Modeling Flow Rate to Estimate Hydraulic Conductivity in a Parabolic Ceramic Water Filter

by Ileana Wald

Submitted : Spring 2012

In this project we model volumetric flow rate through a ceramic water filter (CWF) to determine how quickly it can process water while still improving its quality. The volumetric flow rate is dependent upon the pore size of the filter, the amount of surface area, and the height of water in the filter (hydraulic head). We derive differential equations governing this flow from the principle of conservation of mass and Darcy’s Law, and find the flow rate with respect to time. We then use methods of calculus to find optimal specifications of the filter. The focus of this problem is on CWF's with parabolic shape. This work is related to the research conducted in Dr. James R. Mihelcic’s lab (USF Civil and Environmental Engineering Lab).

[ Back ]