Patrick Farnham
Abstract:
The Residuals Management sub-team is solving the problem of solids disposal in AguaClara treatment plants. Currently, settled solids from the sedimentation and entrance tanks are drained and routed directly onto the nearby landscape. The newly created stacked rapid sand filtration system will produce backwash water in need of disposal, and spikes of highly turbid influent water bypass the plant by being discharged down the surrounding slope. The research goal is to determine inexpensive and responsible disposal methods for these outflows as well as for precipitate matter removed from the chemical stock tanks. Flow rates and concentrations of all residual flows have been estimated with the help of AguaClara engineers in Honduras, and designs have been created for pipe outlet protection structures which should reduce the erosive power of AguaClara residual flows. The team goal is to identify promising methods and eventually code them into the AguaClara design tool for use in the future and also for possible use in retrofitting current plants.
