Water Filtration

Keven Fuentes Brian Hanseth 2/7/14 EDD P.M.

PROBLEM
Create a water filtration system that is easy to maintain, uses inexpensive materials, and can lower the turbidity of contaminated water in the quickest and most efficient manner.

TEAM ROLES IDENTIFICATION

Keven: 1. Research natural and cheap solutions 2. Gather data and charts for final design 3. Design Matrix - Justification 4. Final sketch for final prototype Bryan: 1. Collect images and visuals of data and prototype 2. Research existing products 3. Collect building materials for prototype Both: 1. Brainstorm solutions 2. Construct and revise final prototype 3. Select final solution to pursue

TEAM GANT CHART

WATER PURIFICATION DEVICE RESEARCH

Gravel is utilized in home made water filtration solution to more effectively distribute the water before filtering. Sand can efficiently get rid of larger contaminants and sediments however had slow processing times. Modern Filtration Systems 1. Brita, PUR, and Aquasana use Carbon as the main constituent material. 2. Atomic charge of carbon encourages unwanted materials to lose bond with water. 3. Multi-staged - First, though a filter to get rid of bigger contaminants. - Carbon Filter for smaller more evasive material.

WATER PURIFICATION DEVICE RESEARCH

Charcoal often has air pockets inside the hard material. Excellent for water filtration because it traps gases and contaminants in the fluid. Activated Carbon has been processed so it is even more porous and therefor can trap more contaminants. - Only small amounts needed f for sufficient filtration.

Brainstorming Six Designs

Design Matrix

Initial Solution Sketch

Revised Solution Sketch

Prototype Build

Tests and Results

Test 1: We began with about 4 inches of activated carbon and 3 coffee filters. Result: We found that traces of carbon were left in the water after filtration and needed the carbon had to be rinsed prior to filtration Test 2: 4 inches of Carbon, 3 coffee filters Result: water was significantly cleared with miniscule sediment left in the water. NTUs: 139 Test 3: added coffee filter Result: a drop in sediment, found that if water is rushed to the edge water is not filtrated properly. NTUs: 70 Test 4: 2 more coffee filters added Result: significant drop in sediment and very clear with minimal yellow tint. A great amount of sediment left on first coffee filter and carbon. NTUs: 30

BILL OF MATERIALS
Activated Carbon Sand Gravel 2 foot PVC Pipe Coffee Filters 2- 1.5 inch Couplings

SOLUTION JUSTIFICATION
We found that in order to get out all main contaminates and sediments out of the water a multi-stage process was necessary. One was needed for larger pieces, one for medium pieces and last to get the smallest, most evasive materials out of the water. With a tube structure starting with gravel, then sand, and last activated carbon, the flow of water was slow and not pushed to the sides, allowing for more thorough filtration and leading to the higher clarity of water.