Aqua TechBed Turnover Monitor

Preliminary Design Review

Experimentation with Filter ModelSuccesses Failures Corkscrew

It took ~5-8 minutes for the device to do a ¼ turn

Auger - Plastic It took ~7-9 minutes for the

device to do a ¼ turn PVC

It took ~5 minutes for the device to travel 3 inches

Auger - Metal Paddlewheel Spiral staircase

Lessons LearnedThe device must be light weight (<3 lbs).The device must be small in length (<12 in).If rotational, it must be about the vertical

axis.The device cannot contain any moving parts

that are not designed to be impervious to sand penetration.

Specifications*These specs are for the prototype that is to be built by Aqua Tech. This prototype is designed for the acrylic model provided by Blue Water Technologies.

General Requirements Specific Requirements Acceptable PerformancePhysical Properties of Prototype

Small Fits in a quadrant h=1-6", Dia ≤ 6 inches

Weight of device Can be mounted on top rails or central airlift ≤ 10 lbs

Does not interfere Avoids effects from wash box and air lift 12"-24" below the surface of the sand slurry

Doesn't effect sand bed turnover Does not change rate of sand movement

Different devices do not read different rates (keep all variables constant except the size/shape of the monitoring device. Use PVC with marks as a control)

Doesn't contaminate the clean water No oil/grease, metal No visible leaches to filter water

Powered by common power source Prototype device can be run off of common power source Powered by wall outlet, battery, or computer

Life and Replacement of Prototype

Easily maintained & replaced No permanent installation Can be replaced without replacing filter

Durable

waterproofcan be submerged into water/sand slurryDoes not corrode or become abraised form the sand

Made from a material that does not absorb water, after testing no marks or abrasions deeper than 1/8"

Manufacturing/Creating Prototype

Low cost Material/Part cost, assembly cost, travel <$3000

Output/Results of Prototype

Measures the sand movement Rate in in/min Measure range capability: 0"-3" per minute

Electronic data output Data output to PC Rate displays on a computer

Consistent results Must display dependable and consistent results 95% Consistent (within accuracy)

Accurate Results Must display results that are correct ± 5 % error

Easy to acquire Results Must be able to read from a remote location Access reading on display at desired location

Alerts /AlarmShould have alert system (sound, flashing light)so as to notify if something is wrong

Alarm that alerts the proper person within 5 seconds of dropping below critical rate

Morphological Chart

Design Shape Options

CorkscrewAdvantages:

Light weightInexpensiveManufacturing

consistencyMounting optionsPromising results

AugerAdvantages:

Light weightMounting optionsInexpensive

Disadvantages:Manufacturing

shape inconsistent

Linear Motion “Realer Upper”Advantages:

AccuracyDisadvantages:

CostWeightAdditional powerSand can get in

motorComplex design

Mounting Options

CasterUsed with rotational

deviceBuilt in potentiometerAdvantages:

Mounted on top support rails

Easy to replaceDisadvantage:

Does not provide side to side stability

Double Bearing Design2 sealed bearings

mounted to the central airlift

Advantages:More stability from

side motionAllows for free

rotationDisadvantages:

Difficult replacement

Linear Motion MountingMotor is mounted on

the top rail(s)Advantages:

Easy to replaceDisadvantages:

May interfere with cover on filter

Would need to place 4 devices on top rails (weight concern)

Data Acquisition (DAQ) Ideas

TransducerPotentiometerDigital Optical

EncoderLinear Position

Sensor

PLC/MicrocontrollerAdvantages:

PriceSize

Disadvantages:Harder to

troubleshootSoftware

DAQ CubeAdvantages:

Easy to troubleshootModerate price

rangeSize

Disadvantages:Additional software

Digital Optical EncoderAdvantages:

User FriendlyModerate costSoftware Included

SoftwareSoftware Options

MatlabLabviewEncoder SoftwareMicrocontroller

Software

Integrated Solution

Costs

Breakdown Categories

Cost

Shop $600

Mechanical Devices $800

Electronics $1000

Travel/Poster $600

Total $3000

Questions?