Date of Award

2021

Degree Type

Capstone Project

Abstract

Team 25 was tasked with finding a solution to Evoqua Water Technologies problem: develop a method of cleaning the ex tubes inside of the Defender FP-Series filtration unit. In order to accomplish this, the team thoroughly researched the design problem to better understand what was being asked. Evoqua had the team visit one of their facilities to inspect the Defender FP and ask questions. Independently, each member performed a patent search as well as a literature search to expand knowledge on the topic. From this point, 90 unique concept designs were generated by the team, 30 from each member. A Quality Function Deployment analysis following the conceptual design was performed to analyze concepts. Additional feedback from the sponsors aided with the preliminary design of the top concept to be modeled, drawn, and prototyped.

The selected method of cleaning was chosen be the implementation of vertical spray tubes. These tubes would replace some of the 366 ex tubes inside the filter without hindering the performance. Ideally the tubes would be machined, however team 25 3D printed the vertical tubes used for testing because of lack of time and budget. With the carry out of the small scale test, the spray tubes proved successful and adequately cleaned the flex tubes in the small scale model. Design specifications were set and met throughout the course of the year to ensure the concept fulfilled the required parameters specific to this problem definition.

This design utilizes the implementation of a cleaning device inside of the filter housing without interfering with the filters ability. Minimizing costs and proving efficiency of this design, play an integral part of the designs success. The Defender FP is Evoqua's smaller scale Regenerative Media Filter, making it more affordable for consumers yet offering many benefits in the long term. It was of the teams interest to produce a method of cleaning that is inexpensive yet effective and the team believes this task was accomplished. Team 25 was happy with the work conducted on the small scale model and vertical tube over the course of both semesters and is excited to leave this work done to Evoqua for them to decide how to continue this project on their time.

Comments

Team Name: Team 25, Clean Freaks

Sponsor: Evoqua Water Technologies

Document Reference: MCE-402-025-2021

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