WATER FILTER
Define a Problem
We made a Gantt chart and divided responsibilities to ensure the project got done in a timely and organized fashion. By assigning responsibilities and deciding what needed to be done when we were able to stay focused and finish the project on time.
As this project was heavily reliant on teamwork, many of our tasks were done as a group. From brainstorming, to testing materials, to creating a prototype, to refining the design we all worked together to create the best possible solution. A few of the paper tasks were separated by person. Elizabeth made the design brief and decision matrix, Allie made the presentation, and I made the Gantt chart and did the final sketch.
Brainstorm
Ideas:
- coffee filters
- mesh
- charcoal
- sand
- cotton balls
- coffee filters
- mesh
- charcoal
- sand
- cotton balls
Research and Generate Ideas
LIFESTRAW GO WATER BOTTLE - PORTABLE WATER FILTER
Sawyer Products SP194 Complete Dual Bag 0.02 Micron Water Purifier System, 4 Liters Each
Frontier Flow Red Line
Explore Possibilities
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Select an Approach
Develop a Design Proposal
Make a Model or Prototype
Test and Evaluate the Design using Specifications
Our first design was made using coffee filters, course and fine sand, and charcoal. This combination resulted in a maxed out turbidity so we began to change materials out to see what worked the best.
We then switched the sand out for a combination of coffee filters, cotton, charcoal, sheer fabric, and a sponge. This design seemed to work a lot better, with a turbidity of 56 NTU, so we began refining this design. These results led me to believe that more fibrous materials filtered the water the best.
We then switched the sand out for a combination of coffee filters, cotton, charcoal, sheer fabric, and a sponge. This design seemed to work a lot better, with a turbidity of 56 NTU, so we began refining this design. These results led me to believe that more fibrous materials filtered the water the best.
Refine the Design
Beginning with the second prototype stated above:
-coffee filters, cotton, charcoal, coffee filters, sheer fabric, sponge: 56 NTU
- coffee filters, new cotton, charcoal, coffee filters, sheer fabric, sponge: 100 NTU
- coffee filter, cotton, beauty sponges, coffee filters, sheer fabric, sponge: 46 NTU
As we revised we noticed that the water that ran through the charcoal had a yellow tint and decided to replace the charcoal with a different material. When we added the large sponge to our design we had a great reduction in turbidity so we added beauty sponges which have smaller pores to filter smaller particles. As I said before, fibrous materials seemed to work the best in terms of filtering out particles to reach the lowest turbidity.
-coffee filters, cotton, charcoal, coffee filters, sheer fabric, sponge: 56 NTU
- coffee filters, new cotton, charcoal, coffee filters, sheer fabric, sponge: 100 NTU
- coffee filter, cotton, beauty sponges, coffee filters, sheer fabric, sponge: 46 NTU
As we revised we noticed that the water that ran through the charcoal had a yellow tint and decided to replace the charcoal with a different material. When we added the large sponge to our design we had a great reduction in turbidity so we added beauty sponges which have smaller pores to filter smaller particles. As I said before, fibrous materials seemed to work the best in terms of filtering out particles to reach the lowest turbidity.
Communicate Processes and Results
Our result on the day of the presentation was 46.8 NTU. We had actually got it to 41.6 NTU the day before.
Conclusion and Reflection
This project required us to create a water filter using household items to reduce the turbidity. The main reason for doing this project was to refresh our knowledge of the components of the design process. We began by brainstorming and researching the best ways to lower turbidity. We then began to create prototypes and designs combining the different materials we thought would work best. Different combinations allowed us to refine our design to get the lowest turbidity while working within the design constraints. Although we were not able to reach the desired 5 NTU, we were able to get our turbidity to as low as 46.8 on the day of the presentation. I learned that figuring out what works requires a lot of trial and error. If I were to do this project again I would possibly invest in some better materials to work with. Our group worked very well together and bounced ideas off each other often as to what the best solution would be. I felt that if we had more time and more materials we would have been able to come up with much better solutions. This is something I would suggest is changed for next year, as well as banning pre-made charcoal filters from being used. Overall, I do feel that this project was a success because it was a pretty fun, hands on experience that reminded me of the aspects of the design process and what engineering class is about.