With my goal of determining whether or not my filter prototype could actually clean water, I gathered a 10 gallon tank of water from the Chesapeake Bay and took initial measurements of Ammonia, Nitrate, and Nitrite. While it is good news for the bay that the water was relatively clean, it would have been better if the water had more nitrates. However, I am pleased to report that I know have proof that my filter can remove Nitrite and Ammonia from the water as I being designing the final model, which will be considerably bigger and faster. While I am confident that my findings are accurate enough to conclude the effectiveness of the filter, my possible sources of error include the fact that my measurement system for the parameters gives a color that I then needed to estimate the value of. Ideally, I would use a numerical sensor, but my method was sufficient enough.
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So far, I have researched the state and needs of the bay from a chemical and biological standpoint, designed and built a prototype filter, and begun designing a final, larger filter. I have most enjoyed picking out the materials and assembling my prototype. Thus far, the assembly of the prototype went very smoothly and the model has endured in my locker for a couple months, remaining intact. By biggest challenge came towards the beginning of the summer when I realized that my initial plan to make a reverse osmosis filter was not going to be feasible or achieve the results I wanted, so I had to find a different form of filter to build.
For my project, I still have to test my prototype to ensure that it cleans the water in the way I desire, find the materials for my final, build and test my final filter, and create my end of the year presentation. At this time, I need to test my prototype first before I can create a materials list; I cannot think of any specific support I need at this time. Phase 1: Test the prototype and adjust if needed Phase 2: design and build the final filter Phase 3: Test final filter Phase 4: Make presentation Phase 5: World domination Schedule: By the end of Thanksgiving break, fill tank with water and connect the filter to the water and take initial measurements. By beginning of winter break, take at least 2 additional rounds of measurements. By the end of winter break, ensure that the prototype works and begin designing the final filter. The long awaited day finally arrived, and I have just finished my prototype for my filter! It took about three hours start to finish with minimal difficulties.
I started by smashing the lava rocks with a hammer to create smaller pieces that would fit in the water bottle. I then put the smaller pieces in a colander and used a hose to remove the dust on the rocks. Next, I drilled small holes in the bottle cap to allow water to enter the filter, but I decided that small holes would be ideal, so the activated carbon chunks would not fall out. I then drilled a hole in the neck of the bottle to allow for the airline tube, but my biggest drill bit was still too small for the tube, so I used a Dremel to carve away at the sides to make the hole just barely big enough for the tube to ensure a snug fit. I repeated this process on the side of the bottle for the suction cup. I then had to go to a dinner, so I stopped for the day. The next day, I cut a square of the foam and used scissors to cut a circle shaped indent in the middle, so the bottle cap would be secure. Later, I filled the bottle with about an inch of the activated carbon. I chose to add it first, so it could rest on the lava rocks and would be less likely to fall out. Finally, I added the lava rocks and put the cap on. To clean up the residue of the bottle left by the label, I wiped it with rubbing alcohol, which helped decently. My next steps will be to collect bay water and begin testing the effectiveness of the prototype, which will determine the future of my designs and plans. After a delay due to sending a defective Amazon link, I corrected the issue and received the supplies needed to construct my filter. I have posted the photos below. During the last chunk of summer, I will complete the prototype and begin testing on a small, 10 gallon aquarium of water gathered from my local creek. As I am typing this, I am chugging a bottle of smart water in order to use the eventually empty bottle as the housing for my prototype. I have chosen this bottle due to its lack of textured bumps on the side, which will allow for easier drilling. This size will also allow a great amount of lava rock to fit, which will result in speedy filtration, giving parameter results in a timely manner. Once I fill the aquarium, I will once again test the parameters to use as a baseline. I will then connect my filter and deduce the effects on the parameters. As the second month of the summer draws to a close, I have ordered the parts for my prototype, and will build and test the prototype in August. For my prototype, I am going to make it out of a water bottle, so that the filter will be sized appropriately for my testing tank, which is only 10 gallons. I have ordered activated carbon, lava rock, which will be used to house biological filtration, and a chunk of filter sponge for the mechanical filtration. This prototype will not be the same form factor as the design for my final, but will be used to test the efficiency of the filter's components in improving water quality. In order to drive water through the filter, I will use an air pump with tubing that I already had and connect it to water bottle, which will create a pressure gradient and will force water in through the cap area and out of the other end. To test the effectiveness of the filter, I will fill up my tank with water from the bay, record the initial parameters, run the filter through the water, and record the progression of the parameters as time continues. I intend to make graphs to show my data, and if it is successful, I will move on to the final design during the school year.
I am quickly approaching a point in my project where I can order my parts and begin construction of my prototype. I am not sure if I mentioned this in my earlier posts, but I have decided to shift my focus from a reverse osmosis filter to a more traditional canister filter. This is because creating an osmosis membrane requires advanced and highly specific industrial machinery. This type of filter would also create drinkable water, which is not my goal. A canister filter is often used in aquariums because it removes harmful chemicals, but does not completely filter the water, which is very well suited for my use case.
My design for my prototype is using a 5 gallon bucket to house the three stages of my filtration. The first will be mechanical filtration and made of "filter floss", which is polyester filling. This stage removes larger debris from the water and helps with water clarity. The second stage will be chemical and will use activated carbon, which removes chlorine, pesticides, herbicides, and tannins. The third stage will be biological and will be have high surface area rock that beneficial bacteria can live on and de-nitirify the water. I have also been testing the water at my local stream and I have recorded my findings. The data table is below. I have been continuing to research filtration and have been focusing specifically on the Chesapeake Bay and what its chemical needs are and how to address them. I measured several water parameters using water from my local creek and my results were better than I expected, but the creek could still use improvement in areas such as the Ammonia levels, which were too high. I plan on taking another round of measurements to verify my earlier recordings. On the building side of the project, I am continuing to develop a materials list and sketch designs. Due to my shift away from reverse osmosis and towards a more traditional filter design, I emailed my advisers to keep them up to date on my current plans. One of my goals is to begin construction of the prototype by the middle of July. Stay tuned for more updates!
I have started the first steps for my fellows at this point. I have been trying to put in at least a couple hours every few days. I have found that this sprinkling of time combined with more intensive sessions of working on the project has been very beneficial for me as it has allowed me to revisit ideas with a fresh perspective. My format for planning this project has been to develop all aspects of the project together rather than deciding on one factor and then moving to the next. I think this is a better way because it allows me to see the project as a bigger picture. My 40% requirement is to build a prototype of the filter, and I am thinking of making that prototype a smaller scale filter, so I can make sure that works before I move up to a bigger design. I have been researching how filters work and what I would need to do to accomplish those functions. I am beginning to have doubts about my ability to create my own reverse osmosis membrane due to the complex processes used to create them. I am thinking of pursuing a more mainstream filter possibly with a de-ionization function. I have started to create a basic materials list and simple designs.
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AuthorMy name is Hayden Lamb and I am a current senior at Severn School Archives
January 2020
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