Week Eight Completed Tasks
Filter Readings
Glue used to affix outflow hose to main filter body was found to be completely permeable. This was fixed by coating with nail polish. Filter no longer leaks, outflow hose functioning properly. Last week's results were promising, I expect this week's to be better.
Turbidity readings to date:
Wk 5: .73 influent, .03 effluent (turbidity meter was improperly calibrated)
Wk 6: 8.01 influent, 3.79 effluent
Wk 7: 16.26 influent, 1.69 effluent
Wk 8: 11.56 influent, .55 effluent
Breaking up the rust layer has more than doubled the flow rate.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Filter Update 5/21/2013
Week Seven Completed Tasks
Turbidity and Flow Rate Measurements
The turbidity measurements were 16.26 (river water) and 1.69 (filtered river water). In class we also decided that everyone would let their filter run dry and let it remain dry for 12 hours before feeding it again. We also attempted to measure the flow rate.
Flow rate had decreased to nil. I suspect this is due to iron filings fusing together as they rust, forming an impenetrable layer. I broke up this layer by poking it, and flow rate has returned to normal. New flow rate measurement to come.
Turbidity and Flow Rate Measurements
The turbidity measurements were 16.26 (river water) and 1.69 (filtered river water). In class we also decided that everyone would let their filter run dry and let it remain dry for 12 hours before feeding it again. We also attempted to measure the flow rate.
Flow rate had decreased to nil. I suspect this is due to iron filings fusing together as they rust, forming an impenetrable layer. I broke up this layer by poking it, and flow rate has returned to normal. New flow rate measurement to come.
Monday, May 6, 2013
Filter Construction Photo
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Progress Update 5/5/13
Week Six Completed Tasks
Initial Filter Testing
The river water and the water run through the filter were tested for turbidity. The reading for the turbidity of the river was 0.73 and the turbidity of the water that had been through the filter was 0.03. Before running the river water through the filter, it had first been flushed with approximately 8 oz of tap water, and this might have been why the second reading was so low. Because of this, all filters were required to be flushed with 32 oz of tap water following this reading for standardization purposes. After, the filter returned to receiving river water so that the biofilm could be cultivated without drying out and dying.
Initial Filter Testing
The river water and the water run through the filter were tested for turbidity. The reading for the turbidity of the river was 0.73 and the turbidity of the water that had been through the filter was 0.03. Before running the river water through the filter, it had first been flushed with approximately 8 oz of tap water, and this might have been why the second reading was so low. Because of this, all filters were required to be flushed with 32 oz of tap water following this reading for standardization purposes. After, the filter returned to receiving river water so that the biofilm could be cultivated without drying out and dying.
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Progress Update 5/2/13
Week Five Completed Tasks
Filter Construction and Initial Testing
The paper towel was removed from the bottom of the filter, and it was sealed with rubber and a bottle cap. There is a hole in the bottle cap to allow the filtered water to drain out. The rubber hose is still not exactly attached because currently it is taped in place. The iron filings were also added on top of the fiberglass, even though they had not finished rusting. The filter was tested, but the output water ended up with more color than the input. It's predicted that the water is being colored by the fiberglass.
Filter Construction and Initial Testing
The paper towel was removed from the bottom of the filter, and it was sealed with rubber and a bottle cap. There is a hole in the bottle cap to allow the filtered water to drain out. The rubber hose is still not exactly attached because currently it is taped in place. The iron filings were also added on top of the fiberglass, even though they had not finished rusting. The filter was tested, but the output water ended up with more color than the input. It's predicted that the water is being colored by the fiberglass.
Week 5 Group Assessment
Group 5 Team Evaluation
Each member of the group estimated how much time put into the project so far for themselves and also the other group members. Then each member shared their results with the group in order to investigate how much time each person spent on the project on average. In general, the members of the group tended to overestimate how much time their peers had spent on the project. Other then that, the results were not surprising and gave a fairly accurate representation of the work being done by each member. Overall, the the group is aware of the contributions made by each person.
Each member of the group estimated how much time put into the project so far for themselves and also the other group members. Then each member shared their results with the group in order to investigate how much time each person spent on the project on average. In general, the members of the group tended to overestimate how much time their peers had spent on the project. Other then that, the results were not surprising and gave a fairly accurate representation of the work being done by each member. Overall, the the group is aware of the contributions made by each person.
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