Phase 1 of my project involves optimizing flow parameters of a bench scale solar membrane distillation system. I have acquired over 60 hours of run time on the system averaging 6 hours per day. I have put in overtime on this project to gain as much data as possible in this short period.
It turns out the bench-scale system may not truly be Solar Membrane distillation system due to the use of a peristaltic pump which pushes water through the feed in an ebb-and-flow pattern, rather than the desired, continuous flow. This means that additional pressure is applied to the membrane when the feed flow is increased.
Since the project has reached an impasse, I have utilized the resources of the Li Lab to further characterize the industrial waste water that we are purifying. Using these instruments, imaged below, I have now added Total Organic Carbon analysis and ultraviolet absorbance, in addition to conductivity and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), to describe the water that we feed into our desalination system. Adding these chemical parameters can help describe the purified waters and provide insight on the removal of Organic Carbon.
I am enjoying the pressure.
