasting on-site power source. We developed a much better understanding of the AguaClara project and made several valuable contributions to implement in future construction sites.

Fabrication, 2011 Summer

Abstract

The Fabrication team focused on three main goals for the Summer 2011 semester. Firstly, we worked on developing a system to recharge a cordless power drill without using an electrical wall socket. Our solution was to connect the battery charger directly to a car battery, which may be easily brought to the site. Secondly, we researched more effective ways to remove plugs from hole saws. We determined that the commercially available Lenox speed-slot hole saws would best resolve this problem. Thirdly, we developed, tested, and improved a jig to help facilitate the assembly of plate settler modules.

Demo Plant, 2011 Fall

Breann Liebermann, Sahana Balaji, Muhammed Abdul-Shakoor

Abstract

The technology behind the AguaClara water filtration process features filtration through coagulation, flocculation, and sedimentation and flow/chemical dose control using gravity. Currently, an LFOM has been fabricated and tests have been done to see if a linear relationship exists between flow rate and height of water. Final touches will be put on the chemical doser. Currently, we are in the middle of fabrication of the sedimentation tank and tests will be done shortly to see if a floc blanket can in fact form.

Demo Plant, Spring 2012

Sahana Balaji, Muhammed Abdul-Shakoor, Thalia Aoki, Miree Eun, Diana Kelterborn

Abstract:

The AguaClara water treatment process consists of coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, and filtration, with flow/chemical dose control using gravity. The Demonstration Plant (Demo Plant) is an important educational tool to explain and publicize AguaClara technologies. Currently, a new Demo Plant has been constructed, tested, and documented. This version of the Demo Plant includes a sedimentation tank and a Stacked Rapid Sand Filter (SRSF) as well as a chemical doser and flocculator. The sedimentation tank design is based on the design from the ENGRI 1131 course and includes the formation of a floc blanket. The SRSF shows the new filtration method recently developed by AguaClara. There has also been emphasis on the systematic documentation of both theoretical calculations behind the design and operation of the Demo Plant.

Demo Plant, Summer 2012

Susan Chen, Owen Guldner, Diana Kelterborn

Abstract:

Abstract
The Demonstration Plant (Demo Plant) is an important educational tool to explain and publicize AguaClara technologies. In the Spring of 2012, a new Demo Plant was constructed, tested, and documented which included the two latest AguaClara technologies, a chemical doser and a stacked rapid sand flter (SRSF), as well as the older flocculator and sedimentation tank. However there were still problems with the overall plant layout, the chemical doser, and the SRSF, all of which were dealt with this summer. We completely revised the demo plant structure and system; the SRSF now can completely backwash all four layers, the chemical doser is labeled to include coagulant concentrations, and the overall plant is streamlined for transport and assembly.

Ram Pump – Spring 2012

Christine Curtis, Harrison Gill, Teresa Wong

Abstract:

AguaClara plants are driven entirely by gravity. This makes it difficult to provide treated, running water in the plants to fill chemical stock tanks and to provide bathroom service. The Ram Pump sub-team was charged with designing and optimizing a pump to elevate a small amount of water in the plant. The pump works by transferring the momentum from a large amount of water falling a short distance into the potential energy to raise a small amount of water. Initial efforts were focused on designing and building a modular test pump to characterize how ram pumps function and how to optimize performance and ease of construction for specific sites. To accomplish this, we developed a MathCAD document to characterize the testing parameters that we anticipated would most affect the modular pump performance. From these parameters, we were able to collect data regarding cycle time, mass pumped per cycle, and aver- age 􏰃ow of the pump under various configurations. Future teams should explore better data acquisition methods to collect instantaneous velocity data within each cycle. Eventually, decisions regarding the design of the full-scale pump will be made based on experimentation with adjusting these parameters.

Filter Flow Control - Spring 2017

Matt Cimini, Alex King, Tanvi Naidu

Abstract:

The objective for the Filter and Treatment Train Flow Control team (FTTFC team) this semester was to design and construct a weir module that would allow the plant operator to easily redirect sucient flow for filter backwash without shutting o↵ other filters’ flow. The goal of the design was to be easily constructible, easy to operate, strong enough to withstand water pressure and require no calculations for plant use. The team designed several removable weir options and ultimately chose a hinged design. The design is similar to a dog door that will be shut during normal flow and open during backwash. The model was fabricated and tested under conditions simulating a 20 L/s plant. The weir module was strong enough to withstand the flow, was easy to construct and was simple to open and close even with the water pressure against it and therefore was a success. There was some significant leakage around the weir flap. Therefore, construction and design should focus on recommendations for watertightness of the flap if this design is to be used in an AguaClara plant in the future.

Prefab 1 L/S - Fall 2017

Felix Yang, Lilly Mendoza, Ken Rivero-Rivera

Abstract:

The 1 Liter per Second (LPS) Plant testing team is continuing the work done by previous semester's Pre-Fabrication team by attaching the ESTaRS to the 1LPS plant and flocculator. By doing this AguaClara will have a complete 1 LPS Plant running in the lab so that experimental data can be gathered. This data will be used to optimize and improve current designs as well as further iterations of the technology.

Prefab 1L/S - Spring 2017

Sidney Lok, Sung Min Kim, Sean King

Abstract:

The Spring 2017 semester 1 L/s Plant Testing subteam's objectives were to improve upon the previous work done on the design of the 1 L/s pilot plant in Honduras. This semester, the primary goals of the 1 L/s Plant Testing subteam were to complete the 1 L/s plant and to design and fabricate a tapered flocculator. This tapered flocculator design would be used to decide whether tapered flocculation would improve overall water treatment in the 1 L/s plant.

Chemical Dose Controller - Fall 2014

Annie Cashon, Jeanette Liu, Christine Leu

Abstract:

The Chemical Dose Controller is a device that maintains a constant chemical dose as the plant flow rate changes. This semester, the Chemical Dose Controller team has started doing research on chlorine compatibility with the constant head tank. Part of this assignment includes exploring alternative CHT designs in hopes of maximizing durability and efficiency while minimizing costs. The team is also considering scaling the CDC system down by looking into the single lever arm design. The team has begun recording these adjustments in a CDC assembly manual for future CDC teams that includes photos and item lists. Finally, the team has reached out to the team in India, in hopes of working out a cost effective and reliable system for future shipments.

Ram Pump - Fall 2014

Abigail Brown, Annie Ding, Pablo Nistal, Kadambari Suri

Abstract:

The Fall 2014 ram pump team is working on expanding and improving upon the work of previous ram pump teams, which includes fabricating and implementing a working ram pump design in a plant in Honduras. The team has completed literature research, fabrication of the ram pump designs to be tested, basic experimentation, and data collection. The literature review has determined that while experimentation done on ram pump components like the spring check valve indicate that these parts will last for decades, the non-ideal conditions of the use of the spring valves in AguaClara plants means that more experimentation is needed to determine how long the valves will last while in use in AguaClara plants. Additionally, the team has found other points of wear within the valve during testing this semester. Ideas for potential improved designs have resulted in the fabrication of air chambers of varying sizes and drive pipes of different lengths and diameters. The most efficient pump model was determined by taking data for different models with varying numbers of weights on pressure within the system and flow rates at various head loss values. The team found that the optimal system for the ram pump is to use as few weights as possible without causing the ram pump to stop, along with either one of the two tested outlet possibilities, and as large an air chamber as desired or available. However, this system does not result in an adequate output flow rate, due to losses within the system. More work still remains to be done - the team is currently working on a vertical system alternative which may eliminate the need for a horizontal drive pipe and may reduce the number of losses within the system that is affecting the output flow for the system currently in use.

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Ram Pump - Spring 2014

Ruben Ghijsen, Kelly Huang, Ruju Mehta

Abstract:

The team this semester focused mainly on rebuilding and improving the ram pump and its lab set-up. Major changes to the system from last semester include a more compact head loss system, higher overhead drive tank (to better simulate Honduras parameters), and an attempt to improve the air chamber design, In the end, the team was able to con- struct a working prototype that successfully pumped and delivered water through the entire head loss system. However, due to time constraints, the future team will have to make additional improvements to the system. They include a larger, encased recycling system, and more structural sup- ports to minimize instability. Although the initial run proved successful, additional testing could not be conducted due to computer malfunctions and again, time constraints. Had given the time, experimentation would be conducted regarding the 􏰃ow rate, head loss, reliability, and scaling. Future teams can now focus on these experiments since the prototype is basically complete.

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Fabrication - Spring 2015

Stephen Galdi, Natalie Mottl

Abstract:

The team’s task is to test, troubleshoot, and complete the scale model of the weir system developed by last semester’s team. By the end of the semester, the team will create as et­up and video that accurately portrays the behavior of the water through the full scale weir system. The Fabrication Team aims to create a plant that is easier to operate, troubleshoot, and build.

Modular Designs - Fall 2015

Stephanie Sun

Abstract:

The Fall 2015 Modular Designs task is a continuation of previous efforts to provide AguaClara clients the ability to request individual component designs on the AguaClara website.In Fall 2012, design team member Heidi Rausch began working on creating upper levelMathCAD files that the design tool will use to create individual component designs in addition to the already available full scale plant design. The goal of the Fall 2015 Modular Designs team is to continue working on the modular designs by updating already existing component files as well as creating new upper level files for other parts of the plant.

Fabrication - Fall 2014

Carl Talsma, Sara Sanz, Adrian Cobo

Abstract:

Make a hydraulic working scale model of the SRSF weir system for two filters to demonstrate how the weir system is used to set the flow to the filter during backwash. The hydraulics of this system are sufficiently complicated that explaining how it works is difficult and thus we need a working model for demonstration.

No final report was available for this team for this semester. The final presentation is linked below.

Enclosed Stacked Rapid Sand Filter - Spring 2014

Dhaval Mehta, Ariel Seidner, Sarah Sinclair, Lishan Zhu

Abstract:

The Low Flow Stacked Rapid Sand Filter (LFSRSF) is a scaled-down version of the AguaClara Stacked Rapid Sand Filter (SRSF). Similar in theory of operation to the SRSF, the LFSRSF is optimized to treat smaller flow rates of 0.8 L/s. The current LFSRSF design in India uses multiple valves to switch from filtration to backwash; the LFSRSF research subteam at Cornell seeks to reduce the number of valves by designing a filter that uses hydraulic controls. In detailing the teams work this semester, this report seeks to accomplish three main goals: to document the design process for such a filter, to document the fabrication process to facilitate easy technology-transfer to India, and to document filter performance as tested to date.

This semester, the team calculated appropriate design specifications for slotted manifold, trunks, plumbing systems and sand for the filter, as well as created a unique flexible-tubing derived sand drain. The team completed all fabrication, and also set up a water-recycle and leak containment system to support testing, as well as a pressure sensor array to test ow-distribution between sand layers. The team then solved multiple water- and air-leak issues. Ultimately, the team was successful in ensuring that the LFSRSF backwashes easily, efficiently and whenever an operator may so desire.

Teams working on the project further must tackle three major issues: the current filter cannot handle backwash flow rates greater than around 0.6 L/s, its entrance and exit tanks need to be raised, and the filter also faces significant challenges of larger-than-expected head loss during backwash. Once these issues are solved, the hydraulically-controlled LFSRSF shall be truly ready to be deployed in the field

Prefab 1L/S - Summer 2016

Juan Guzman, Josiah Hinterberger, Juan Mantilla Quintero, Erica Marroquin, Disha Mendhekar, Ibrahym Sabha, Claudia Vesga Rodríguez, Victoria Zhang, Monroe Weber-Shirk

Abstract:

Conventional water treatment technology often have fixed costs too high for small communities with demands less than 5 L/s. The goal for the 2016 AguaClara summer program was to design scaled-down processes and fabricate an inexpensive 1 L/s plant. This pilot plant employs conventional flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection methods, but accomplishes each step using innovative materials and methods to maximize space efficiency and minimize cost.

Prefab 1 L/S - Fall 2016

David Herrera, Yinghan Hua, Sung Min Kim, Sean King, Felix Yang

Abstract:

Since January 2016, the Pre-Fabrication team has been experimenting with the creation of a 1 L/s water treatment plant. The Spring 2016 team successfully created a small scale version of the sedimentation tank and the Summer 2016 team fabricated a full scale plant. This full-scale plant will be shipped to Honduras in December 2016, and the goal of the Fall 2016 team is to construct an additional 1 L/s plant with a focus on streamlining and improving the production methods and accuracy. The team will focus most heavily on improving the methods of the flocculator and determining the structural integrity of the plant to confirm the validity of its design approach.

Prefab 1 L/s - Spring 2016

Kimberly Buhl, Claire DeVoe, Meryl Kruskopf, and Felix Yang

Abstract:

The goal of the Prefabrication 1 L/s team was to research, test, and provide fabrication methods to be used when constructing the 1 L/s plant design in Honduras. The team worked on an approximate 1/10th flow rate scale model to design novel geometries for a low-flow flocculator and sedimentation tank while implementing known AguaClara fluid mechanic techniques. The cost per capita associated with these plants was calcu- lated to be much lower than plants built using traditional construction methods. Recommendations on design and fabrication methods were re- layed to future teams working on full-scale plant production.

Ram Pump - Spring 2019

Ching Pang, Cheer Tsang, Alyssa Ju, Iñigo Cabrera

ABSTRACT:

The AguaClara Vertical Ram Pump (ACVRP) is an innovation that will enable water to be pumped from lower elevations to higher elevations using the driving force of falling water. The ACVRP improves on a conventional ram pump design by increasing its space efficiency and decreasing its capital cost. Although a prototype had been built, it did not reach its target pumping efficiency. The goal of this semester was to optimize the ram pump efficiency by finding the necessary forces to open and close the valve at the ideal times.