OVERVIEW

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Due to runoff from a nearby powerplant, in a team of five, we researched the filter fiber properties necessary to remove radioactive contaminants from wastewater seeping into an adjacent town. After conducting material analysis, evaluating mechanical properties and eco audits, we pitched our final design recommendations.

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Main Objectives

1. RELIABLE - durable filter fiber to ensure low maintenance
2. SUSTAINABLE - environmental friendly design using renewable energy
3. COST-EFFICIENT - low production cost with minimal parts

Design Constraints

• OUT-IN filter system must be used provided contaminants size on the microscale (Fig 1.)
• Filter fiber must not yield under a given load and threshold stiffness provided its dimensions
• Must be highly resistant to salt water and radioactive acids
• Time constraint (Jan 10-Feb 15)

Keeping in mind the objectives and constraints, we designed a Wastewater Purification System in two phases:

1. Material Selection 🎯
2. Conceptual Analysis 🔬

Figure 1. OUT-IN filter system with cylindrical filter fibers

SKILL APPLIED!

Soft Skills

✅ Leadership

✅ Time Management

✅ Critical Thinking

✅ Adaptability

✅ Creativity

Technical Skills

✅ ANSYS Granta EduPack

✅ Life Cycle Analysis & Eco Audits

✅ MPI & Porosity Calculation

✅ Project Management

✅ Writing

Figure 2: Single filter fiber with pores to filter radioactive waste

1. MATERIAL SELECTION 🎯

My team generated material performance Index (MPI) charts based on the MPI’s I calculated given our objectives and constraints (Fig 3.)

My Top 5 Materials (Fig 4.)

1. Porcelain
2. Silicon Carbide
3. Polypropylene (PP)
4. Polyvinylchloride (tpPVC)
5. Polycarbonate (PC)

Figure 4. My top 5 materials using production energy MPI, with limits on acid and water durability (excellent)

Eliminating Unreliable Materials

PORCELAIN: Highly brittle ceramic with low fracture toughness and tensile strength

POLYVINYLCHLORIDE: Most frequently ranked lowest on team members MPI charts

Figure 3: MPI’s I calculated based teams objectives and constraints

Final Decision

As a team we assessed our top 3 materials in a decision matrix using engineering sources including datasheets, academic articles, and materials databases

Outcome

Silicon Carbide is the best choice due to its superior chemical resistance, durability, and low maintenance, despite being less accessible than alternatives like PP.

What I Learned

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I realized the importance of conducting multi-step analysis using different engineering techniques to arrive upon an informed solution

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2. CONCEPTUAL ANALYSIS 🔬

• AS A TEAM
• PERSONAL CONTRIBUTIONS