Water Filter
Define a Problem
For this project my partner Gavin and I made a Gantt chart so that we could set a timeline of when different aspects of the project needed to be completed. This helped to ensure that the project was finished in time. Along with the Gantt chart, we decided to divide the aspects of this project. This lessened the work load for Gavin and I and also helped to make sure that we stayed on track with the Gantt chart.
Brainstorm
Ideas for materials:
- Stuffing
- Mesh
- Charcoal
- Fine sand
- Coarse sand
- Rocks
- Cloth
- Coffee filter
Research
Explore Possibilities
Gavin and I decided to test only five of the materials that we had brainstormed. We tested stuffing, mesh, coffee filters, charcoal, and fine sand. The turbidity of the filtered water is listed below:
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Select an Approach
Develop a Design Proposal
Make a Model or Prototype
Refine the Design
The first filter that Gavin and I made was only able to get the turbidity of the water down to 227 NTU. We decided to replace the rocks that were the top layer of our filter with more charcoal in hopes of the turbidity going down more. When we replaced the rocks with charcoal the turbidity actually went up so we had to make further revisions. Gavin and I decided to scrap the whole idea and start wit something new. The new filter that we made did not contain any charcoal, it had only a coffee filter, cotton balls, mesh, and foam that plants can grow in. This revision took the turbidity significantly down, to about 90 NTU. We decided to add charcoal back into the design for the final design, but instead of using charcoal that is for starting fires, we used porous charcoal that is meant for filtering. The final turbidity was 78.9 NTU.
Conclusion
This project reinstated the design process that we learned freshman year, and also challenged the ability to remove turbidity from water using readily available items. By researching and testing various materials, we were able to determine which materials were the most efficient at removing turbidity from water, and were able to combine the most effective materials to make a working water filter. I learned a lot about the water filtering process and how hard it is. The turbidity of water must be extremely low in order for it to be considered drinkable. I also learned that the materials on their own are in no way close to being effective enough to filter water to that low of a turbidity level, they must be combined to effectively remove turbidity. If I could do this project differently, I would select different materials to use in the filer. The materials that I used in the filter that I made were effective at removing some of the turbidity, but there are other materials that I could've chosen that would've been more effective. The final turbidity level was 78.9 NTU, if I could change the final design of the filter I would add a sponge, or maybe some fine sand to help lower the turbidity even further. Gavin and I worked well together, as we have on many projects in the past. We were able to complete the project in a timely manner, and were able to each take responsibility for different parts of the project in order for it to be finished in time. I think that the only way that this project could be improved is better materials.