Week Nine

Prototype Construction

This week, the group finished construction of the rainwater flush diverter prototype and conducted some testing of the efficiency of the first-flush and of the water stopper mechanism. This mechanism (consisting of a buoyant ball tied to a string) works to prevent the contamination by forming a water-tight seal between the drum and the diverted water. Without this component, convective currents could bring dirt up from the drum and contaminate the cleaner water.

Turbidity Testing

The effectiveness of first-flush theory was tested by measuring the turbidity of a small piece of contaminated metal with a volume of water proportional to the full volume of the drum.
The group collected data on various photographic elements of the samples (Aperture, ISO, Shutter Speed) that can be related to the amount of light reflected by the water (Lumens).

The test conditions for the turbidity test.

Decrease in contaminants at different stages of first-flush

The group only conducted one test, due to the existence of dirt and rust on the metal which was washed away after the first-flush.  A second test is planned pending the acquisition of a second piece of metal.

Goals for Next Week

• Update the CAD design to accommodate the changes in the constructed prototype
• These changes include the ball/string stopper mechanism and the rubber tubing.
• Create how-to document based on CAD diagram
• Update final report and complete presentation

Final Presentation (Tentative)

Monday, June 4th, 2016
4:00 PM